[mou] Miss. R. Pool 8 Waterfowl: Numbers & location

[fred lesher]

Someone has asked for the location of Pool 8 on the
Miss. R. and clarification of numbers of waterfowl.

Pool 8 extends south from LaCrosse, WI/LaCrescent, MN
to near Genoa, WI/Reno, MN. This includes parts of
LaCrosse/Vernon Cos. WI from Hwy 35 and Houston Co.,
MN from Hwy 26.

Best viewing is from Hwy 26 south of Brownsville, MN
to Reno, MN (tiny, don't blink; you will miss it) at
the west end of Dike 8 (south end of Pool 8). A few
birds will be close to shore until someone stops their
car, gets out, slams a door, and approaches the birds.
Most birds are a couple hundred yards out and up to
3/4 mile down the center of the pool, actually
extending from Shellhorn Bar & Grill south of
Brownsville nearly to Dike 8 at Genoa, WI. This is 3-4
miles. The stretch of Hwy 26 extends from Mile Markers
9 to 12, or so. The markers start at the MN/IA state
line north edge of New Albin, IA. MM 12 is near The
Shellhorn.

Numbers of Canvasbacks reach 70-80,000 and Tundra
Swans 8-9,000. Currently the numbers are declining but
there is still a grand show of concentrated waterfowl
to hear and see. This concentration has been growing
in recent years and the F&WS is studying how to
maintain this important waterfowl rest & refueling
stop.

The F&WS does weekly aerial surveys Pools 4-13
(Wabasha, MN to Clinton, IA) weather and budget
permitting. I do not think the talliers from the plane
can pick out every scoter or other small waterfowl in
low numbers like Ruddy Ducks. Contact your nearest
Upper Miss. Refuge office for info. The tally sheet is
available on line and MN & WI fall season compilers
should take a look at it.

Stop for lunch or coffee at The Copper Penny in
Brownsville and tell them Fred sent you.

Fred Lesher, LaCrosse


		
__________________________________ 
Do you Yahoo!? 
All your favorites on one personal page – Try My Yahoo!
http://my.yahoo.com