April 17 will be big day for birders

Cajun Coast will host a Big Day competition April 17 that birders won't want to miss.
This friendly, one-day competition will have you spotting so many birds as they make their annual trek along the flyway that you’ll want to find out more and get your tickets today.
The Cajun Coast Migratory Bird Day will be in Patterson off Cotten Road on private property.
The Cajun Coast Migratory Bird Day is a friendly one-day tournament for bird watchers from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Observations can be made from any area on the property. Cajun Coast asks that you park your vehicle on the levee and maintain social distancing with your birding group.
Parking is limited, so please carpool and bird together in your quarantine pod.
Bring chairs, a picnic or a bag lunch may be purchased. A port-a-potty will be available.
E Bird should be downloaded and used for the one-day event.
Because the event is on private property and access is limited, participants must register prior to April 17.
Directions will be given when participants arrive.
For more information, call 985-380-8224.
The honor system applies for a friendly day of competition.
The registration fee $10.
An optional picnic lunch will also cost $10.
The bag lunch includes a hamburger, chips and a drink. The meal will be delivered by golf cart.
Other local attractions for visitors:
--In Morgan City, The Brownell Memorial Park & Carillon Tower is a 9.5-acre park in a natural setting next to Lake Palourde. Founded as a nondenominational devotional park, admission is free. A 106-foot tall carillon tower containing 61 bronze bells graces the park and plays two selections every 30 minutes.
--Swamp tours are also a great way to see egrets, herons, or other waterfowl, along with alligators and other creatures amid lush waterscapes.
--The Atchafalaya Basin, covering one-third of Louisiana, is the largest overflow swamp in the United States.
Its waterways are full of all types of birds.
You can wander along the Water Heritage Sites, with nine on the Cajun Coastpaddling trails to get up close and personal.
You can take a boardwalk out into the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge for an easy entre into an abundant birding habitat. Recently named a National Scenic Byway, the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway provides a beautiful drive along the banks of the Bayou Teche and opportunities to pull off and spot birds along the drive, as well as many places of historic beauty.