Sherburne Wildlife Management Area

The crown jewel of south Louisiana’s Wildlife Management Areas, Sherburne WMA sits within the Atchafalaya Basin, a one-million-acre complex of cypress-tupelo swamp, bottomland hardwood forest, and a myriad of bayous, rivers, channels, and lakes. This massive and isolated site is incredibly birdy year round, with the species total standing at 247. Regulars include 21 waterfowl species, 29 shorebirds, seven gulls and terns, 16 wading birds (plus Anhinga and Wood Stork), 16 hawks, kites, and falcons, 12 flycatchers, 15 sparrows, and nearly 30 warblers -- truly outstanding numbers for any inland site in North America. The WMA also features a long list of uncommon birds.

Migratory birds use the Atchafalaya River and its associated riparian forest as a conduit –a super-highway of sorts–for annual north-south travels. But the hottest birding occurs during the breeding season in May and June.  A good plan is to access the site from the northern end and drive south, making stops every half-mile or so. Via vocalizations and glimpses, you will find the density of woodland songbirds nothing short of astonishing. There are large numbers of vireos, warblers and flycatchers, along with Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, and both Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kite.

The Sherburne complex offers hunting, shooting, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities.  There are nature trails, ATV trails, and a boat launch with access to Little Alabama and Big Alabama Bayous. Camping is permitted in two designated areas.

Amenities such as restrooms, a picnic area, a nature trail with labeled tree species, a  boat launch, and a fishing pier are located around the site’s headquarters on the northern end, near Krotz Springs. Handicap accessibility is very limited.