The United States built Fort Jesup in 1822 after the territorial boundary between the U.S. and Mexico was fixed at the Sabine River. Today, the 22-acre site features a mature mixed pine-hardwood forest, making it a nice "leg-stretcher" for birders. A paved drive runs throughout the park, though birding can be done by walking anywhere on the grounds. Check around the ponds and slough, as birds are always attracted to these areas.
Winter songbirds include Eastern Phoebe, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, White-throated Sparrow, and Orange-crowned and Yellow-rumped Warblers. Year-round residents include Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Pine Warbler, and Northern Cardinal. The site also contains open fields studded with many species of trees, including various oaks, eastern red cedar, pines, Southern magnolia, pecan, and bald cypress.
While visiting, check out the Fort Jesup State Historic Site museum. That’s where you’ll find parking, restrooms, and water fountains. The site is open Wednesday-Sunday and is partially handicapped-accessible.
