The Binocular Site
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, Louisiana
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge was established in southwest Louisiana in 1937. It is one of the most popular attractions on the Gulf Coast, and is also a top birding spot, recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society.
The largest marsh refuge on the Gulf of Mexico, Sabine is comprised of nearly 125,000 acres of protected marshland, along with 61 miles of levees and a network of canals. Most of the refuge is only accessible by boat, but hikers can take advantage of the Marsh Trail, located about four miles south of the refuge. Take care, though. It's estimated that more than 9,000 American alligators live in the refuge, and they're most often seen along the trail.
Waterfowl species are abundant in the Sabine Refuge. Large flocks of geese and ducks spend their winters in the refuge, including blue geese, snow geese, mallards, gadwalls, and green-winged teals.
Sabine receives more than 280,000 visitors every year. The visitor center's exhibits and the Wetland Walkway are two of the most popular tourist attractions in southwest Louisiana. The refuge is also part of the Creole Nature Trail All American Road.
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is currently closed due to damage from Hurricane Rita. See the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.
The state bird of Louisiana is the Brown Pelican and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Louisiana here.
Photo credit to biotour13, used with permission under the creative commons license.
If you've visited Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Louisiana birding location below.
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