With diverse landscapes and abundant wetlands, Louisiana is a haven for birds and a bucket list

destination for bird watchers of all levels. From the majestic bald eagle soaring over the cypress

swamps to the tricolored heron exploring the coastal estuaries of Grand Isle State Park, Louisiana

boasts an incredible array of feathered friends. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious

nature enthusiast just starting out, Louisiana's birding scene promises an unforgettable adventure. So fine-tune your

wish list and let your daydreams take flight. Learn more and start planning your visit at

birding louisiana.com.

Well, and welcome to the American Birding Podcast from the American Birding Association.

I'm Nate Swick.

We're going pretty long this week with our annual Best Vagrants of the Past Year episode.

I won't apologize for it, though.

Talking in amazement about mind-melting rarities is essential to the birding community

as an annual bout with warbler neck or puzzling overfall shorebirds.

There was no possible way we were going to keep it short.

So be ready for that.

I'll just take this brief moment, though, to reiterate an announcement from last week that was kind of shunted off to the credits.

We have Bird of the Year merch available now at Aviatedorg slash store.

It includes the triumphant return of the bird of the year t-shirt featuring the

Horned Lark Borb this year.

I know some folks who collect them, so I want to make sure that you're all notified.

Check it out.

Hornlark, as it turns out, makes for a fantastic t-shirt.

...