Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m., we will offer a birding and 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. Restrooms are available here.
Next (likely ~10:15 a.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, which, if we continue to have a dry summer and fall, may include excellent natural shorebird habitat. Regardless, we will also conduct a walking tour of the Reserve, focusing on unique birds, 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. No restrooms are available at this stop.
Around noon, 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 first eat lunch there. You can bring your own lunch, or you can sign up for a hot, family-style catered lunch from Jerri’s Bakery & Southern Kitchen (price of $20/person includes tax and tip; menu is baked chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetable soup, and cornbread). Please bring your own beverage (tap water will be available). We will have some disposable plates & forks etc. available, but please consider bringing your own re-usables to reduce waste, and please consider bringing some tupperware and a cooler to take home some leftovers (which are typically abundant). Please sign up for the lunch in advance below. Restrooms are available at this site.
After lunch, we’ll tour the Four Winds Refuge by vehicle, stopping periodically to enjoy the birds and other diverse nature. This time of year, we expect to have excellent shorebird habitat, and we will take advantage to focus on shorebird identification skills. We will also see numerous herons & egrets, with a good chance to spot Roseate Spoonbills and Wood Storks.
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, where there may be an opportunity to tromp in the mud to get close to migratory shorebirds.
Directions: The Sky Lake WMA Boardwalk, where the trip will begin, 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 space is limited and advance registration is requested—please click the “Register” button below. To make an optional donation to support our conservation and outreach programs, please click here. If you have difficulty with the registration process, please just send us an e-mail (dwindbirds@gmail.com).
Ancient bald cypress tree at Sky Lake WMA Boardwalk