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Description
Fontainebleau State Park is located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and spans about 2,800 acres of diverse ecosystems, including mature pine forests, cypress swamps, and wetlands. The area best for birding includes a large open area with mature live oaks, beach front on Lake Pontchartrain, mixed pine/hardwood forest and coastal marsh. There is a nature trail that runs from the lake to an adjacent bayou. The section closest to the lake is excellent for smaller bird species especially in migration.
Although there is good birding year round, it is best in spring and fall migration with increased numbers of sparrows and warblers species possible. There have been regular but infrequent sightings of Swallow-tailed Kite in the spring. Notably Wilson's Snipe (winter) and Common Yellowthroat (year round) can be seen next to the restroom and picnic pavilions by the beach. There is an elevated observation pier at the beach that is good in winter for observing the lake for gulls, grebes and terns.
Fontainebleu is a very pretty and easily accessible state park with camping and day-use facilities.
Details
Access
Fontainebleau State Park is located west of Mandeville, Louisiana on U.S. Highway 190. Turn south at the well-marked entrance to the park. After the passing the entrance office continue to the parking lot by the lake. Press P on the map for directions. There is no public transport and there is an entrance fee.
The best birding sections are only accessible by foot on a combination of beach, paved surfaces and wide paths. Paths can be wet and have large puddles after rains. Allow 45 minutes for a brief look in the immediate beach area or up to three hours for a more thorough look. The circular walking route shown on the map is about 2.5 miles.
Terrain and Habitat
Forest , Wetland , Sea , Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , Beach , ParkConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
FootBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Fontainebleu is an extremely popular park so parts of it can be busy enough to impact birding. Weekends are best birded early since the better birding areas are also preferred picnic spots. Beware of bicycles on roads and trails.
The visitor center parking area is seldom birded but can produce good sightings ranging from small forest passerines to, rarely, Swallow-tailed Kite.