the birds are
by Jim McCarty
A recent census of the Swan
Lake National Wildlife Refuge population revealed why the northwest Missouri
sanctuary is such a popular destination for bird watchers.
The census takers reported
89,000 snow geese, 75,000 mallard ducks, 118 bald eagles and lesser numbers
of ring billed gulls, buffleheads and other interesting species.
Congress established Swan Lake
in 1937 when dust bowl conditions obscured the future of our nation's
migratory waterfowl. The Civilian Conservation Corps turned 10,670 acres
of land into wetlands designed to provide them food and water for their
The original objective was
to provide a home for prairie chickens and ducks. But by 1941 800 geese
found the refuge. Each year their numbers have steadily increased to the
Visitors here can bird watch
using two spotting scopes placed here for visitors or can climb a unique
observation tower converted from a silo. There's a visitor's center that
helps explain the site's mission and hiking trails for closer looks.
Lake is located 12 miles south of Highway 36 at Sumner, which is home
to Maxie, the world's largest goose (left). For more information call