Birds in Louisiana

Grand Isle

My dad and I drove 2 hours to Grand Isle for the bird festival.

Before we get to the birds, I want to share pictures of the drive. Weirdly enough, I felt rooted driving through a part of Louisiana that can be (atleast by me) overlooked. At times, the drive felt post-apocalyptic. Being able to re-connect

I would love to one day- with my non-existent journalism degree-document the nature and

So the birds! I did a shore birding tour, which are not my favorite type of birds. There is less variety and they almost seem too easy to spot. Nonetheless, it was great to learn about the re-building of Grand Isle after Hurricane Ida.

Cheers for my dad who endured a full day of birding with no complaints. He would find himself a seat and drift off into his own land. His main words were “I didn’t know there were so many people interested in birds.” Very loving of him to endure this.

Here are some shore birds. I do not remember their names, besides the brown pelican at the bottom. More about restoration of the coast of Grand Isle: https://ap26.coastal.la.gov/projects/grand-isle-dune-beach-restoration-efforts

Now, to the beautiful land birds.

Just a few weeks ago, I spent time looking for this bird in Georgia and started screaming when I was able to see it in Grand Isle. (I am still learning how to manually focus my camera).

The Summer Tanager. Found along the south and east coast in breeding season. IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL.

Next, we have the red-eyed Vireo. Another bird that had me stumped for the past month in Georgia, because it loves to stay in the canopy of 50+ feet trees.

red eye

Yellow Warbler. There are many different types of warblers. Just in Georgia, I have seen about six but this one was the most stunning.

A Rose-breasted Grosbeak

New Orleans

I decided to also visit Audubon Park to see more birds later in the weekend. This was my first time going there and I was shocked by the beauty of it. THE OAK TREES. No birds.

(The man himself…John James Audubon is not a stellar human)

Nature feels like home and a beautiful way for my soul to flourish. I am able to breathe and just be, without a concern of my actions and existence being purposeful. It is one of the greatest guides of being self-accepting….of living without the want to prove who I am.