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News -
What's New at the lake
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Written by USACOE
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Tuesday, 21 October 2008 16:21 |
MARK TWAIN LAKE – October 20, 2008----Mark Twain Lake's 3,000 acre waterfowl
refuge is closed to boating and/or waterfowl hunting during duck season,
October 25 to December 23, 2008. This resting area allows the migrants to
feed and rest before continuing their journey to wintering grounds.
Mark Twain Lake’s waterfowl refuge, located on portions of the Middle Fork
and Elk Fork Area is made up of various habitats, appealing to various
migrating birds. Deep pools of water are feeding grounds for the diving
birds and a safe resting area for other birds. Shallow water flood plains
become feeding areas for dabbler's (mallards) and long-legged shore birds.
The exposed mud flats hold many insects and invertebrates for the
short-legged shorebirds. Flooded dead snag trees become roost and viewing
towers for the double-crested cormorants and bald eagles.
When people think of a refuge; they envision thousands of geese and ducks
taking to wing from a large body of water. National Refuges started in 1903
by Theodore Roosevelt. The first refuge was setup to protect the brown
pelican population. Refuges establish suitable habitat for nesting purpose,
as wintering grounds, or as a stopover for migrants.
Waterfowl can be seen and heard in the spring and fall moving in
large flocks to nesting and wintering area. After traveling thousands of
miles, the migrants need to stopover to feed and rest. Though our refuge
holds waterfowl, usually species such as the double-crested cormorants, bald
eagle, and white pelicans can be found there. For more information about our
refuge contact Mark Twain Lake Project Office at 20642 Highway J, Monroe
City, MO 63456 or phone (314)735-4097.
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