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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 218-768-2402 |
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge, containing over 18,000 acres, is located in the bog country of north-central Minnesota.
It is an important resting and feeding area for migratory waterfowl, especially ring-necked ducks.
The refuge is located in the transition zone between the coniferous forests of northern Minnesota and the hardwood forests of the southern part of the state.
Habitat varies from open water to heavily forested uplands. Scattered grasslands, brushlands, small lakes and croplands result in a variety of bird species.Many species of waterfowl, waterbirds and songbirds nest on the refuge.
The 4,500-acre Rice Lake is noted for its extensive wild rice beds, an important waterfowl food.
Waterfowl are best observed in September and October, and again in April and May.
Of special interest are the large numbers of ring-necked and other waterfowl in the fall.
Click here to view the latest waterfowl counts.The following list contains 227 species which have been observed at Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Another 15 species are listed which have been seen on the refuge, but are not normally expected to be present. The English, or common, names of birds are in accordance with the American Ornithologist's Union's "Checklist of North American Birds," revised in 1996.
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