Potential Sightings Along the Way
Photo Gallery
(Click words to see Images)
Here are a few pictures of some of the different types of wildlife that call the Red River and Cross Bayou home.
Please feel free to click on the animals name to learn more about them
Egret
These birds are very prevalent in this area. The tend to feed primarily on shad and baitfish. Sometimes you will see as many as 10-15 together but they primarily "hunt" alone. They are considered to be one of the stealthiest hunters there are along with the Great Blue Heron.
Waterfowl
In our area there are numerous types of waterfowl here year round. Some ducks like wood ducks and mallards stay here all the time and they are referred to as local ducks. When the cold fronts start to move through later in the year the migrating ducks make there way to our neck of the woods. So late winter is the ideal time to go birdwatching if it is ducks that you are looking to see. You will notice 2 types of ducks in the picture. There are mallards and then hidden in the back of the picture are 2 wood ducks.
Nutria Rat
Nutria are large semi-aquatic rodents indegenous to South America. In the 1930's they were imported to Louisiana for the fur farming industry and were released, either intentionally or accidentally into the Louisiana coastal marshes. Nutria are herbivores and feed mostly on wetland plants. Nutria have caused extensive damage to the Louisiana coastal wetlands due to their feeding activities.
Water Snakes
There are many snakes that call our waters home, but the most common is the diamond back water snake. They are non-venomous and typically very timid when pressured by humans. Another very common snake in our waters is the Cottonmouth. Unlike the diamond back water snake it is venomous and not very timid. Either way be sure that when you see these animals you respect their power and space and observe from a distance.
Turtles
We are very fortunate to have such a diversity of turtles in this area. We have everything from normal snapping turtles to soft shelled snappers and red eared sliders. Turtle are typically present in a very well balanced eco system.
Alligators
Another animal that represents a balanced eco system is the alligator. This animal seems to be the main focus of all the animals the Red River and Cross Bayou supports. They truly are beautiful animals. We will have some pictures available soon of the ones that call here home.
Great Blue Heron
If you have ever spent any amount of time on the Red River or Cross Bayou you have surely seen a few of these as they are very populated in this area. Along with the egrets, they are considered some of the stealthiest birds in the world. They move very sleekly through the water stalking their prey, which could be anything from shad/minnows to small turtles or even snakes. Next time you are near one of these beutiful creatures, be sure to take an extra minute to watch them on the prowl.