The Binocular Site
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is located in the southeastern part of Louisiana, covering portions of Pointe Coupee, St. Martin, and Iberville Parishes. It is adjacent to the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, and land owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), all of which combine to comprise approximately 44,000 acres. The entire area is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).
Many activities are availble in the Sherburne WMA, including camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. Before visitors may hunt or fish, they must obtain self-clearing permits from the kiosks located on the WMA's entrance roads. These permits are free. In addition, hunting and fishing licenses are required, and must be purchased from the LDWF. Visitors may enjoy hiking on Sherburne WMA's two nature trails, each approximately half a mile long. Two camping areas are available, and canoeing is also permitted.
Birdwatching events take place on the Sherburne WMA every year, and are hosted by Louisiana birding organizations as well as the LDWF and the USACE. One event takes place on a portion of the WMA called South Farm, which is an important area for wading birds and storks. During the event, rangers explain how South Farm is managed for multiple uses, including controlling water levels in order to attract waders, which also benefits other animals.
Some of the birds which can be observed in the Sherburne WMA are neotropical songbirds such as Swainson's warblers, flycatchers, vireos, cuckoos, and thrushes. In addition, Mississippi and swallow-tailed kites may be seen, as well as the painted bunting, green heron, white ibis, American wigeon, and the osprey.
The state bird of Louisiana is the Brown Pelican and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Louisiana here.
Photo credit to Deepwater Horizon Response, used with permission under the creative commons license. For more information on Sherburne Wildlife Management Area check here.
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