Straddling Lake Pontchartrain to the east and the sprawling Maurepas Swamp to the west, Frenier Landing is an excellent spot for viewing waterbirds. Common winter waterfowl include the likes of Lesser Scaup, Red-breasted Merganser, and Bufflehead. Shorebirds such as Wilson's Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Willet, and Lesser Yellowlegs are usually in good supply. Eight species of gulls and terns are commonly observed here, along with a dozen species of herons, egrets, ibis, and Anhinga which commute daily between the lake and the swamp.
Other commonly observed waterbirds include Virginia Rail, Common Gallinule, Double-crested Cormorant, Common Loon, and American White and Brown Pelicans. Commonly observed raptors include Bald Eagle and Red-shouldered Hawk. Mississippi Kite nests in the vicinity throughout the summer months.
Swallows, including Northern Rough-winged, Purple Martin, Tree, Barn, and Cliff, cruise the surrounding waters at various times of the year. The songbird population is surprisingly robust around Frenier Landing, with Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, Prothonotary and Northern Parula Warblers all nesting in the immediate vicinity. During the winter months, these are joined by others such as House, Marsh, and Winter Wrens, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, as well as White-throated, Song, Savannah, and Swamp Sparrows. Frenier Landing is the site of a popular restaurant. Folks come to enjoy the food and stroll the Lake Pontchartrain shore, boat, fish, or watch birds.
