The steel footbridge and willow pocket at the southeast corner of the park is a good spot to check for migrating birds in spring and fall, particularly if water is flowing through the storm channel below the bridge. Sparrows and buntings are regular here. On the west side, look through the large eucalyptus trees at the concrete spillway between the large lake and the smaller pond. Warblers, tanagers, and orioles may be found, especially if the eucalyptus leaves are infested by Lerp Psyllids. Winter brings a number of gulls to the area and a few different species have been found on the lake. When water levels are lower and the shoreline is exposed, shorebirds will be present including yellowlegs, dowitchers, and peeps. Jim May Park has one of the largest Great-tailed Grackle colonies in the county.

In fall and winter, an odd goose is a possibility among the regular waterfowl and coots. Cackling, Ross's, and Greater White-fronted Goose have been recorded here. American White Pelicans may be present. White-faced Ibis is an occasional visitor. Least Terns, a rare sight inland, have turned up over the lake in summer. Rarities include Bald Eagle, Sabine's Gull, White-winged Dove, Common Moorhen, Tundra Swan, Eastern Phoebe, Vermilion Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting, Northern Waterthrush, and Summer Tanager.

Jim May Park is located at 809 Stanford Dr. in northeast Santa Maria. Exit the 101 Freeway at Donovan Rd. and head north on N. Carlotti Dr., and left on Stanford Dr.

Suggested Hotspot boundaries: Borges Dr. (north), Ida Taylor Elementary School (east), Stanford Dr., (south), US 101 Freeway (west)

There is usually plenty of parking along the street in front of the park or just to the east along Stanford Dr. The park is rarely crowded at any time. Jim May Park features two large bodies of water - a sizeable lake at around 11 acres, and a smaller pond to the west next to the 101 Freeway. A wide, flat pathway and sidewalk encircles the entire lake and is accessible from the south through the park, or from the north shoreline along the length of Borges Dr. A concrete spillway separates the two ponds and makes up part of the walking path at the west end. The park features an elevated viewing platform which allows a good vantage point above the water to observe waterfowl, gulls, flying swallows, or raptors overhead. Water levels remain consistent throughout the year, but will increase during winter storms, or decrease when the city Public Works Dept. diverts water through the storm channel at the east end away from the lake.

The park contains a playground, picnic table and barbeque reservation area.

Loop walking path around the large lake.