Summers in Breaux Bridge are often hot and wet, but there are many activities residents and visitors can enjoy that involve the outdoors. Breaux Bridge has an abundance of wildlife, from the native crawfish making dirt chimneys in our ditches to the cicada chirping that accompanies summer evenings on the porch, wildlife is everywhere. Recently, drivers spotted an alligator on the highway basking in the sun. With wildlife is all around us every day, it’s easy to forget that there are designated activities that bring us closer to wildlife and their natural habitats.
Lake Martin is a beautiful lake formed in 1952 when a ring levee was built around the swamp. At 580 acres, Lake Martin has become a refuge for wildlife and especially birds. Lake Martin is a popular destination for bird watchers in Acadiana with over 200 species of birds, including the great blue heron, snowy egret, and the roseate spoonbill. Cypress trees create enough shade for visitors to keep them cool while kayaking or exploring the shore of Lake Martin.
In addition to its abundance of birds, Lake Martin is a popular spot to search for alligators. They can be spotted by simply driving the dirt road around the lake or even kayaking in the water. Swamp tours for tourists create a safe way for visitors and residents to view alligators and wildlife from the safety of a larger boat as well.
The Atchafalaya Basin is also a refuge for wildlife and brings many people to fish in its waters every day. To avoid the heat, many people will go bow-fishing at night. People will tell you spotting alligators at night is easy because their eyes glow in the beam of a flashlight. Hunting for bullfrogs is also a great nighttime summer activity in Breaux Bridge.
If your family wants a more leisurely outdoor activity for the summer in Breaux Bridge, the Bayou Teche is a great waterway for kayaking and boat riding. However you choose to spend your time this summer in Breaux Bridge, the wildlife will be there to follow you: whether it’s the sound of the cicadas, the dastardly mosquitos, or the beautiful birds and intimidating reptiles, Breaux Bridge has them in abundance.
