The GI Migratory Bird Celebration
April 17 & 18, 2026
The annual Grand Isle Migratory Bird Celebration will take place April 17 & 18, 2026 throughout the town of Grand Isle. “After a long flight across the Gulf of Mexico, migrating birds flock to Grand Isle to rest after their difficult journey. The island has become one of the best places in the world to see the variety of species flying north,” said Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle. “The Migratory Bird Celebration not only celebrates their arrival but provides easy viewing access to visitors.”
This Annual Celebration Event, initiated in 1998, was created in part to support the purchase and management of the Grand Isle Sanctuary to protect some of the last remaining undeveloped chenier habitats (live oak ridges). The event is hosted by the Grand Isle Community Development Team, Town of Grand Isle, The Louisiana Nature Conservancy and Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program.
Activities include: Tours of nesting birds, boat tours of pelican-rookery Queen Bess Island, expert-led daily tours of Grand Isle birding trails, State Park tour, Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries Research Lab tour and much more.
Sponsored By
Boat tours are April 17th and 18th
All tours meet at appointed times at LA Dept. of Wildlife & Fisheries. Please arrive 15 minutes before departure for tour with your boarding receipt. No seats will be reserved as groups, each passenger must have registered via the event internet site.
Once you sign up for a boat tour your time can’t be changed.
Walking Tours are on April 18th
Guided Walking Tours Headquarters Grand Isle School Enter through main gates on 149 Ludwig Lane at Ludwig Lane. Parking is under the gymnasium.
Tour participants meet your tour guide at the high school and check in with registration.
Participants should have their registration receipts with them. It is better to register as individuals rather than several members of/as a group
Guest Speaker (TBA) in the Grand Isle School Cafeteria - FREE
Saturday, April 18 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Topic: Backyard Gardening for Birds and Butterflies
Evening Calls Social at Grilletta Tract
Saturday, April 18 - 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Sip on a glass of wine, bottle of beer, or soft drink and nibble on finger foods while enjoying talking with locals who welcome you to their yards.