Wildlife Wanderings Photography – Newsletter # 2

Wildlife Wanderings Photography 

Newsletter # 2

November 2025

Trip to Southwestern Louisiana, a Birder’s Paradise and Ethics in Photography

My Latest Photography Journey to Southwest Louisiana, a Birder’s Paradise

Greetings, fellow nature and photography enthusiasts! I’m thrilled to share my recent adventure to the southwest parishes of Cameron and Calcasieu in Louisiana, where I set out with my camera, a sense of wonder, and a keen eye for its incredible birdlife.

Southwest Louisiana is a Birder’s Paradise in Fall and Winter

I’ve just returned from a truly unforgettable journey to Southwest Louisiana, and if you’re a birding enthusiast, you need to add this region to your bucket list immediately! Known as a major stop along the Mississippi Flyway, this area, particularly Cameron Parish, lives up to its reputation as a “Birder’s Paradise.”

My trip was perfectly timed to catch the vibrant movements of both resident and migratory species—a kaleidoscope of color and calls across the coastal marshes and cheniers (coastal oak maritime forests).

Top Birding Hotspots I Explored

My journey focused on a few key sanctuaries that were absolutely teeming with life:

  • Peveto Woods Sanctuary: This small, vital patch of coastal woodland, managed by the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, is a legendary “fallout” site during migration. On one fantastic morning, the oak canopy will be alive with Neotropical migrants! 
  • Sabine National Wildlife Refuge: Stretching out across 125,000 acres of marsh, Sabine is a haven for waterfowl and wading birds. The Wetland Walkway provided close-up views of the resident American Alligators (a non-avian bonus!) and incredible numbers of Roseate Spoonbills—their vivid pink plumage truly earns them the nickname “Cajun Flamingo.” I also observed a variety of shorebirds and ducks utilizing the vast wetlands.

Figure 1. Roseate Spoonbill foraging in the wetland. Canon EOS R5 with Canon RF 100-500 mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM. ISO 1000; f/7.1, 1/640 s; 500 mm.

The combination of beaches, fresh marshes, and coastal forests in Southwest Louisiana provides an unmatched diversity of habitats. Whether you’re interested in colorful migratory warblers, large wading birds, or powerful raptors, this region has it all, and the friendly local birding community is incredibly welcoming to visitors.

I came home with a full memory card and an even fuller heart. The sheer volume of birdlife is something every birder must experience!

Figure 2. Ruddy Turnstone on the Holly beach. OM Digital Systems OM1 Mk II with OM Digital M.Zuiko 150-400 mm f/4.5 IS Pro with 1.25x TC. ISO 500; f/5.6; 1/2500 s; 500 mm.

Behind the Lens: Ethics of Bird Photography

  • The Silent Observer

– Why “getting the shot” can harm our feathered friends more than we realize.

– Common unethical practices: Baiting, nest disturbance, and flushing birds.

– The emotional toll on wildlife: Stress, abandonment, and survival impact.

  • Beyond the Lens: Understanding Bird Behavior

– Reading the subtle cues: When a bird is stressed, alert, or comfortable.

– Respecting personal space: The “invisible bubble” around every bird.

– Understanding seasonal sensitivities: Nesting, migration, and feeding habits.

  • Tools for Responsible Engagement

– The power of the long lens: Capturing detail from a distance.

– Hides and blinds: Blending in without disturbing the scene.

– Sound and light considerations: Minimizing noise and avoiding flash use.

  • The Ethical Photographer’s Toolkit

– Research before you shoot: Knowing your subject and its habitat.

– Local guidelines and regulations: Understanding protected areas and species.

– Leading by example: Inspiring others to adopt ethical practices.

  • Your Impact, Our Birds

– Why ethical bird photography is an act of conservation.

– Contributing to citizen science: Sharing observations responsibly.

– The joy of truly connecting with nature, not just capturing it.

Join My Journey

Thank you for following Wildlife Wanderings Photography! To see more images from my trip, visit willife-wanderings-photography.com. Feel free to share your own bird photography stories, questions, or beginner tips with our community—let’s inspire each other to keep exploring and capturing the beauty of the natural world.

Until next time, happy wandering and photographing!