Plan Your VisitSpringThe SummerBy early summer, geese and ducks have hatched. seen on ponds along with American coots and red-necked and pied-billed grebes. An active bald eagle nest can be observed from the Auto Tour Road. Northern harriers, red-tailed hawks, and American kestrels are commonly seen hunting over refuge fields. Osprey hunt for fish from the air while great blue herons wade in shallow water searching for fish and frogs on refuge ponds. Dippers flit among the rocks in Myrtle Creek. FallIn the mornings and evenings, beavers, coyotes, mule, and white-tailed deer might be seen. Osprey and shorebirds depart early in the season, while duck migration peaks in early November. Bald eagles arrive at the same time in search of sick or injured ducks that make an easy meal. WinterPonds freeze over by late November and remaining waterfowl move to the ice-free Kootenai River. They continue to feed in refuge grain fields. Bald eagles concentrate around the flocks of ducks. Rough-legged hawks hunt for mice on the uplands.
How do I Get to the Refuge?
Refuge Manager: Dianna Ellis The Refuge is open to visitors daily during daylight hours only. Office hours are weekdays 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. For further information contact: |
northward
waterfowl migration coincides with the thawing of refuge ponds in
late February. Tundra swans, Canada geese, and ducks stop on the
refuge to rest and feed while other birds begin their courtship
displays. Among the most spectacular displays are snipe "winnowing"
and ruffed grouse "drumming." By late spring, waterfowl,
bald eagles, osprey, and songbirds are nesting. Occasionally a visitor
may be fortunate enough to see a black bear, a moose or an elk.
Last updated:
March 31, 2009
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