An extensive lock-and-dam system along the Red River keeps the waterway’s level safe for commercial navigation. Naturalists and birders can take advantage of the five sets of locks and dams, each including an amenity-rich recreation area. Bishop Point is the recreation area associated with Lock and Dam #5, 12 miles south of Shreveport.
Bird diversity here is very high, especially in the winter months. Winter waterbirds abound. Eighteen species of ducks and geese have been recorded here, and other interesting species include Sora and Virginia Rails, Common Gallinule, American Coot, Anhinga, Belted Kingfisher, and Osprey. Twenty species of plovers and sandpipers have been recorded here, along with numerous species of gulls, terns, and other seabirds of interest – pretty spectacular for a site located so far away from the coast.
Though waterbirds are the main attraction here, the bottomland hardwoods, scrubby thickets, and grassy fields along the access road and adjacent to the site are worth checking out. Woodland bird species recorded here include Mississippi Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, several woodpecker species, White-eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Lark Sparrow, and Eastern Meadowlark.
Along the woodland edges and grassy fields, look for Red-tailed Hawk, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Loggerhead Shrike, Eastern Bluebird, Marsh and Sedge Wrens, Indigo and Painted Buntings, and Dickcissel. In all, nearly 185 bird species have been recorded here.
Amenities at this site include directional/identification signage, paved parking, picnic tables and a pavilion, a boat launch, and restrooms. Typical recreational activities include birding, biking, paddling, and fishing. Not handicapped-accessible.
