Egrets, like this great egret, are a common site along the Pintail Wildlife Drive. (Karen Wink / American Press)
Nature drive offers excellent viewing of gators, birds
Last Modified: Sunday, June 10, 2012 11:45 PM
By Karen Wink / American Press
With the temperatures creeping closer to the 100-degree mark, enjoying nature may not be an appealing summertime activity. However, the Pintail Wildlife Drive offers year-round viewing of waterfowl and alligators, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle.
The three-mile loop is located 30 miles from downtown Lake Charles in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge on the Creole Nature Trail. The gravel road winds through wetlands with good views from both the driver’s and passenger’s windows.
According to Glen Harris, the refuge manager, the Pintail Wildlife Drive has a diverse group of wildlife any time of year. There are always a variety of wading birds along the drive. One might encounter herons, egrets, cranes, and spoonbills. October/November and February/March are prime times for viewing migratory birds. Viewing guides and birding lists for the drive are available in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center located at 1428 La. 27 in Bell City.
Harris cautions people not to feed the alligators and the US Fish & Wildlife Service recommends that you stay in your car while on the drive.
However, Pintail does have a half mile boardwalk for those who want a walking tour of the wetlands.
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