St. Bernard State Park is set in bottomland hardwoods adjacent to the Mississippi River, which acts as a super-highway during bird migration periods. A nature trail interlaces the forest with a series of artificial lagoons, a brushy canal, and open-canopied park-like habitats.
During spring and fall, look for migrant waterbirds such as ducks, gallinules, coots, seabirds, and neotropical songbirds. A substantial number of year-round residents use the forest’s oaks, elms, mulberries, hackberries, and maples as a year-round home, including Red-shouldered Hawk, Barred Owl, White-eyed Vireo, Carolina Chickadee, Common Yellowthroat, and Northern Cardinal.
Other common waterbird sightings from the lagoons, canal, and nearby river include Least Tern, Anhinga, Green Heron, Yellow-crowned Night-Heron, White Ibis, Osprey, and Bald Eagle.
Thus far, seven species of finches and sparrows and at least 19 warbler species have been recorded here. The eBird checklist for St. Bernard State Park stands at 140 species.
Other amenities include a water playground, barbecue grills, restrooms, a campground, and a pavilion. The park is used for recreational activities that include birding, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, and fishing.
