Grand Ecore Visitor Center - Cane River National Heritage Area

The Grand Ecore Visitor Center is the center of birding action for the Cane River National Heritage Area. It’s on a bluff overlooking the Red River and surrounded by mixed pine-hardwood forest. Typically expected bird species include Red-bellied Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, and Pine Warbler. 

Behind the center is a walkway and deck offering views of the river. It’s the place to look for Wood Duck, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant, Great Blue and Little Blue Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, Osprey, and Belted Kingfisher. 

To the right of the center is a short primitive nature trail that leads into the adjacent woods. The trail continues for approximately 100 yards to a bench with a view of the river. Summer songbirds using this woodland include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Baltimore Oriole, and Indigo Bunting. In winter, expect additions such as Blue-headed Vireo, White-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, as well as White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows. 

The Grand Ecore Visitor Center exhibits educate the public about the river and the US Army Corps of Engineers’ role in developing, preserving, and enhancing waterway resources. There’s also information about the Native American culture of the region and profiles of bird species recorded at the site.