The Binocular Site
Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, Louisiana
As animal sanctuaries go, Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary is small at just 40 acres. But it's one of the most important wildlife areas in the country. Situated in the center of the transcontinental Gulf of Mexico migration path, it's a stopping point for millions of birds every spring and fall. It's also home to many others. The same is true of several species of butterflies that live in, and pass through the sanctuary every year.
Peveto Woods is maintained by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society. The sanctuary is a place to observe wildlife, and other activities are discouraged, particularly picnicking. Food and other refuse left behind can be damaging to the birds' habitat, and their feeding habits. Boat launches are usually open to the public, but because of the Gulf oil spill, check with the Audubon Society before you go.
Birdwatchers can see a variety of birds in Peveto Woods. Some of the most sought after are the rose-breasted grosbeak, Cape May warbler, cerulean warbler, and the scarlet tanager. Other species include the common loon, great blue heron, red-shouldered hawk, and ruby-throated hummingbird.
Those interested in butterflies will also be treated to several beautiful species such as the red admiral, spring azure, zebra longwing, queen, buckeye, pearl crescents, viceroy, and red spotted purple.
See the Baxter State Park website for more information.
The state bird of Louisiana is the Brown Pelican and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Louisiana here.
Photo credit to ilouque, used with permission under the creative commons license. You can find out more about Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary here.
If you've visited Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, please take the time to share your experience and any tips or insight you have about this Louisiana birding location below.
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Average User Rating
Peveto Woods is an amazing birding location if you go there on the right day. The location is the probably one of the best rarity spots in Louisiana and possibly the Gulf Coast. The birding can be hit or miss. Spring migration is most active around the middle two weeks in April and fall migration is more spread out. The diversity of birds during migration is hard, if not impossible, to beat. The reason I only give it four stars is because of the swarms of mosquitoes and deerflies during late spring, summer, and early fall. Also, the hit and miss and seasonal nature of the site also contributed to my rating. I highly recommend Peveto Woods to anyone looking for migrants, wintering birds, sea birds, marsh birds, beach birds, and raptors.
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