Iroquois refuge readies for spring migration

Soon hundreds of thousands of birds will be winging northward again with many visiting Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama and Shelby. The refuge is a major stopover point for ducks, geese, raptors and many migratory songbirds en route to their nesting grounds. For some, Iroquois is their final destination, but for most, the refuge is a resting, feeding and staging area before continuing on to Canada or the Arctic.

Beginning March 1, most of the refuge will be closed to people. Areas that will remain open are: the Kanyoo and Onondaga nature trails; and the four parking lot overlooks (Cayuga, Ringneck, Mallard and Schoolhouse). Also, the Feeder Road will be open for walking and bicycles only. Swallow Hollow Nature Trail is still closed for repairs. Canoeing or other boats without motors are allowed on the Oak Orchard Creek only - conditions permitting, between Knowlesville Road and Route 63. Boats are not allowed on the marshes. The interior of the refuge, including dikes, fields, marshes, and some fishing areas are closed to people to allow the "wild things" the solitude they need.

Spring is the most critical time of year for birds as well as many other wildlife species. Migratory birds fly hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles between stops. Having a secluded, undisturbed resting place is essential to their survival. After the long winter, many resident mammals will need undisturbed places to feed and raise their young. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge provides 10,818 acres of wildlife habitat for this purpose.

The Visitor Center/Headquarters, which is open year-round, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays, will be extending its hours to weekends - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning March 16. Exhibits, information and live viewing of the nesting bald eagles are available during these hours.

For information contact: Refuge Manager, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013 or call 585-948-5445.