This section mainly deals with areas to the north of Lake Pontchartrain. There are quite a few parks and wildlife areas to stop at. Also check out the New Orleans Audubon page and definitely check out American's Wetland Foundation pages. I have found their guides invaluable for Southern Louisiana.

Northlake Nature Center

Even though it is located off of a busy 190, once you get inside, it is very quiet. The swamp area is gorgeous. Most of the birds I saw were Yellow-rumped warblers, but I also saw some herons, and egrets. During spring migration is reported to be a hot spot for birds.

Fontainebleau State Park

Located near the Northlake Nature Center, I really liked this park. I didn't find the Pileated Woodpecker I was looking for (others did), but I did see Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, Great Horned Owl, Pied-billed Grebe, various egrets, and Red-headed Woodpeckers. The people at the visitor center were very helpful and they had a nice gift shop.

Big Branch Marsh NWR

The only place I have birded their is off of Boy Scout Road. Not sure my marker is correctly placed, but it was labeled.

Jean Lafitte Nature Study Park

The one entrance I know about, is right next to the elementary school. There must be other ways in, but this is what we found. The walkways are raised and you walk through some beautiful trees. Late January was probably not the best time for birds, but I did see a few and enjoyed the area.

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