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2009 Federal Duck Stamp Contest 6975 Mower Road Phone: 989-777-5930 |
Refuge Wildlife
A variety of wildlife awaits you at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge!
Important Bird Area
The refuge's diverse habitats and land management practices result in a great variety of wildlife species occurring here. Over 200 species of migratory birds (277 total recorded species), including raptors, shore and wading birds, and more than 100 songbird species visit the refuge annually. Shiawassee NWR is designated as a United States Important Bird Area for its global significance to migratory waterfowl. During peak populations usually in late October, up to 20,000 Canada geese and 30,000 ducks are present.
View the Refuge's bird list
Other Birding Opportunities
For other birding opportunities in the Saginaw Bay area, see www.saginawbaybirding.org
Wetland and Wildlife Management
The large central portion of the refuge is composed of managed wetlands. Controlling the level of water in these areas is the refuge's most important wildlife management objective. Using dikes, pumps, and gravity flow structures, the staff floods or drains these wetlands in order to achieve desirable conditions. A variety of wetland types are maintained including marshes, bottomland hardwood forests, wet meadows, and seasonally flooded impoundments. Each of these has its own distinct community of birds, plants, and other life that depend upon it throughout the year.
Farming is another wildlife management tool you see used on parts of the refuge. Farmers harvest a portion of the crop, leaving the rest in the field for wildlife to use as a food source.
Wildlife Comes First
Wildlife enthusiasts may see or hear a variety of animals and birds when they visit the refuge. Please remember that the refuge is for wildlife first. Visitors may not enter "Closed Areas" to get a closer look at wildlife. It's because of these wildlife sanctuaries that so many species are attracted to the refuge. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife from the trails and even the parking lots. Occasionally, special guided wildlife tours are offered by refuge staff and/or volunteers. Please contact the refuge for more information.
Refuge invertebrates (PDF file - 27 KB)
Refuge wildlife (PDF file - 80 KB)
Wildlife Viewing Tips
Although there are no guarantees that you will see wildlife while visiting the refuge, there are some things that you can do to greatly increase your chances.
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Be quiet - animals can be scared off easily
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Be patient - don't expect to see everything in the first few minutes
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Time your visit - wildlife are more active in the morning and evening
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Use binoculars and cameras
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Bring field guides to help you identify what you see
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Do not chase or harass wildlife - observe nature without changing animal behavior
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Respect others - don't spook wildlife being viewed by others
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Be prepared for insect pests and poison ivy
For more information contact:
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone: 989-777-5930
or e-mail us at Shiawassee@fws.gov
