The Binocular Site
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Missouri
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of 7,350 acres in northwestern Missouri. The refuge was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. It was meant to be a refuge and breeding area for migrating birds and other types of wildlife. The refuge is named after Squaw Creek, which starts about 30 miles north of the refuge. The creek is dammed to form reservoirs throughout the refuge.
There are many activities available in the refuge. Fishing is permitted, but can be difficult due to the shallow water. Catching non-game fish is also permitted between March 15 and May 15, but only in years when water is released from the Eagle Pool outlet. Every year, a white-tailed deer hunt is held to control the population of the animals in the refuge, but a limited number of permits are available. Numerous wildlife observing and photography opportunities are also available, as well as educational programs provided by a full-time environmental educator.
Squaw Creek Refuge is home to 35 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 31 types of mammals. It is a popular site for birdwatchers as there are 301 species of birds in the refuge throughout the year. Several other birds stop to rest in the refuge while migrating in the spring and fall. During fall migrations, pelicans are usually the first to arrive in the refuge. It's also possible to see great blue herons, sandpipers, teal, pintails, and gadwalls. During peak season, approximately 100,000 ducks can be found, as well as 300,000 snow geese, and about 300 eagles, including the bald eagle.
See the Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge website for more information.
The state bird of Missouri is the Eastern Bluebird and you can find a checklist for birding activities in Missouri here.
Photo credit to jbphototon, used with permission under the creative commons license.
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