Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., we will offer a nature walk at the Sky Lake WMA boardwalk (directions, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038), among the ancient bald cypress trees of the Sky Lake swamp, many of which are more than 1000 years old. While marveling at the giant trees, we will also ID birds by sight and sound, and will highlight dominant plants of the swamp besides the bald cypress. Birds will likely include both permanent residents and fall migrants. Alternatively, you can bring your own kayak/canoe, and we can show you where to put in for paddle tours at multiple sites during the day, starting with the paddle trail through the swamp near the Sky Lake boardwalk. We may have a handful of extra canoes or kayaks—if interested, please email us (dwindbirds@gmail.com). Restrooms are available here.
From 12:00 until 1:00 p.m., we will have lunch at the Sky Lake WMA boardwalk covered picnic area. You can bring your own lunch, or optionally sign up for a hot family-style lunch catered by Jerri’s Bakery & Southern Kitchen of Belzoni (price of $20/person includes tax and tip; menu is baked chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetable soup, and cornbread). Please bring your own beverage. We will have some disposable plates & forks etc. available, but please consider bringing your own re-usables to reduce waste, as well as some tupperware and a cooler to take home some leftovers (which may be abundant). Please sign up for the lunch in advance below.
At 1:00 p.m., we will depart from the Sky Lake WMA boardwalk to caravan over to the DWB Sky Lake Nature Reserve., which is located on the other side of Sky Lake, approximately a 15-20 minute drive from the Boardwalk. At the DWB Reserve, we will enjoy views of Sky Lake itself, and will conduct a walking nature tour focusing on unique plants and mushrooms of the forested wetland (likely to include numerous species of wildflowers), as well as birds of the forest and adjacent Sky Lake. We will park along Sky Lake Rd, at the north end of the DWB Reserve. If you have your own kayak/canoe, you can put in here for a leisurely and beautiful tour around the south end of Sky Lake (if water levels are high enough). No restrooms are available at this stop.
At approximately 3:00 p.m., we will depart the DWB Sky Lake Nature Reserve to head down the road to the nearby Four Winds Refuge, a private duck camp where former catfish ponds are now being managed by the owners for diverse wildlife, including shorebirds and wading birds. We’ll tour the site by vehicle, stopping periodically to enjoy the birds and other diverse nature. This time of year, diverse wading birds are likely to be present, including herons, egrets, and Roseate Spoonbills. We will also likely see several species of migratory shorebirds, as well as waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds. You will be welcome to stay until sunset (~6:40pm), and indeed the level of bird activity is likely to intensify at dusk. Restrooms are available at this site.
Food, bathrooms, and other stuff: There will be restrooms available at the Sky Lake Boardwalk and at the Four Winds Refuge, but not at the DWB Sky Lake Nature Reserve. Don't forget sunscreen, especially for DWB Sky Lake Nature Reserve and Four Winds Refuge. Bug spray is recommended if you tend to be a bug magnet. Rubber boots or other extra footwear are recommended, especially for the DWB Sky Lake Nature Reserve.
Directions: The Sky Lake WMA Boardwalk, where we will be from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., is located at 1090 Simmons Rd., Belzoni, MS 39038, and can be found on mapping apps (Google Maps link). From Belzoni, drive north on Hwy 7 for 6.5 miles and turn left on Four Mile Rd (follow signs for the Sky Lake Boardwalk). Drive west on 4 Mile Rd for less than a mile, turn left and drive 0.2 miles, then turn right on Simmons Rd and drive less than a mile—the Sky Lake Boardwalk parking lot will be on your right. The Sky Lake Boardwalk has spacious parking, restrooms, and a covered picnic area.
The trip is free (except for the optional catered lunch), but registration is requested—please click the “Register” button below. If you have difficulty with the registration process, please just send us an e-mail (dwindbirds@gmail.com). To make an optional donation to support our conservation and outreach programs, please click here.
Ancient bald cypress tree at Sky Lake WMA Boardwalk