Bitzke Birdwalk And Waterfowl Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Bitzke Birdwalk and Waterfowl Refuge is a wildlife sanctuary located in the state of Mississippi that offers visitors an opportunity to observe more than 250 species of birds.
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Summary
The refuge is a popular destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and photographers. Some of the main reasons to visit the sanctuary include its serene atmosphere, diverse species of birds, and the chance to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary is home to several points of interest, including the Bitzke Birdwalk, a 1.8-mile trail that winds through the refuge and offers visitors a chance to observe a variety of bird species. The walkway is wheelchair accessible, and benches are provided along the route to allow visitors to take a break and observe the birds. The sanctuary also offers visitors a chance to see waterfowl, reptiles, and other wildlife.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the sanctuary is named after the Bitzke family, who donated the land to the state of Mississippi in 1979. The refuge covers an area of 28 acres and is home to several unique bird species, including the Prothonotary Warbler, which is considered a threatened species.
The best time of year to visit the sanctuary is during the spring and fall migration seasons, which occur from mid-April to mid-May and late September to early November, respectively. During these times, visitors can observe a wide variety of bird species as they migrate through the area. However, the sanctuary is open year-round, and visitors can observe resident bird species and other wildlife at any time of the year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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