Ponchatoula Area Recreation District 1

Ponchatoula Area Recreation District #1 is a big sports complex with closely-mown ball fields and large open lawns. During winter and migration months, these fields may host pipits, shorebirds, and other field birds. 

Birders should drive to the back of the site and take the paved walkway that winds beside bamboo thickets, brushy drainage areas, and other birdy niches en route to a cypress pond with a covered fishing/viewing pier. Common waterfowl species include Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup. Wading birds are commonly observed year-round, including Great Blue, Little Blue, Tricolored, and Green Herons, Great and Snowy Egrets, and White Ibis. Additional waterbird species recorded here include Forster’s Tern, Double-crested Cormorant, Brown Pelican, and Belted Kingfisher. 

A brushy drainage area runs behind the pond through mixed pine-hardwoods. This is a great spot for shrub-scrub species such as White-eyed Vireo, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, House and Carolina Wrens, Gray Catbird, White-throated and Song Sparrows, and Common Yellowthroat. 

Be on the lookout for forest birds such as Mississippi Kite, Sharp-shinned, Cooper’s, and Red-shouldered Hawks, Acadian and Great-crested Flycatchers, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos, Swainson’s, Hermit, and Wood Thrushes, along with Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, and over 15 recorded species of warblers. 

The complex includes two playgrounds, two large pavilions, ball fields and a gymnasium with a concession area and conference room. Additional amenities include restrooms, parking, food, and staffed facility. Additional outdoor recreational activities include, biking, hiking, and fishing, and nature photography. A 1.4-mile paved walking/jogging trail encircles the fishing pond. Much of the site, including the walking path, is handicapped-accessible.