The Atchafalaya Basin, the largest overflow swamp in the country, is home to an abundance of wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the American bald eagle.

Eagle Expo includes boat tours into various waterways (descriptions below) to view eagle's nests and presentations on the American bald eagle, wildlife, flora, fauna and the culture of the area by wildlife professionals and photographers, and much more.

Forms & Information:

• 2012 Eagle Expo Registration Form
• CC Lockwood Photography Workshop
• Birding Checklist for St. Mary Parish
• Bald Eagle Brochure

Descriptions of Tours

Boat Tour #1 - Atchafalaya Basin Tour with Cajun Jack
Cajun Jack will add Cajun flair to the boat tour into the Atchafalaya Basin to view Bald Eagles. The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest overflow swamp in the U.S. covering over 850,000 acres and includes 10 distinct aquatic and terrestrial habitats ranging from large rivers to backwater swamps. The Basin is noted for its Cypress-Tupelo Gum swamp habitat and its Cajun heritage. The basin is home to over 170 bird species, 50 mammalian species, 40 reptilian, 20 amphibian species and 100 species of fin fish and shellfish. Keep your eyes open to all types of wildlife! Covered flat bottom boat. Bathroom on board. 8 people minimum, 20 people maximum

Boat Tour #2 -  Bayou Black Tour with Cajun Man (Available Saturday afternoon only)
Black Guidry, swamp tour operator of Cajun Man's Tours will journey into the backwater of Bayou Black, adding his special Cajun touch. This tour will meander through the old oil and gas canals where you will have the opportunity to see several birds of prey including, of course, Bald Eagles, Ospreys and various species of hawks. Other birds that are likely to be encountered include various species of ducks, wading birds and some song bird species. Great tour for families or groups. Covered flat bottom boat.  Bathroom on board. 17 people minimum - 45 people maximum.

Boat Tour #3 - Lake Verret Tour with Captain Ginger
Journey into Lake Verret and Bayou Magazille.  On the tour you'll see Bald Eagles and Osprey soaring overhead fishing or resting on treetops along the waters edge.  Other wildlife includes Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Great Egret, White Ibis as well as the Belted Kingfisher, Red-tailed Hawks, Double-crested Cormorant, Anhinga and more including the American White Pelican and an occasional Peregrine Falcon.  One flat bottom boat.  Maximum 6 people.

Boat Tour #4 - Turtle Bayou Tour with LUMCON
Journey into Turtle Bayou to view Bald Eagles and get a glimpse of an eagle nest.  This tour will also ride through natural bayous that provide for fantastic views and local wildlife.  Other birds likely to be encountered include Anhingas, Double-crested Commorants, Red-shouldered Hawks, White Ibis, Yellow-rumped Warblers, Carolina Chickadees and various species of terns and gulls.  One Boat.  Maximum 6 people.

Boat Tour #5 - Bayou Long Tour with Captain Ivy
The Bayou Long Tour includes various waterways including Lake Verret, Bayou Magazille, Four Mile Bayou, Grassy Lake, Bayou Cherami, Bayou Milhomme, and Lake Palourde. On this tour you will be able to view Bald Eagles and their nests, Blue Heron, Great Egret, Belted Kingfisher, White Ibis and various other species of birds. One boat. Maximum 6 people.