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Description
The Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge spans about 18,000 acres, encompassing freshwater and brackish marshes, swamps, and forested wetlands. Lake Road is a relatively short out and back starting in mixed pine and hardwood and traversing through coastal marsh to Lake Pontchartrain. The birding actually starts at Lucille Drive in mixed pine and hardwood forest. There is an additional trail at the end of Lucille Drive that provides opporunities for Red-cockaded Woodpecker year round as well as spring and fall migrants.
After that the trail is a gravel road to the Lake Pontchartrain bounded by coastal marsh. All Southeastern U.S. herons and egrets, Osprey, Clapper Rail, Mottled Duck and Laughing Gull are year round. Bald Eagles are likely except in mid-summer. Fall is better for warblers including Common Yellowthroat and Yellow Warbler (Northern).
Summer brings Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Least Bittern, Great Crested Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow and Bronzed Cowbird. Winter adds shorebirds, American White Pelican and Least Bittern.
Details
Access
Big Branch Marsh NWR - Lake Road is in Lacombe with a clearly marked turn South from U.S. Highway 190. There is no public transportation. Parking is commonly on the side of the road although there a small spots at the beginning and end of the road. There is parking by the boat launch as well. Ptress a P on the map for directions. Lucille and Mildred Drives are at the beginning in a small residential area. Do not park in front of the houses.
Birding is best done by car with frequent stops to observe. Visits usually take from 45 minute to and hour and a half. It is an out and back route. Note that the road is low and high water can render it impassable at times.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , River , Lake , Mud flats , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Flat , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring , AutumnRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Car , BoatBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Lake road is popular with fishermen and crabbers, particularly on weekends, impacting parking and observations in some parts of the road. After storms the road can deteriorate. Drive slowly and respect other users.
Stop often and scan the marsh slowly.