Help Create A Birding Trail For Louisiana

I hope that you are all well and not too exhausted and troubled by Hurricane IDA and the aftermath. 
Here is some good news that may be of interest to our members, I think.  

You may have heard of this initiative already but if not, I hope it will prove useful. I learned yesterday evening that the Louisiana Office of Tourism is creating a birding trail for Louisiana! They’ve provided a nomination form to fill out in order to be included on the trail. This is where they need help! The form asks for what birds you might see and what time of year you can find them. Here is the link to the nomination form: Louisiana Birding Trail Nomination Form – Louisiana Birding Trails (labirdingtrails.com)
 
It might be possible for their staff to submit nominations on your behalf in case a naturalist can't use the form and wants to submit information some other way. You’ll see from the items below that this guide will really be a great asset to visiting nature lovers.
 
Information needed:

1. Site Name, Site Size (if known), is the site private or public, a short description (She may be able to write one up if someone can give her a few details), Address of site.
2. Site Owner/Manager Name, Title, &/or Organization. Email or phone number for site (if applicable)
3. Site Access Limitations (Heavy/Dangerous Nearby Traffic, Water Hazards, Others)
4. Is there an admission? Do they offer an annual pass? (she can also look for this info)
5. Is it accessible year-round, seasonal, etc.?
6. Seasonality (Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Year-Round, Other)
7. Days Open (if applicable)
8. Is it handicap accessible? (Full, Partial, Trail for Blind, Not Accessible)
9. Parking Area (Paved, Gravel, Pull-off Area, No Dedicated Parking, No Auto Access)
10. Site Restrictions (None, Pets on Leash Only, Alcohol Prohibited, Walk-n Only, Boat-in Only, Seasonal Closure due to nesting, admission fee, by appointment only)
11. Amenities on site (Biking, Boardwalks, boating, camping, kayaking, drinking fountain, fishing, gift shop, etc.)
12. Are there recurring birding events at the site? (Christmas bird count, annual bird festival, etc.)
13. It also asks for nearby food, lodging, and activities. 
14. Any notable reasons to visit the site (rare plants, fish runs, mammals, noteworthy reptile, or amphibians)
15. Species & time of year you can find them (Waterfowl, shorebirds, wading birds, songbirds, raptors, game birds, mammals, fish, wildflowers, butterflies/dragonflies, reptiles/amphibians)
16. Is the site known for a particular species? If so, what?
17. In the past, has this site produced bird rarities? If yes, which rare species?
18. Habitat type (Marsh, swamp, bottomland/hardwood, upland hardwood, mixed pines, etc.)
19. Any images of the site or species you can find there

You don't have to have all the answers for your submission to still be useful, the tourist office may be able to fill in some missing stuff.
 
If you’re interested in helping, individually or in teams and have questions then contact:
 Cheryl Hargrove 202-236-3777 or [email protected]


The nomination form is due September 30 so the clock is ticking.