Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat


Upper Mississippi River refuge celebrates 100 years of protection for fish, wildlife and habitat
The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges. High up on a bluff above the Mississippi River, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist positions a spotting scope to get a closer view of a marsh. It’s teeming with ducks. Mallards, northern pintails and gadwalls dunk the front halves of their bodies under the surface to reach aquatic plants and mollusks. Further out, near the main river channel, a flotilla of American White Pelicans catch fish in their yellow bills, while Canada Geese fly in v-formations above. In November, colder temperatures will draw even more birds, including tundra swans, says Billy Reiter-Marolf. “Just in this area alone, we counted a peak of about 350,000 birds,” he said. “… Up and down the refuge, we get millions of waterfowl throughout the fall migration.”... ...more
Our Sponsors - - Volume: 24 - WEEK: 100 Date: 11/4/2024 12:37:41 PM -

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is the core of a major flyway for migrating birds and one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts saved it from being drained 100 years ago, but the next century brings new challenges.

High up on a bluff above the Mississippi River, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist positions a spotting scope to get a closer view of a marsh. It’s teeming with ducks.

Mallards, northern pintails and gadwalls dunk the front halves of their bodies under the surface to reach aquatic plants and mollusks. Further out, near the main river channel, a flotilla of American White Pelicans catch fish in their yellow bills, while Canada Geese fly in v-formations above.

In November, colder temperatures will draw even more birds, including tundra swans, says Billy Reiter-Marolf.

“Just in this area alone, we counted a peak of about 350,000 birds,” he said. “… Up and down the refuge, we get millions of waterfowl throughout the fall migration.”...
...more