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2009 FEDERAL DUCK STAMP CONTEST
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Wildlife Information
Click to view Weekly Bird Counts
Birds
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Each fall, numerous bald eagles can be seen at DeSoto Refuge during migration season. Some eagles remain around the refuge all winter. Peak numbers of bald eagles usually occur in late November and December, and again in early March. More than 140 have been observed at one time. Eagles are often found perched in cottonwoods along DeSoto Lake and the Missouri River when waterfowl are present. |
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DeSotos woods and prairies attract a variety of songbirds, with at least 240 species having been recorded on the
refuge. During migration periods, shorebirds, warblers, gulls, herons, and egrets abound. White pelicans and cormorants
usually stop in the area for several weeks during their migrations. Orioles, dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows and other
sonbirds are common too. Some species such as turkeys, pheasants, blue jays, cardinals and woodpeckers are year-round
residents.
Bird List |  |
Mammals
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Approximately 500 white-tailed deer make the refuge their home. Many local visitors drive the roads at dusk to see
the deer grazing in the fields. Other mammals found in woods and fields include cottontail rabbits, raccoons, skunks,
badgers, coyotes, opossums, and fox squirrels. Backwater areas of DeSoto Lake and several managed wetlands serve as
habitat for beaver, muskrat, and mink. Foxes, weasels and other animals also occur on the refuge. Overall, about 30
species of mammals have actually been identified on DeSoto.
Mammal List |
Fish
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There are two main communities of fish that occur on DeSoto those species that occur in DeSoto Lake, many of which
are stocked for their sport-fishing qualities, and the naturally-occurring riverine species that are found in the Missouri
River. DeSoto Lake contains a number of stocked game fish species, including largemouth and white bass, black and white
crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, green sunfish, and walleye. Among the rough-fish whose populations have
grown in recent years are carp, buffalofish, and gizzard shad. Gizzard shad and carp dominate the lake's biomass and are
undoubtedly providing a considerable food source for predator fish.
Fish List |  |
More than 80 species of fish are found in the lower Missouri River and may possibly occur within the reach that bisects
DeSoto Refuge, including one or more species of sturgeons, gars, chubs, carp, shiners, catfishes, basses, crappies and
minnows. The endangered pallid sturgeon makes the river its home and the refuge works to support recovery efforts.
Reptiles and Amphibians
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Fourteen reptile species, including several snakes, turtles and one lizard, are residents of the refuge. At least
ten species of amphibians, including a number of frogs, toads and one salamander, have been recorded on the refuge.
Reptile/Amphib List |
Insects
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Scores of butterflies can be seen in woodlands and grasslands around the refuge. At least 60 species of butterflies
have been recorded on the refuge. Dragonflies, damselflies, and a host of other facinating insects are also found at
DeSoto. Butterfly List |  |
Special Status Species
DeSoto NWR has provided important habitat for threatened and endangered species since its inception. The bald eagle has
been an annual fall and winter visitor since the refuge was created and has nested on the refuge since 2002. The least
tern and piping plover were recorded nesters in the early years of the refuge but have not been observed in the last two
decades. The recently de-listed peregrine falcon has been a rare refuge visitor. In addition, Baird's sparrow, Henslow's
sparrow, black tern, and loggerhead shrike, are considered as species of concern in Region 3.
While only the pallid sturgeon is listed as Endangered at this time, a number of other native species are considered to
be in trouble due to the environmental changes in the Missouri River. The flathead chub is considered a species of
concern.
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Nestboxes
Visitors to DeSoto will notice the nest boxes scattered around the refuge. These structures provide nesting sites for
eastern bluebirds, trees swallows, wood ducks, screech owls and a few house wrens. In all, there are 48 bluebird/tree
swallow boxes and 80 wood duck boxes. Each year the bluebird boxes are monitored weekly from mid-April until August,
mostly by dedicated volunteers. Wood duck boxes are checked each fall to determine nesting success.
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Research
In order to gain more information about the influence of management actions on the wildlife of the refuge, a number of
research projects have been undertaken. One such study is focused on how the addition of new grasslands affects the bird
population. Another study will help us manage our wetlands by determining the best timing and depth of water to provide
habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds. A study of white-tailed deer populations has been conducted continuously for nearly
15 years. Much of the research conducted on the refuge is done in partnership with university professors and other
researchers while a good proportion is conducted by refuge staff.
Weekly Bird Counts
Each week during the year a standard route is driven around the refuge and all waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, game
birds, and birds of prey are counted. To see what birds are likely to be on the refuge during any season click on this
link Bird List.
Weekly Bird Counts
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