Birding Hotspots / Around the Barnett Reservoir

The Barnett Reservoir is a 33,000-acre impoundment of the Pearl River. It is located six miles northeast of Jackson and extends through Hinds, Rankin, and Madison counties. The western shore of the lake is bounded by the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. The northern end is bordered by Hwy 43 at the Pearl River Bridge and the southern end by the spillway at Spillway Road/Lake Harbor Drive. The eastern border is accessed at the intersection of Hwy 43 and Hwy 471 south.

 In winter, waterfowl, grebes, and cormorants are common birding attractions, along with hawks and Bald Eagles (5 nesting pairs in 2023), and possible 400 to 600 White Pelicans that congregate in flocks up the Pearl River north of the Reservoir. The spillway and secluded locations around the reservoir, such as Pelahatchie Bay, are also likely locations for White Pelicans. Large concentrations of Forster’s Terns, gulls, and egrets can be seen most winter days fishing along with the fisherfolk at the spillway and Main Harbor Marina. After stopping at the marina, continue to Red Dot Road, Madison Landing, Old Trace Park, and follow the Natchez Trace north along the western boundary of the Reservoir stopping at various spots along the way to Hwy 43. Turn right (east) on Hwy 43 to the Turcotte Bird Observatory to see an impoundment full of ducks and other waterbirds. Continue east on Hwy 43, turning right on Hwy 471. Travel south to Spillway Road turning right toward the Reservoir Botanical Gardens.

Areas surrounding the reservoir have hosted many rarities in recent years, including Limpkin, Magnificent Frigatebird (blown north on hurricane winds), Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Great Cormorant, Eared Grebe, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, and at the spillway, a Sabine’s Gull, and a Black-legged Kittiwake. Red Dot Road, a fishing jetting near Main Harbor Marina is a great overlook to spot rarities.

The reservoir is also the site of the annual Jackson Audubon Christmas Bird Count with the location of the count circle in the center of the reservoir. Much development has occurred since the reservoir was completed in 1963 but we still tally an average of 100+ species on count day.