Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City, Missouri (Missouri)
Description
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in extreme northwest Missouri near the city of Mound City. It was created in 1934 primarily as a stopover for migrating waterfowl. One of the main attractions is the huge numbers of Snow Geese which use the refuge on the spring and fall migrations. Approximately 400,000 Snow Geese have been observed using this area during these migration times. In recent years there have been increasing numbers of Ross's Geese mixed in with the Snow Geese. There are two phases of Snow Geese present in these flocks. The "white" phase predominates the "blue" phase with approximately 2/3 of the flock being the "white" phase. American Bald Eagles accompany these vast flocks feeding on sick and injured birds. Very large numbers of other waterfowl can also be found passing through the area. The numbers only diminishing during the summer months. Coots, moorhens, herons, egrets, ibis and a large array of shorebirds also find the refuge favorable to their needs. In addition to the above there are many of the songbirds which call the refuge home. Abundant Wild Turkey, Ring-necked Pheasant and Northern Bobwhite can be found on the refuge. Hunting is not allowed on the refuge, except for a three day hunt in some years in the month of January. This hunt is conducted occasionally to maintain a deer herd of about 600, as the deer would cause irreparable damage to the habitat if not managed.
