Waterfowl are an important part of Sportsman’s Paradise and many utilize the flooded rice fields that provide wintering habitat. Louisiana includes the terminus for two major flyways (Mississippi and Central). A lot of these areas are leased for waterfowl hunting so caution should be undertaken to not disturb any hunters in the area. **Best to avoid early morning hours during hunting season.
Species likely to be seen during winter include Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Gadwall (Anas strepera), American Widgeon (Anas americana), Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors), American Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula), Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) and Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis). Also likely to see Snow Goose (Chen caerulescens) and Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons). Other avian species such as egrets, herons and ibis are also likely to be observed. Occasionally a Bald Eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus) or Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) could also be seen. Rails, both King and Sora, are also in area but typically heard rather than seen.