What to See This Fall on the Creole Nature Trail

The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is home to over 400 bird species year-round. As the temperature dips in Southwest Louisiana get ready to experience exclusive sightings throughout the region not typically found in spring and summer months.

Fall migration begins as early as July and extends through early December. Southwest Louisiana’s prime location on the Mississippi flyway and our lush landscapes comprised of wetlands, forests, and Gulf coast beaches and marshes make it a vital stop for birds along their migration routes.

Pro Tip – Start your day early! Birds and mammals are most active at dawn.

What to See This Fall on the Creole Nature Trail

As you journey along the Creole Nature Trail during September, October, and November, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of fall migrants like the flycatcher species. In September you’ll find several of the species including the Alder and Great-crested Flycatcher who join those already frequenting patches of dogwood and prickly ash to feast on their fruit.

Sandpipers, American Pipits, and Allies frequent recently harvested fields along the trail for foraging along with the occasional Broad-winged Hawk and Peregrine Falcon sighting. Near the edges of our agricultural fields, you’ll find Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, and Painted Bunting.

Fair weather and high-pressure systems near the Gulf Coast make it a hotspot for Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, North America’s only breeding hummingbird and sleek Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks and other broad-winged hawks. The latter being daytime migrants can be seen gathering as a group or “kettling up” at night to a higher altitude for the next day’s migration.

Near our coastal marshes you’ll find Wilson’s Snipe feasting on insects and small crustaceans in the marshes during dawn and dusk. If you look closely at the nearby golden grasses, you’ll find flocks of Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets flicking about. You’ll also find sedge wrens in these wet fields while their fiercer relatives, the marsh wrens, are usually found among the cattails protecting their nests.

Songbird sightings may be challenging in the fall as many of them will be sporting their dull winter post-breeding plumages. Many warblers like the Chestnut-sided and Bay-breasted donned brightly colored coats in the spring, but have vastly different plumage in the fall. Despite their change in appearance they can still be found near fruit trees and shrubs like sassafras, black gum, and wild grapes through the end of October. Other songbirds like Lincoln’s Sparrows and Swamp Sparrows who like to remain hidden can sometimes be seen and heard in low brush areas.

November ushers in many geese, ducks, and blackbirds ready to spend the winter in Southwest Louisiana. Across our agricultural fields and marshes birders will find mallards, blue-winged teal, and redheads to name a few. Looking to explore the marshes with experienced guides? Book an eco-tour with Grosse Savanne Eco Tours where you’ll have unlimited access to private trails and secluded marshes.

Top Birdwatching Spots Along the Trail

In the fall the Creole Nature Trail is casted in a sepia toned hue. Picturesque sunrises and sunsets paint the sky while birds and critters scurry through the gently swaying golden grasses.  From migratory birds overhead to Creole Nature Trail native species frolicking about you’ll find several prime locations for bird watching and wildlife photography. Along the trail you’ll find three federal refuges, one state wildlife refuge, and a coastal bird sanctuary.

Peveto Woods Sanctuary

Peveto Woods Sanctuary, a potent section of coastal woodland hosts numerous bird species year-round. Its central location on the migratory flight path and pavilion make it a top location for birders hoping to spot Neotropical Flycatchers, warblers, and Grosbeaks as well as Hooded Orioles, Groove-billed Ani, and Lesser Nighthawks from the west coast and Mexico.

Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Created in 1988, the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge was the first to be established under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Its location at the cross-over of two major flyways makes it an important refuge for managing migratory birds like ducks, geese, and waterfowl.

Pintail Wildlife Drive

Located within the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, Pintail Wildlife Drive is a popular 3-mile driving loop through the marsh riddled with bird, wildflower, and alligator sighting opportunities.

Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

Wetland Walkway, a 1.5-mile accessible boardwalk looping into the marshes, is located within the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge. Songbirds inhabit the low shrubs and trees scattered throughout the walkway, while alligators and nutria can be found along the banks and in the water. Experience a panoramic view of the refuges expanse acreage from the two-story observation tower.

Also located within the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, the Blue Goose Trail features a mile-long paved trail through the marsh leading to the edge of Lake Calcasieu. Whether exploring on foot or from the observation platform you’ll find wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl and more. The minimal change in elevation make this a wonderful hiking experience for all ages and abilities.

Rutherford Beach

Rutherford Beach, a popular site along the Gulf coast, is a popular site for shorebirds and seabirds. During cooler months you’ll find rare seabirds like California Gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake as well several species of ducks. The small clumps of “salt-cedar” on the western end of the beach are frequent sites of Prairie Warbler and Western Kingbird.

Wildlife you Might Encounter Along the Trail

In addition to numerous birds, the Creole Nature Trail is also teeming with other marshland creatures. While birdwatching you may also encounter reptiles like the American Alligator, tanning on the banks of the Pintail Wildlife Drive or beneath the deck of Wetland Walkway.

During early morning birding treks you may spot a playful river otter feasting on fish, small reptiles, and crustaceans found along the trail. The occasional white-tailed deer may be spotted trekking through the marshes, but you’ll have a greater chance of seeing them in Sam Houston Jones State Park about 40 miles north of the Creole Nature Trail.

The nutria rat, a non-native rodent brought to Louisiana in the 1930’s can be found throughout the marshes feeding on wetland plants. Their excessive feeding pattern has been detrimental to Louisiana’s coastal wetlands which led to the development of the Coastwide Nutria Control Program. Established in 2002, the program aims to remove up to 400,000 nutria each season by placing a bounty of $6 per tail. From their tails and pelts to their meat, they’ve become a great source of income for hunters and trappers and a celebrated species at the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival.

Tips for Exploring in Cooler Weather

While temperatures in Southwest Louisiana are generally moderate we do experience cooler weather. If exploring the Creole Nature Trail in the fall and winter, be sure to wear protective footwear and dress in layers─ Louisiana days may start off chilly, but temperatures tend to rise quickly as the day progresses. Hats and ear covers can help during windy season.

Necessities like bug spray, snacks and water should be purchased before you hit the trail as restrooms and service stations are scarce. No matter when you explore the trail be sure to keep our marshes and wetlands clean. All food, tools, and trash should be properly stored in your vehicle or thrown away in receptacles. Remember if you pack it in to pack it out!