In spring and early summer, Mayes Lake is the place to come to see the stunningly yellow Prothonotary Warbler (classified as a threatened species due to habitat loss) as it nests and raises young before returning to South and Central America for the fall and winter. Numerous other woodland species also nest here, as well as what is arguably Mississippi's most handsome year-around resident bird, the Wood Duck. At the Mayes Lake picnic grounds, Red Shouldered Hawks frequently nest near the stilt house. Mississippi Kites are regularly seen in the spring and summer over the river. You will likely hear a Barred Owl, even if you are not lucky enough to see one. Spring migration can be good, but the best migration is in the fall during September and October, when numerous migrating warblers may be seen (including Magnolias, Redstart, Chestnut-sided, Canada) and migrating Baltimore Orioles and Scarlet Tanagers. In September check all the lakes (including those on the road to the campground) for Wood Storks and White Ibis which frequently arrive during "post-breeding dispersal". Both the spring and fall migration nearly always brings surprises.
