bird city

We visited Bird City in late January and only one egret had shown by then. We were hoping there would at least be a variety of waterfowl in the ponds, but only a few moorhens were moving about. Still, it was a nice day to wander about the jungle gardens while we waited for the food tour, which was the real highlight of the visit.

Great if you go in summer but if you go in winter like I did you may only see a few birds at most but still worth a visit if passing

Make sure you go when the birds are nesting. I am not sure exactly when that is but believe it is the summer time. It is a wonderful experience

We really enjoyed watching the birds and the alligators that swam beneath them waiting for one to fall off...Nature at it's best or worst????

Have never seen so many egrets in one place. Very enjoyable. Took many photos from the viewing platform that reaches out into the lake.

After visiting the Tabasco plant and store we headed out to the rich, lush, and LOVELY gardens located a short drive away. This is a driving tour. You stop at the store, buy your tickets, and then head out in your vehicle. They are extremely generous and liberal in how they allow you to park and stop and interact with the wildlife, flora, and fauna. There are walking paths and, of course, you are cautioned not to approach the alligators closely but you can get close enough to seriously observe them. We saw them from 18" long to up to 6 ft. and they were fairly abundant. For this group of Californians, we were enthralled.The trees and plants are extremely lush and green and this is like a little Garden of Eden. We stopped frequently, hiked paths, saw a beautiful stone bridge, a HUGE statue of Buddha, and when I trekked off alone for a short bit I was surprised by a snake in my path. Fortunately, it was as surprised as I was and it promptly slithered away. One of the highlights was a hike through picturesque grounds down to a viewing platform where you can see an enormous number of egrets that the McIlhenny family worked to bring back to the area. They were nearly hunted into extinction in the area because of their feathers.This family had incredible foresight and have created a perfect blending of preserving the area and its treasures while inviting the public to immerse themselves in its riches. We especially enjoyed seeing a very large alligator sunning itself on the bank right near the birds. This is really a must see for anyone who wants to experience Louisiana and her riches. It's all here in an area you can become a part of for the day. I can't recommend it highly enough.

We were there at the hottest part of the day and we only spotted a few birds. Not recommended. Wasted money.

Let me preface for those who do not know, that Bird City is part of the Jungle Zoo Tour. There is an admission charge to get into the Sanctuary/Gardens/Zoo that must be purchased in the gift shop before entering. Bird City is actually stop #11 of this large garden area--which can be walked through or driven through. We were here in May so it was FULL of snowy egrets! The caretakers of this establishment build piers for the birds to nest upon. This is NOT wheelchair accessible but if you have the ability to walk down the hill and then climb up the steps onto the overlook, it is strongly suggested. We were there during a heavy downpour so not all of us did this, but my husband and daughter saw a scarlet ibis among the snowy egrets! We did take my elderly father down the hill to see the birds but he had a very difficult time getting back up the hill. We found out after we hiked that we could drive on down the road--taking the right fork in the road and could have driven him down to an edge of the pond where he could have seen the birds from the safety of the van...This also applies to the Oriental garden that houses a Buddha temple which was earlier in the tour.

This is for bird lovers. If you don't want to see birds, do not come to this attraction! You can usually find cranes here between March and June. (Once the weather warms up, they come on down.) It's a short hike down to the nesting area, which isn't bad, but hiking back up is a little strenuous. If you keep driving past the parking area, there's a bench you can stop by and see the birds without walking down to the observatory deck, should you have medical or handicap issues. There are many gators in this area and they are not behind a fence. Plenty of times we have gone and they are on the sidewalk/trail etc. just chilling out and people watching. Do not feed the gators/throw things at them/ try to pet them/or make promises to them you do not intend to keep. Pictures attached.

Do not miss this. When they come back after the winter it is breath taking! You walk out to see them. So be prepared for that.

Bird City is located in the Jungle Gardens on Avery Island near the Tabasco factory. If you follow the map, Bird City is at the end of the driving tour and is definitely worth stopping by and taking a look. I have never seen so many birds in nature just lounging around. You can also spot a few alligators swimming around!

Avery Island know for its Tobacco Sauce has a wonderful park you slowly drive through or just take a stroll. Check out the alligators in the many ponds, the Pagoda amongst the trees and not to be missed the Bird nesting area with its wonderful white Egrets by the hundreds.This one place I make sure my guest from up north get to enjoy.

Bird City is really a part of the Jungle Garden area, and we visited it as part of the entire loop. From a viewing platform you can see hundreds of birds, most of which were egrets when we were there, but I imagine that changes seasonally. You can linger a long time watching them fly, wade and roost. We also spotted some turtles and an alligator. It would be easy to spend time just at Bird City, but it is even better to make an afternoon of it and incorporate it into a tour of the entire Jungle Gardens.

Probably should have waited to go in the spring or summer time as we did not see any birds or alligators.

The migratory birds had already left the area but the beauty of the site is awesome. We did see a few local birds and heard their calls. Listening to the cell phone guided tour provided detailed information about the sanctuary and how the birds have prospered in the area.