Atchafalaya Refugespring migration
Visit in April or May for the best birding, as spring brings neotropical migrants to the forests and wetlands, per the Fish and Wildlife Service. Its usual window for this year has passed.
Your guide to the area
Where to watch
- Old Big Alabama Bridge viewing areaThe old bridge is now a viewing area for birders, with interpretive panels, parking, benches and a kiosk near the edge of the bayou
- Section 120 nature trailA 0.46-mile walking trail at the end of Section 120 Road; hiking is also possible along the levees and ATV trails
Nearby
- Trinity River Refuge184 miduring the spring (March to May)
- Dahomey Refuge225 miMarch – June
- San Bernard Refuge257 milate March – early May for spring
- Hagerman Refuge369 miIn MarchSatChance Rain Showers
- Wheeler Refuge393 miApril: Teal migration is at its peak.SatShowers And Thunderstorms
- St. Marks Refuge452 miearly in the month (April)SatChance Showers And Thunderstorms
The year at Atchafalaya Refuge
- ATV trails in the Sherburne Unit closed to ATVs, March 1 to August 31Mar–Aug
- Swallow-tailed kites, which nest on the refuge, listed as abundant in spring (2013 bird list)Mar–May
- Best birding: spring migrants in April and MayApr–May
- Wood storks listed as abundant in summer, June and July (2013 bird list)Jun–Jul
Atchafalaya Refuge in pictures
Questions people ask
When is the best time to see spring migration at Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge?
Visit in April or May for the best birding, as spring brings neotropical migrants to the forests and wetlands, per the Fish and Wildlife Service: Visit in April or May for the best birding.. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is spring migration under way at Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge right now?
Not now: its usual spring migration window for this year has passed. Next time: Visit in April or May for the best birding., local timing.
Do I need a permit or stamp to visit?
Yes, if you are older than 16 and younger than 60: the refuge is part of a state wildlife management area (the Sherburne Unit), which needs a Wild Louisiana Stamp or a Louisiana hunting or fishing license. The stamp is $3 a day or $9.50 a year.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Hunting ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Camping ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there hunting?
Yes: the refuge is part of the popular Sherburne Complex public hunting area. In hunting season, blaze orange or pink is highly recommended for everyone.Sources: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Hunting ↗ (opens in a new tab), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When are the trails easiest to walk?
In winter after hunting season, when the lush vegetation dies back. ATV trails in the Sherburne Unit are closed to ATVs from March 1 to August 31.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Hiking ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I camp?
Yes, free with a valid Louisiana hunting or fishing license or a Wild Louisiana Stamp, at primitive campgrounds at the Sherburne Headquarters (about 8 miles south of Hwy 190) and on Hwy 975.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Camping ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I eat fish from Big Alabama Bayou?
Take care: there is a fish consumption advisory there because of high mercury levels, and pregnant women and children are cautioned against eating fish caught in that area.Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Fishing ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge?
Old Big Alabama Bridge viewing area: the old bridge is now a viewing area for birders, with interpretive panels, parking, benches and a kiosk near the edge of the bayou; Section 120 nature trail: a 0.46-mile walking trail at the end of Section 120 Road; hiking is also possible along the levees and ATV trails.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge?
ATV trails in the Sherburne Unit closed to ATVs, March 1 to August 31 (Mar–Aug).
What is Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge like through the year?
Best birding: spring migrants in April and May (Apr–May), Swallow-tailed kites, which nest on the refuge, listed as abundant in spring (2013 bird list) (Mar–May), Wood storks listed as abundant in summer, June and July (2013 bird list) (Jun–Jul) and ATV trails in the Sherburne Unit closed to ATVs, March 1 to August 31 (Mar–Aug).
How we know · Sources (8)
How we know
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Species (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Birding (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Hunting (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Camping (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Hiking (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Fishing (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR: Trails (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30) · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atchafalaya NWR Bird List (January 2013) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 30)