Winter birds create a top attraction for birdwatchers in Louisiana’s colder months, when migratory species settle into the region’s forests, parks, and waterways. A great place for spotting these seasonal visitors is along the forested canals of Joe Brown Park in eastern New Orleans, where early mornings are filled with bird sounds.
For some nature lovers, braving near-freezing temperatures is well worth the chance to see rare and colorful species. “Hearing the sounds is one of the most important things,” says Jerhemy Lonzo, a longtime birding enthusiast. Pointing to the treetops, he explains, “If you listen to the bird, you can pinpoint it and try to find out where it is, and when you see it, it’s like you hit the lottery.”
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Lonzo is part of a group of birders joining the Orleans Audubon Society for a guided walk in Joe Brown Park and the nearby Audubon Nature Center. Among them is Joelle Finley, vice president of the local Audubon Society, who quickly spots movement in the trees. “There are three goldfinch right there,” she exclaims, raising her binoculars to track them.
following the winter birds south
Many species, like the American goldfinch, only appear in Louisiana during the winter months, attracting birding enthusiasts from around the country. “In Chicago at this time of year, you get some waterfowl and some swans. But most of the things that are fun have come down here for the winter, so I followed them,” says Kris Hansen, a visitor from Chicago.
the challenge of birding
Spotting birds is no easy task. The trees may be filled with chirping sounds, but identifying and photographing the birds takes skill. “You have to kind of home in on where you’re hearing the bird,” explains Finley. “That gives you a key as to where the bird’s located.” But even when a bird is found, it often doesn’t stay put. Just about the time I spot a bird and get the camera pointed in the right direction, the bird flies away.
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Joe Brown Park, best known for its athletic fields and recreational facilities, also features a lagoon, wooded trails, and a perimeter lined with drainage canals—all of which attract a variety of birds. The park connects to the Audubon Nature Center, creating a wildlife-rich area in urban New Orleans.
a changing landscape for birds
“Joe Brown Park is probably one of the wilder spots in an urban environment,” says John Wise, a birder from nearby Metairie who has participated in seasonal bird counts for years. He has noticed a decline in the diversity of species but emphasizes that Louisiana remains, “one of the richest areas in the United States,” for birds.
Throughout the morning, the birdwatchers listen, scan the treetops, and record their sightings, adding to a growing list of species observed over several hours. Some snap photos through telephoto lenses, while others simply enjoy the crisp air and the sounds of nature.
getting there
Joe Brown Park is located at 5601 Read Blvd in New Orleans, a few blocks from Interstate Hwy 10 in eastern New Orleans. The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is located behind the park at 11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans.
11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
5601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
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