We look forward to watching for rails at rice harvest sites and looking for other Louisiana specialty species. Most activities are outdoors, but we will again host our social events - we will maintain the maximum participants lower in consideration of Covid19 and watch for any potential changes for infection rates and follow CDC guidelines. There will be three harvest site days (weather permitting: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with Sunday as the emergency back-up day if all other days are washed out.

YRARF 2023 is a small festival focused on participants having a good time. Participants can come and go at their leisure from the field sites. Leaders/facilitators are positioned at field sites and help participants spot birds as well as provide information or answer questions. Many of the agencies and organizations that study, manage, and protect Louisiana’s birds and habitats assist at the festival. Based in Jennings, participants are positioned in the heart of Cajun Country in Louisiana’s SW prairie region, an area known for great birding, local cuisine, and a rich history and culture.

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, 25 October 2023

Pre-festival tours (and early festival check-in for pre-festival tour participants

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM: Pineywoods All-day trip departs from the Hampton Inn

12:30 PM - 4:00 PM: Afternoon Birding & Falcon Rice Mill Tour departs from the Hampton Inn

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Falcon Rice Mill Tour meets in Crowley at 600 S Ave. D

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Coastal Black Rail Survey: evening trip to Cameron Parish (leaves from the Hampton Inn)

Thursday, 26 October 2023

7:30 AM - 10:30 AM: Check-in and visit booths at the Gator Chateau, JD Parish Tourism, Jennings Oil & Gas Park

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM: Welcome Orientation at the Gator Chateau

5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Jambalaya Supper with Cajun band at Myer's Landing in Lake Arthur

Friday, 27 October 2023

7:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Optional Local AM/Wish List trip departs Hampton

7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Morning birding to Falcon Rice Mill Tour departs Hampton

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Falcon Mill Rice Tour meets in Crowley at 600 S. Ave. D

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Coastal Black Rail Survey: evening trip to Cameron Parish (leaves from the Hampton Inn)

Saturday, 28 October 2023

5:30 AM - 3:30 PM: Pineywoods All-day trip departs from the Hampton Inn

6:00 AM - 4:30 PM: Cameron All-Day Trip departs from the Hampton Inn

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM: Hors d'oeuvres and crudités, Welsh Museum, 202 E. South Street, Welsh

Sunday, 29 October 2023

6:00 AM - 4:30 PM: Cameron All-Day Trip departs from the Hampton Inn

Time approximate: Emergency Sunday Field Pass - if and only if ALL other field days have been canceled.

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Date:
October 25-29, 2023

Location:
Hampton Inn and Suites,
310 W Fred Ruth Zigler Memorial Drive,
Jennings, LA 70546.

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