You really could not have asked for a better day, especially at the end of December in the Midwest. The sun was shining, the temperature was climbing through fifty degrees and although the wind was gusting quite heavily at times it did not dampen the fun at being out hiking and exploring this late into winter.
The Eagles Nest is a narrow piece of land bordered on both sides by the marshy wetlands that is maintained throughout the year to give migratory birds and other wildlife a place to rest and feed. Towards the end of the walk is a small observation tower that looks out over the area, a good vantage point to photograph eagles, geese, and any other wildlife that may be out and about. While I was helping my son Connor set up his camera to take a picture of two signs he found interesting, a juvenile eagle flew directly overhead. First one of the day.
There were relatively few vehicles considering how pleasant the weather was. The walk back to the road was difficult as it was directly into the wind’s onslaught. The sound of thousands of geese equaled the roar of the wind as we approached the car. It was a welcome relief to get out of the wind.
A little further down the road were several swans drifting lazily with the waves. Several cars were stopped while the drivers were taking pictures of the elegant birds. During the warmer seasons the refuge will be populated with several species of snakes, such as the black rat snake, blue racer, and water snakes. Even with the leaves gone from the trees and the grass is faded and brown, there is still a natural beauty about Squaw Creek.
The drive around the refuge is about ten miles around so there is plenty of opportunities to get out and see the natural order in progress. On the far side of the wetlands is a tree covered lane that offers a beautiful drive before the last leg of the drive.
Across Highway 159 is the nature center and a trail that climbs onto a sizable loess hill that overlooks the wetland area of the refuge and miles beyond. The first part of of the trail is a steady incline to a native prairie area that is stunning in winter and warmer months. From there the climb gets much steeper but there is a railing to assist with getting up the hill. It is only from the top that you realize the scope of Squaw Creek.
It does not matter how many times you drive around the Squaw Creek, there is always something new to see. Ducks, geese, eagles, snakes, and turtles to name but a few. If you are looking for a great place to take a family, enjoy the outdoors, and do not want to spend a fortune, then Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to go. Photographers and wildlife watchers will find plentiful opportunities for landscapes and wildlife.
The Eagles Nest is a narrow piece of land bordered on both sides by the marshy wetlands that is maintained throughout the year to give migratory birds and other wildlife a place to rest and feed. Towards the end of the walk is a small observation tower that looks out over the area, a good vantage point to photograph eagles, geese, and any other wildlife that may be out and about. While I was helping my son Connor set up his camera to take a picture of two signs he found interesting, a juvenile eagle flew directly overhead. First one of the day.
There were relatively few vehicles considering how pleasant the weather was. The walk back to the road was difficult as it was directly into the wind’s onslaught. The sound of thousands of geese equaled the roar of the wind as we approached the car. It was a welcome relief to get out of the wind.
A little further down the road were several swans drifting lazily with the waves. Several cars were stopped while the drivers were taking pictures of the elegant birds. During the warmer seasons the refuge will be populated with several species of snakes, such as the black rat snake, blue racer, and water snakes. Even with the leaves gone from the trees and the grass is faded and brown, there is still a natural beauty about Squaw Creek.
The drive around the refuge is about ten miles around so there is plenty of opportunities to get out and see the natural order in progress. On the far side of the wetlands is a tree covered lane that offers a beautiful drive before the last leg of the drive.
Across Highway 159 is the nature center and a trail that climbs onto a sizable loess hill that overlooks the wetland area of the refuge and miles beyond. The first part of of the trail is a steady incline to a native prairie area that is stunning in winter and warmer months. From there the climb gets much steeper but there is a railing to assist with getting up the hill. It is only from the top that you realize the scope of Squaw Creek.
It does not matter how many times you drive around the Squaw Creek, there is always something new to see. Ducks, geese, eagles, snakes, and turtles to name but a few. If you are looking for a great place to take a family, enjoy the outdoors, and do not want to spend a fortune, then Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place to go. Photographers and wildlife watchers will find plentiful opportunities for landscapes and wildlife.
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