Louisiana Swamps and Rookeries
One of the highlights of any photo trip to Louisiana is exploring its swamps. The Bayou State is renowned for its unique Cajun culture and provides the opportunity for a close-up look at these mysterious wetlands in unspoiled, remote regions with spanish moss that drips across gnarled cypress trees. They’re filled with all sorts of wildlife that can be glimpsed, from alligators, turtles and a host of magnificent bird species.
The cypress swamps offer a preferred rookery habitat. They are permanently flooded and usually host alligators. Both the permanent water and alligators are effective deterrents to would-be nest robbers such as raccoons, minks, most tree-climbing snakes, and other bird-eating animals.
The Great Egret Rookery at PJF Farm and Lodge
PJF Farm and Lodge is a conservation and recreation area at Cazan Lake just north of Ville Platte, Louisiana.
Situated within the Bayou Chicot and Bayou Cocodrie watersheds, PJF Farm is home to spectacular seasonal wildlife communities Within the Farm is a rookery that hosts a variety of nesting species including roseate spoonbills and great egrets. Activity begins in late January and young birds in the egret nests peak in April through much of May.
Birds
This was my first trip to the swamps and bayous of the south. It was such an interesting trip. We were based in Lafayette, Louisiana which is the center of Acadiana - the culture and home of Louisiana Cajuns. I knew the Cajuns originated in the northeast, but learned quickly of their expulsion from Nova Scotia by the British at the end of the British/French Seven Years War which the British won. They were expelled because they refused to recognize the monarchy of the British.
We photographed the rookeries from land, but our images taken in the swamps of Lake Martin were from a flat-bed boat. The boat was built with swivel seats and make photography fun and different. This was a fun trip and I enjoyed it immensely.
L. Carl Volpe - carl.volpe@gmail.com
More images from my other trips and adventures may be found at the link below.
Narrative Credits: Wikipedia and other Online Sources