Creole Nature Trail
Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary, LA

Louisiana lies in the very center of the transcontinental Gulf of Mexico migration path. A greater number of migratory songbirds probably pass over the Cameron Parish coast than anywhere else. The Baton Rouge Audubon Society has preserved this unique habitat and established the first chenier sanctuary for migratory birds. The first Louisiana settlers called these coastal woods "cheniers" which means oak place. Cheniers are ancient beach ridges formed by wave action, offshore currents, and the influence of the Mississippi River.

This 41-acre island of chenier woodland is a favorite spot of birders, especially in the spring, because as many as two million birds utilize these sanctuaries each year. Birders flock here to catch a glimpse of the beautifully plumed spring warblers, tanagers, orioles and the like. Among the most sought after are the Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Cerulean Warbler, and Cape May Warbler. Several first Louisiana state records of western vagrants have been obtained here, including Townsend's Warbler, Hepatic Tanager, and Hooded Oriole.