Louisiana Office of Tourism creates new website for bird lovers

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The Bayou State is home to over 450 species of rare and unique birds.

Birdinglouisiana.Com is a brand-new interactive website that divides our state into different birding regions and shows users the species living in the Bayou State.

Sharon Calcote at the Louisiana Office of Tourism says the website has long been in the works and was created because Louisiana has a unique ecosystem to offer residents.

“People are already coming from around the world to Louisiana for birdwatching,” she said. “We’re one of the top bird-watching spots in the United States. This is going to boost our tourism and communities and bring overall advocation of our birds.”

Calcote hopes it will get people to visit rural areas of the state. The site is for all ages and is easy to use.

One Southwest Louisiana birder, Vicki Sensat, enjoys bird photography.

“I’m very excited about this new website,” she said. “It’s gonna grow the birding community. Birding connects you with nature and it has really calmed me during difficult times in my life.”

Sensat’s grandson is only eight but is already following in her footsteps.

“I love going birding and taking photos of birds and I really hope people start loving birds as much as I do.”

Another local birder Claire Sylvet shares an emotional side to birding.

“So, my mom passed two and a half years ago and sitting out on my porch watching the birds really gave me a sense of calm and serenity,” Sylvet said. “I think this website is gonna do the same for people, people love our birds in Southwest Louisiana.”

The website is only two weeks old, but the creators hope the hard work pays off and people will flock to Louisiana much like migratory birds do every year.

Copyright 2024 KPLC. All rights reserved.