2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 763-389-3323 |
On the Refuge restored wetlands, commonly referred to as impoundments or pools, as well as natural lakes and wetlands, provide homes for many species of wildlife including waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, mammals, frogs, turtles, and salamanders. Wetlands are scattered throughout the other two Refuge habitats, oak savanna and big woods, in their low lying areas, and comprise about one-third of the Refuge acreage. Some of the more easily seen wetland species include the mallard, blue-winged teal, wood duck, great blue heron, red-winged blackbird, leopard frog, and painted turtle. The more persistent and cautious observer may spot some of our less conspicuous species - common loon, American bittern, sora rail, several species of sandpipers, marsh wrens, beaver, mink, or Blanding's turtle.
Although most of the wetlands are shallow and freeze out in the winter, some are capable of supporting populations of northern pike, warm water panfish, minnows, and rough fish, which attract migrating ospreys and bald eagles. In 1983, a pair of bald eagles produced two eaglets, the first successful nesting of this species in central Minnesota in over 30 years. The Refuge now hosts five active pairs of bald eagles. The Refuge wetlands also provide habitat for 30-35 nesting pairs of sandhill cranes. This number has grown from the one pair known to be on the Refuge at the time of its establishment. Sherburne has also become a staging area for migrating sandhill cranes during fall migration.
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge has 23 restored wetlands, or impoundments, where the water level can be manipulated. These impoundments are managed by controlling the water level. Not all of the impoundments are kept at the same depth. Water management by controlled fluctuations creates a variety of habitats to provide for a diversity of wildlife requirements.
