Blue Jay by Van Remsen

Central Region

Stretching from the Mississippi River in the east to the Texas border in the west, this area, filled with hills, bluffs and restored forest land, hosts some of the state’s most scenic vistas for birders. There are also several reservoirs, which are attractive safe havens for all types of waterbirds. Indeed, recorded sightings of Louisiana’s rarest loon and grebe have often come from these reservoirs.

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Visiting birders from the west should make an early stop at either North Toledo Bend State Park or South Toledo Bend State Park. Both are perched on the hilly shore of a massive reservoir. Both possess excellent nature trail systems and regional information.

For unadulterated scenic beauty, consider sampling Kisatchie National Forest's various units. The forest is massive, but the Wild Azalea National Recreational Trail and Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail are two of the most popular paths for birders. They are located near the middle of the Central region.

Printable Birds Checklist

Birders checking out the east side of the Central Region may want to stop by Catahoula National Wildlife Refuge. It is home to the 30,000-acre Catahoula Lake, which hosts tens of thousands of ducks, coots, grebes, loons each winter, and many other waterbirds year-round.

The far eastern end of the region dips into the Lower Mississippi River Valley, with its jungle-like expanses of bottomland hardwood forests. These sites are set aside for wildlife conservation–especially the Louisiana Black Bear habitat–and offer outstanding waterfowl and songbird habitats.