New Iberia’s city park is located on the banks of Bayou Teche. This historic waterway was once a key part of trade and business when the city emerged in the late 18th century. For birders, New Iberia City Park represents a perfect quick getaway while visiting the area with its many tourist attractions.
This park is heavily populated by mature live and water oaks along with southern magnolia and bald cypress along the bayou. These provide excellent habitats for spring and fall migratory songbirds, as well as year-round and overwintering species such as Red-headed, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, White-eyed Vireo, and Carolina Chickadee. Seven warbler species, including Nashville, have been recorded here.
A cypress-lined pond and Bayou Teche form the western border of the park. Buttonbush thickets line the bank of the bayou. Common waterbirds include Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, numerous egrets and herons, and Belted Kingfisher, along with Purple Martin and Barn Swallow in summer and Tree Swallow in winter. Commonly encountered raptors include Mississippi Kite, Broad-winged and Red-tailed Hawks.
There are paved and primitive walking and biking trails with directional signage. Other amenities include restrooms/drinking fountains, playgrounds, a fishing pond, a swimming pool, picnic areas, a boat ramp/dock, a dog park, tennis courts, and a recreation center. Typical outdoor recreational activities include biking/hiking/birding, paddling, picnicking, and swimming.
