Greetings,
I'll be visiting New Orleans next
week on business. However, I'm flying in a day early in hopes of getting out in the bayou and seeing some of the local bird life next Tuesday.
My Fodor's guide lists a number of tour companies, but my fear is that I'll get on a boat filled with tourists and their children screaming for alligators! I have nothing against alligators, mind you, but I'm more interested in birds.
So.... something small, non-touristy, in a beautiful location would be great. Also, I'm not adverse to renting a canoe in a great location, and paddling my own sorry ass around, but a tour with a hip birding guide would be ideal. Any suggestions appreciated!

Have you thought about contacting the New Orleans chapter of the Audubon Society or other Louisiana birding groups? They can probably recommend some bird sanctuaries that are open to the public. They might even have info on any local bird counts going on in that area during the dates you will be there. It's worth a try!

www.audubon-la.org/ppdoas.htm

www.losbird.org/clubs.htm

http://dir.lycos.com/Recreation/Bird...USA/Louisiana/

www.crt.state.la.us/crt/tourism.htm

I did talk to a gentleman at the New Orleans Audobon Society, and tho he was able to recommend some locations near the city to walk for birding, he wasn't much help with the bird-oriented tours I'm interested.
But thanks for the other suggestions, I'll check 'em out! Anyone else?

Hi Dennis. I was given an article on New Orleans recently, and it mentioned Bayou Barn for canoe rides. The article said nothing of birds, but you may want to check out their Web site anyway: www.bayoubarn.com. Good luck.

On a clue from a poster above listing local bird clubs, I eventually talked to a woman who recommended Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Tours

http://www.honeyislandswamp.com/

I had a great time, saw LOTS of birds, and yes.... alligators. The bayou looked exactly like one would picture one SHOULD look like. I recommend this tour to all...

Dennis,

Glad to hear you had a good time!