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The Daily Bucket - My Mississippi stomping grounds. [1]

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Date: 2023-02-08

THE DAILY BUCKET IS A NATURE REFUGE. WE AMICABLY DISCUSS ANIMALS, WEATHER, CLIMATE, SOIL, PLANTS, WATERS AND NOTE LIFE’S PATTERNS. WE INVITE YOU TO NOTE WHAT YOU ARE SEEING AROUND YOU IN YOUR OWN PART OF THE WORLD, AND TO SHARE YOUR OBSERVATIONS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PURPOSE AND HISTORY OF THE DAILY BUCKET FEATURE, CHECK OUT THIS DIARY: DAILY BUCKET PHENOLOGY: 11 YEARS OF RECORDING EARTH'S VITAL SIGNS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOODS



I wanted to show the satellite view (the title image) before I presented this map. There are 5 distinct areas where I do my explorations. I count my home (and 1000 foot perimeter) as my backyard (the single red dot east of Oxford.) 90 % of my findings are observed there. I have maps of each of the other areas to show how much variety there is to encounter.

My home is on top of a ridge with mixed Pine and Hardwood trees that are 50 years or older. There is a major creek 600 feet east of me with a wide flood plain, a few lakes and swampy area. I have shown many of those areas in my videos. #2 spot on the map below is Puskus Lake in the Holly Springs National Forest. #3 is the University of Mississippi field Station, where there are 190 ponds established for aquatic studies. #4 is North Cypress Trail, a wooded wetland reserve of the National Forest. It is a non-motorized designated area and a raw, wooded wonderland.

A points on this map are within 5 miles of my home.

I have been spending a lot more time at Sardis Lake this winter. The three locations I visit are: #1 Hurricane Landing Recreation area, #2 MS Waterfowl Wildlife Refuge and #3 Lower Sardis lake. It is 22 miles distance to the lower lake area. You’ve seen the Bald Eagles and Pelicans that live in this spot. It is “off season” for much of the year and people are less likely to burden nature lovers this time of year.

I don’t visit Enid Lake often enough, but Hay seed does because he lives much closer (about 10 miles). #1 point is called Prophet’s Bridge. There is a lot of farm land near this small boat landing site. #2 and 3 are the Wildcat Break (a point of interest to Ducks Unlimited) and located on both sides of the Water Valley, MS. airport. Great water fowl area. #4 is the Water Valley Boat landing. It has a “day use” area, but for me, slipping in the marshy areas is best for finding unusual creatures.

Finally, there is Grenada Lake. This is the biggest area I cover because my select spots are so spread out. #1 is backwater areas that were formally farm land from 1850’s to 1920’s. I have over 140 acres of open area to chose the best observations. #2 is the lower dam control site. The channel spreads out into the first large flood plains of the Mississippi delta farm lands before they are channelized through the fields that stretch to the Mississippi River. #3 is mostly backwaters and swamps. There is little or no human activity (except boaters willing to risk underwater stumps.) This is the best breeding area I have within the 45 miles of travel I limit myself to. There is a risk because it is known locally as “The Badlands”; and for good reasons.

I know many of you have fantastic places to go for your activities. You have shown me some wonderful sites and outrageous wildlife that live there. I sure appreciate all those points that have been covered. I felt you needed to see that the dark and mysterious state of Mississippi is a great place to live and explore (in my opinion).

Now for a little music to spark your imagination.



Hay seed and I will be at work again today, but that will only delay me until I return later. Be well.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/2/8/2151643/-The-Daily-Bucket-My-Mississippi-stomping-grounds

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