Perched on the western end of Lake Palourde in Morgan City, this heavily forested site is populated with bald cypress and live oak, all draped heavily in Spanish moss. A walking trail weaves in and out of forested areas before winding along the Lake Palourde shoreline.
This site hosts substantial numbers of birds, particularly during spring, fall, and winter. In winter, thousands of Double-crested and Neotropic Cormorants and American White Pelicans crowd the lake, hunting down schools of shad. Look also for the Southern Bald Eagle, a subspecies that nests in big numbers during the winter months in the swamps around Morgan City.
On a seasonal basis, there is no telling which birds might visit the lake. Fourteen species of waterfowl and 11 shorebirds, along with other specialties such as Brown Pelican, Anhinga, Common Loon, and Osprey, are regular visitors.
Of the wading birds, Great Blue Heron and Great Egret are the two most prominent species at the park. Look for them, as well as Snowy and Cattle Egrets, Little Blue and Tricolored Herons, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, and Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, all of which nest in nearby swamps.
Depending on the weather, numerous species of gulls and terns appear at the lake. Laughing Gull, along with Forster’s, Caspian, and Royal Terns, can be expected year-round. During migration and winter, Herring and Ring-billed Gulls, and Black, Sandwich and Least Terns are also potential visitors. During winter, take notice as Bonaparte’s Gull and Common Tern enter the mix.
Passerine bird activity is almost always high in the forested areas of the park. Expected spring/summer/fall species include Great-crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Carolina Wren, Red-winged Blackbird, Boat-tailed Grackle, along with Prothonotary, Northern Parula, and Yellow-throated Warblers.
Two boat launches are located on the site, both with accompanying spits upon which visitors can gain a beautiful view of Lake Palourde. Additional amenities here include ample parking, restrooms/water, picnic pavilions, campsites, equipment rentals, and swimming/beach.
Lake End Park is a popular site for biking, birding, paddling, camping, fishing, swimming, and nature photography. Not handicapped-accessible.
