Premium ContentMouse over Home then click on Premium Content for information.This is a good time of year to spread your wings and take a drive into the countryside.
The spring waterfowl, sandhill crane and raptor migrations are getting under way, and it's abundantly evident at DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge north of Omaha.
A count conducted the middle of last week found 238 bald eagles at the refuge. That's one of the largest numbers of eagles ever recorded there.
The eagles are attracted to the refuge's wetland and river habitats, said Ken Block, visitor services manager.
The refuge provides a resting and feeding spot for the migrating eagles. Fish kills in landlocked pools left by receded Missouri River floodwater provide plenty of easy pickings for the eagles, he said.
With so many eagles congregating on the refuge, there is a good chance for visitors to spot one, said Ashley Berkler Danielson, visitor services specialist.
Eagles are being seen perched in trees along the river, from visitor center windows and from the Bob Starr Wildlife Overlook. They are most easily spotted along the tour road near the river.
Stop at the visitor center for more information on where to spot the eagles or to get a refuge map.
Eagles can be seen all along the river valley, but DeSoto provides a sanctuary for migratory birds and excellent viewing opportunities, Danielson said.
Bring binoculars or spotting scopes for the best viewing because eagles may be a distance from the road. Other migrating bird species at the refuge include common goldeneye, common merganser, mallard and Canada geese.
DeSoto is south of U.S. Highway 30 between Missouri Valley, Iowa, and Blair, Neb.
The visitor center reopened last month after closing in June during the river flooding. It is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except federal holidays.
The refuge features wildlife exhibits, viewing galleries over DeSoto Lake and chances to observe birds at active bird feeders. The extensive Steamboat Bertrand museum collection of artifacts, which was evacuated prior to the flood, is being conserved at an off-site location and will not be on display until further notice.
A representative selection of Bertrand artifacts and historical exhibits detailing the steamboat era on the Missouri is available in the visitor center.
Wildlife films are shown each weekend at noon, 1:30 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. Sunday's film is "It's A Hoot!," about eagles, owls and birds of prey.
Duck race closes boat, sports and travel show
Wear your rain gear if you're going to the Omaha Boat, Sports and Travel Show's final day Sunday.
The Great American Duck Race exhibition is making a big splash — literally — at CenturyLink Center.
Robert and Kathy Duck's popular web-footed racers take to the event like, well, ducks to water.
Kids selected from the crowd hold mallards at one end of a shallow pool and release them in a spray of wings and water down a 16-foot-lane to the finish line.
The ducks know the drill. It's worth the price of CenturyLink admission to see about 40 ducks waddle — on their own — from their display pen to a prerace holding pen when they hear the call to the post music and "Disco Duck" play over a loudspeaker.
"Only in America," said Duck, his real name, of Bosque Farms, N.M.
The boat, sports and travel show features guides and lodge owners lined up to help families, anglers and hunters plan vacation trips. The hall is filled with boats and recreational vehicles. The entertainment lineup includes lumberjacks, professional fishermen and hunters and menageries of kangaroos, dogs, fish and exotic birds.
Show hours Sunday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students under 18 and all special needs visitors. Children under 5 are free.
Contact the writer:
402-444-1127, david.hendee@owh.com
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