Flights of mallards landing in the sloughs and oxbows each winter serve as a reminder of Little River NWR's primary purpose to preserve the bottomland hardwood forests for migratory waterfowl on the Central Flyway. In addition to the plentiful mallards arriving for a winter stay, gadwall, wigeon and green-winged teal also seek the forested waters. Wood ducks remain throughout the summer to nest in cavities within large cypress trees. (FWS images)