Seasons of Wildlife
March – June: Neotropical migrants arrive and fill the forest with their songs. Copper iris (Iris fulva) blooming along forested creeks (April). Mississippi kites return and can be seen soaring over the treetops (April).
July – August: Shady forests provide some relief from the unrelenting summer heat—but watch out for the mosquitoes!
September – October: Marbled salamanders begin moving to breeding sites and laying eggs under logs.
November – February: Waterfowl concentrate to feed in flooded fields and roost in flooded bottomland hardwood forest.
Featured Species
Dahomey National Wildlife Refuge is the largest contiguous tract of bottomland hardwood forest in northwest Mississippi. This type of forest habitat is subject to seasonal flooding that creates lush and fertile soil from the depositing of sediments. During the flooding events, flooded forests provide important habitat for overwintering waterfowl. The excess water recharges vernal pools and provides important habitat for a variety of amphibians. Large numbers of migratory songbirds including red-eyed vireos, painted buntings, and prothonotary warblers are attracted to the forest in summer months.