USA Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is 7440 acres of wetlands that is a resting, feeding and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. For approximately ten days each November, it is heavily populated (in the hundreds of thousands) with migrating geese, ducks and other birds and they are preyed upon by bald eagles (at times numbering over 400). During the rest of the year, it provides ample opportunity for photo opportunities for lesser numbers of migratory birds, bald eagles and resident muskrats.

A long telephoto is a must. Many of the photo opportunities are over three hundred yards away. There is a ten-mile loop around the refuge. Most photos are best taken from the vehicle, as the wildlife is used to vehicular traffic, but leery of people on foot. Go to the following link to see weekly waterfowl and bald eagle counts: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Loess_Bluffs/wildlife_and_habitat/waterfowl_count.html

I-29 to Mound City, Missouri. MO-159 exit and follow the signs.