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Birds
Birds
Source: Dr. Bruce Manny, U.S. Geological Survey
Humbug Marsh has been an important area for duck hunting by local sportsmen for generations. For a time it was managed as duck habitat and a hunt club for executives of the nearby steel plant. The lower Detroit River and its wild celery beds are magnet for hundreds of thousands of driving ducks each year, including canvasbacks, redheads, buffleheads, and scaup. This area has been nominated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a focus area for enhancement and protection of fish and wildlife, especially waterfowl.
Humbug Marsh is part of the feeding grounds for bald eagles nesting across the river near the mouth of the Canard River. Bald eagles and osprey have been observed flying over and landing on trees near Humbug Marsh. The marsh serves as a stopping point in the annual migration of more than 17 species of raptors (birds of prey), including vultures, eagles, hawks, falcons, and kestrels, and 48 species of non-raptors, including loons, Great Blue Herons are reported to roost in the trees on Humbug Island.
In summary, Humbug Marsh and surrounding unique vegetation is essential habitat for a wide variety of fish, birds and other animals, such as whitetail deer, fox, raccoon, and furbearers.
Region 3, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
1 Federal Drive
BHW Federal Building
Fort Snelling, MN 55111
E-Mail Us!
R3 External AffairsDr. John H. Hartig, Refuge Manager
Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge
Large Lakes Research Station
9311 Groh Road
Grosse Ile, MI 48138
Phone: 734-692-7608 Fax: 734-692-7603
E-mail: john_hartig@fws.gov
Last updated:
July 9, 2008
