Wildlife
Watching
Shoveler Pond
Wildlife enthusiasts in search of purple gallinule, marsh wren, American
bittern, waterfowl and a lot of alligators will most definitely enjoy
the two and a half mile Shoveler Pond auto tour. While on the loop, check
out the 750' boardwalk or the wildlife friendly overlook made of recycled
plastic. The boardwalk offers visitors an opportunity to be immersed in
the cane; get a water-level view of life in the marsh; and stroll among
a multitude of wetland wildlife -- all on the new accessible boardwalk!
Anahuac NWR map (106 KB)
The Willows
This seemingly insignificant stand of willow trees provides crucial habitat
for many of the neotropical migrants exhausted after their 600 mile journey
across the Gulf of Mexico. Spring migration has been known to produce 17 species
of migrants in a single tree! Internationally known, the Willows is a must
for those looking for warblers, tanagers and vireos in the midst of spring
migration.
Moist Soil Units
Designed for the benefit of birds, these wetland units are excellent habitat
for a variety of species. During the winter months large concentrations of
waterfowl can often be found feeding on native plants like sprangletop and
duck potato. In the spring and summer, the units are flooded for pair and
brood habitat for nesting mottled ducks and fulvous whistling ducks, as well
as to provide habitat for migrating shorebirds. Roseate spoonbills, egrets,
ibis and herons are just some of the wading birds that will make use of the
wetland year-round. Visitors can easily enjoy views of the units from adjacent
roads and a newly constructed overlook.
Skillern
Tract
The entrance road to this 300 acre tract runs through rice fields and
moist soil units, areas that support large numbers of shorebirds, wading
birds and waterfowl. The north parking area provides a covered overlook
to view wildlife, and access to a one-mile stretch of trail along the
bayou. The wooded banks of East Bay Bayou are great spots to enjoy hummingbirds,
warblers and so much more. Access to this trail is also available at the
south parking area, where you can also launch a canoe or kayak for excellent
wildlife viewing from the water. It is easy to overlook this tract so
make sure you do not miss it on your visit to Anahuac NWR!
* The Skillern tract is located seven miles east of the main entrance
on FM 1985.*
Skillern Tract map (76 KB)
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