Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Louisana
Photo by Lane Stout
Thousands of tourist ply this deck annually to get a glimpse of martins. 6,700 feet of fencing to eliminate collisions between automobiles and birds at both ends of the Causeway was erected at this roost. It directs the birds flight path over vehicles. Photo and description by Lane Stout.
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway has protection fences for about the first 1/4 mile at each end. Only the south end has an observation deck. There are roosts at each end but the south roost is much larger. The bridge is 24 miles long! This photo was taken from the observation deck where martins literally fly all around the people watching them. Photo and description by Lane Stout.
View looking north from the Lake Pontchartrain south roost observation deck in New Orleans. The martins come in high and circle lower and lower before taking up roosting spots under the bridge. People come to the deck straight from the parking lot and leave with a natural high from the experience of seeing so many birds at one time so close. Photo and description by Lane Stout.
Here is a link to 650 motorcycles website showing a nice bicycle ride some guys had along the Lake Pontchartrain Bridge. Thanks to Paul of 650 motorcycles for letting me post this link. If you will scroll down a bit, you will see some of the Purple Martins Roosting.
