Wildlife Observation and Photography
Great River is centrally located along the Mississippi Flyway, a major route for migratory birds, affording visitors an excellent opportunity to see wildlife. Over 200 species of birds visit the refuge throughout the year. October, November, March, and April are the best months to see large concentrations of waterfowl. Shorebird and warbler migrations usually peak around the first week of May.
Yellow-bellied water snake
Bald eagles are common in the winter as they gather near the river to feed in open water areas. Herons and egrets are commonly seen during the summer feeding in refuge wetlands. Deer, squirrel, raccoon, muskrat, turkey, beaver, skunk, and opossum are year-round residents, but are now always easy to spot. River banks are a good place to look for a variety of wildlife - from muskrats and beavers to turtles and frogs. Turkeys and white-tailed deer are sometimes seen in fields and forests.
There are currently no specific facilities on the refuge for photography, although visitors are encouraged to participate in this use along with their wildlife viewing and bird watching activities.
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