Squaw Creek NWR

Took a "little" road trip to escape our cabin-fever feeling. What we both miscalculated was the distance ... we've taken the route several times ... but time needed just did not come into play! Since we don't wear watches and didn't take the GPS we had not a clue. We did however have our binoculars as we were setting out to do some "Eagle Watching" at "Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge" near Mound City Missouri. It was a beautiful sunny day (55F), traffic was light and our vehicle had a full tank.

It was after two hours of driving, and finally looking at the map, we realized that our destination was two-thirds of the way to Kansas City ... should have packed an overnight bag! When we got to the refuge we had less than two hours to explore as gates automatically closed at five (leaving home after lunch probably did not help). We chose the auto-tour, which took us around the perimeter of the lake. There were several walking/hiking tours, but many were closed for the season.

There were literally hundreds of beaver lodges on the lake, of course no one came out to greet us, but it was very interesting to see. I'd like to go back when weather is warmer to have the opportunity to see one of the little critters in action!



As we made our way around the lake we saw countless ducks and geese.  Imagine our surprise when these Trumpeter Swans came into view, and yes they do make a trumpet like sound and are such beautiful and graceful birds.

We were able to see an occupied eagle's nest ... with an adult head visible. Also spotted a golden eagle perched high up in a tree. Passed a vehicle stopped along the roadside, and when an individual stepped out we saw what looked like an adult and immature bald eagle take off in flight. We watched them through the dense tree growth flying toward a clearing. Probably got startled ... darned tourists anyway.

Did see several unoccupied eagle nests and have learned that the eagles are migratory visiting the refuge in early December. Park website statistics as of January 13th show that there were still 66 eagles on site ... so we considered ourselves lucky to have seen just a few of them.

A good trip --- next time though we'll take the camera, GPS and pack an overnight bag!!!