Visiting S Louisiana the end of March

[Diane Miller]

We're planning a trip thru S. Louisiana in late March-early April. Schedule is flexible. I'd love to find some good bird-shooting areas and cypress swamps. I have the full-frame Canon 5D Mk II and the 300mm f/2.8 which is very good with a 2x, so I'm limited to 600mm full-frame and I'd need to be fairly close to the birds. Habitat and flight photography are both desirable.

We've been through the general area before but we're not very familiar with it. I have some general info that Gueydan, W of Abbeville, might be good. Any recommendations on specific locations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Dave Hassell]

Lake Martin, near Lafayette, has a large rookery of wading birds.

I went there a few years ago and it was brilliant and since then it has been improved.

See http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/louisiana/preserves/art6856.html (http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/louisiana/preserves/art6856.html)

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/columns/favorite-places/lake-martin-rookery-louisiana.html

Dave.

[Diane Miller]

Someone told me the birds left suddenly several years ago and are just starting to return, and are now in an inaccessible area. But it is supposed to be a beautiful place -- I'll check it out, for sure. Thanks!