Eufaula NWR Wildlife Calendar -- Wildlife Viewing Year-Round
|
January
|
Waterfowl numbers peak in early January. There are a variety of duck species including mallards, gadwall, green-winged teal, ring-necked ducks, wood ducks, hooded mergansers, widgeons, northern shovelers. Canada geese, snow and white-fronted geese can be seen. Sandhill crane sightings are common. Refuge duck hunts and archery-deer hunts are in progress. Fishing activity is slow. |
|
February
|
Waterfowl numbers rapidly decline, resident geese remain in area. Wood ducks begin nesting. The ospreys are visible on their nests. Great blue heron and great egrets become active in several rookeries. Rabbit and squirrel hunting available and warm weather initiates interest in fishing. |
|
March
|
Wood ducks and low numbers of other duck species visible. Blue-winged teal and shorebirds pass through area. Wading bird rookeries are quite active. Fishing fever is rampant. Planting of agricultural fields begin; water levels in impoundments are lowered. |
|
April
|
Neotropical migrant songbirds are migrating through. Rookeries are very active as are other nesting species. Eagles from local nests are busy fishing to feed young. Wild flowers and butterflies are abundant as fresh spring air fills the countryside. Fishing remains good. |
|
May
|
Most wildlife species are busy raising young. Neotropical migrant songbirds are completing migration with some nesting on refuge. Alligators are really visible and fishing continues to be good. Mild weather makes transition into warm early summer. |
June |
While wading birds are still active in rookeries, the endangered wood stork makes its summer visit. Deer peak at dropping fawns. Alligators are nesting while fishing slows somewhat. Wood duck broods can be seen |
July
|
Typically, July begins the driest months of the year and weather is making a transition to warm nights and hot days. The easiest seen wildlife includes wading birds, raptors, deer, alligators and songbirds; wood storks. |
August
|
Hot weather dominates. The best time to see wildlife is early morning and late afternoon. Blue-winged teal begin the long migration to South America. Wood ducks are forming small flocks after nesting season. Low water levels in reservoir provide good feeding for wading and shorebirds. |
September
|
Migrant birds begin southward movement. Shorebirds, swallows and many neotropical migrants move through the area. A few early waterfowl arrive; wood storks are still here. |
October
|
Refuge begins flooding impoundments. Waterfowl numbers increase. Wood storks leave the area returning to north Florida. Fall fishing for bass can be good if water levels are stable. A dove hunt, youth deer hunt and archery deer hunt is provided. The refuge participates in a National Wildlife Refuge Week celebration. |
November
|
Several thousand waterfowl including resident geese are on refuge by month's end. Sandhill cranes arrive for several months' stay. Wading birds are seen in shallows; raptors are seen perched along roads. Youth deer hunt ends, archery deer hunt continues and waterfowl hunts start. |
December
|
Weather fluctuates between cold and mild temperatures. Waterfowl approach peak numbers made up of a wide variety of species. Wildlife viewing at observation towers and auto drive are popular during holidays. Waterfowl and archery hunts continue. |
