LAKE CHARLES, La. – The Lake Charles area of Louisiana, some 200 miles west of New Orleans, was unaffected by Hurricane Katrina and local tourism officials are hoping that travelers – especially those interested in birdwatching – will consider visiting this fall.
“Our area attractions, casinos, restaurants and hotels are all open for business,” said Megan Monsour of the Southwest Louisiana Convention &Visitors Bureau. She said although thousands of people displaced by the storm are temporarily relocating in the area, accommodations remain widely available for tourists. Call the visitors bureau at 800-456-7952 for help in finding a room.
The area is located along a major migration route for North American land birds heading south to warmer climes. Among the 170 species observed in the area during migration months are commonly recognized pelicans, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, hawks, gulls, hummingbirds, cardinals and sparrows, along with lesser-known (but colorfully named) birds including the solitary sandpiper, greater shearwater, vermilion flycatcher, Nashville warbler, tropical parula and flamingo-like roseate spoonbill.
The region’s flat ground and open water make it easy to spot and photograph the birds. Good birdwatching destinations include the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, the Peveto Woods Bird and Butterfly Sanctuaries on an island in Cameron Parish and the Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge.
Another top birding route is the Creole Nature Trail, also known as the Louisiana Outback. The 180-mile-long road is one of just 21 roads nationwide to receive the “All-American” designation from the U.S. Federal Highway Administration for scenic, historic or cultural interest. The road runs from Sulphur to Lake Charles, and was also untouched by the storm.
The fall migration begins in October. The visitors bureau can also help you plan your itinerary or connect you to a birdwatching tour or guide.
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