Prothonotary Warbler (photo by Larry Pace)
There are distinct activities on the morning and afternoon of Saturday April 11th; participants can sign up for either or both (see registration links at bottom of this page). Throughout, we’ll learn all about birds and other wildlife, plants, wetlands, and the ecological connections among them, with Sky Lake and surrounding landscapes as our outdoor classroom.
Overview:
Saturday morning (8:30am): Birding and nature tour at Four Winds Refuge
Lunch (~11:30am): Optional group lunch at Fiesta Grill Mexican Restaurant in nearby Belzoni
Saturday afternoon (1:30pm): Guided paddle (canoe/kayak) tour around the south end of Sky Lake
Saturday morning: Birding at Four Winds Refuge
Beginning at 8:30 a.m., we’ll meet for a nature and birding tour of Four Winds Refuge, a private recreational property where former catfish ponds are now being managed by the owners for diverse wildlife, including shorebirds, marsh birds, and diverse wading birds such as ibis, night-herons, and egrets. We’ll tour the refuge by safari-style vehicle caravan, stopping periodically to enjoy the birds and other diverse nature. If you have a truck with an open bed, it would be great if participants could ride in the back. Restrooms are available at this site.
Lunch: Around 11:30 a.m., we’ll wrap up our birding and (for those interested) head into Belzoni for lunch at Fiesta Grill Mexican Restaurant. Alternatively, participants may choose to bring their own lunches and head directly for the picnic pavilion at the Sky Lake WMA Boardwalk, where the afternoon paddle will take place.
Saturday afternoon paddle tour (free):
Beginning at 1:30 p.m., we’ll guide a kayak/canoe tour around the south end of Sky Lake, accessed via the DWB Sky Lake Nature Reserve property (find directions here). We’ll likely get great looks at Prothonotary Warblers (aka Golden Swamp Canaries) newly arrived on their nesting grounds. There are no restrooms available at this site.
We have a limited number of extra boats (2-3 person canoes and 1-person kayaks) (free) for this paddle tour. If you would like to borrow one of our boats, or be paired up in a boat with someone else, please register for that option below.
Although the paddle tour is free, advance registration is required (see below)
Food, bathrooms, and other details: There will be restrooms available at Four Winds Refuge. Don't forget sunscreen, especially for Four Winds Refuge. Bug spray is recommended if you tend to be a bug magnet. Extra socks, shoes, and a change of clothes is highly recommended for the boat trip.
Directions: Directions to Four Winds Refuge will be provided by email in advance of the event. Directions to the DWB Nature Reserve for the paddle trip can be found here.
World Catfish Festival: On that Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the World Catfish Festival will be taking place in downtown Belzoni. There will be live music, food vendors, and booths with arts & crafts. If you’re only joining us for half the day, then we recommend visiting the festival the other half! Otherwise, make sure to navigate around Belzoni if you want to avoid the traffic.
DWB Delta Nature Murals: In 2024, DWB commissioned the painting of two spectacular nature murals in the town of Belzoni, featuring the natural & human heritage of the Delta, especially of nearby Sky Lake. Please visit them on your way to or from this event! Both can be seen when you are driving east on Jackson Street, from Hwy 49, into Belzoni. Learn a bit more about the murals here: link.
If you are able, please consider a (100% optional) donation, which helps us to pay for liability insurance and other costs associated with these outreach events. To make a donation, please click here.
Please join us for part or all of this free, guided field trip to the Sky Lake area. Participants are welcome to come and go as desired. Please see the Event page for details.
Join us for a canoe/kayak tour of the Sky Lake boardwalk paddle trail. Please indicate whether you will bring your own boat, or need to borrow one. See our Event page for details.