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W ildlife abounds in louisiana’s coastal zone. as a visitor drives through or along the edge of the region’s wetlands, however, only a small fraction of this abundance is evident. Muskrats, for example, are more active at night than during the daylight hours when visitors are afield. alligators may be difficult to see on a cold, cloudy day. the myriad insects that thrive here often go unnoticed, except for butterflies, dragonflies, mosquitoes, and biting flies. frog species that fill the evenings with their loud choruses are well camouflaged and difficult to spot when silent. a glimpse of aquatic life, too, requires a keen eye—or a fisherman eager to show off the day’s catch. other types of wildlife are readily visible but are present in certain seasons and absent in others. More than twenty species of ducks and geese winter in louisiana wetlands, but in summer only the mottled duck and wood duck, along with small numbers of blue-winged teal and canada geese, are present. a variety of songbirds , shorebirds, and raptors (birds of prey) migrate through the region in spring and fall, but their number and diversity decline in summer and winter. fortunately, a number of large wading birds, including herons, egrets, ibises, and the spectacular roseate spoonbill, are present yearround and form the most visible group of wildlife in the state’s coastal region. along with the american alligator, these wading birds are closely associated in many visitors’ minds with louisiana wetlands, and a sighting of any of these “hallmark” creatures is a memorable and exciting experience that makes one’s visit complete. this chapter offers suggestions for safely and successfully viewing wetland wildlife and portrays some of the more common and easily observed species, including a variety of birds, several larger mammals, and some representative reptiles, insects, and aquatic creatures. frogs and toads, chapter 4 Coastal Vistas Wildlife 70 chapter 4 amphibians abundant in the coastal zone but more difficult to see, highlight the section on audible wildlife. for those seeking more comprehensive coverage of the region’s myriad species of birds, mammals, reptiles, fish, and insects, the works listed in the resource section at the end of the book offer additional illustrations and details. Viewing Coastal Wildlife Walking a refuge nature trail or driving or boating slowly through louisiana ’s lowlands, a visitor will no doubt see wildlife with the unaided eye. Binoculars, however, offer additional opportunities to spot and observe creatures at a greater distance, which causes them less disturbance. in all cases, however, safety is paramount. to view wildlife from the road, drive to a spot where you can pull your vehicle safely all the way off the road, then, if necessary, walk back to the area of interest. Remember, too, that wild creatures are unpredictable ; approaching or feeding them jeopardizes their wildness and your safety. Please enjoy them from a safe distance, and simply let them coexist in their natural setting. While on foot, staying quiet along the trail will enhance your opportunities to observe wildlife and will allow you to focus on the sights and sounds of nature. Moving slowly and stopping frequently during your walk will also optimize your chances to see wild creatures and observe their behavior . towers and viewing blinds, present along some refuge trails, are excellent places to watch wildlife. Your vehicle can also serve as a viewing blind when you are safely off the road or driving slowly along a refuge auto tour route. “slowly” is key in all cases, for wild creatures are vulnerable to collisions with vehicles , especially during the spring and summer breeding season, when young are present. i have found that when traveling at speeds of less than fifty miles per hour (on roads where this is possible), i have been able to avoid collisions with wetland wildlife; above fifty mph, it is difficult for me to dodge animals whose habitat the road traverses. a final tip to enhance your wildlife viewing experience is a reminder that louisiana’s coast is a “working wetland,” where land and people are intertwined in a culture that is highly inclusive of the land’s bounty, including its wild creatures. as you travel the roads, you will be sharing them with residents on their way to and from work, running errands, and transporting children, friends, boats, and livestock. Please drive safely, and never stop in the roadway to view wildlife or take photographs, [3.17.6.75] Project MUSE (2024-04-24 15...

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