DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

[bigredmed1]

Was up at DeSoto bend on Saturday. Wildlife a plenty.
1 prairie hawk
1 adult bald Eagle
1 pelican
3 white tail antlerless deer
12 or so wild turkeys
20 or so Canada geese

[Bob from Omaha]

One of my favorite places. So well done and when a million geese take off and leave a fox in their dust it's amazing.

[Brad]

Thanks for the update. Couldn't tell you the last time I saw a Pelican in this area. I know they migrate through every year, but just haven't seen many the past two years. That said, saw a lot of them out in the Sandhills this past may.

[skinzfan23]

Is this still a peak area for geese? I remember when I was younger, we used to go there and there were thousands and thousands, but last time we went about 5 years ago, there were only maybe a few hundred.

[Brad]

Is this still a peak area for geese? I remember when I was younger, we used to go there and there were thousands and thousands, but last time we went about 5 years ago, there were only maybe a few hundred.

Seems like the peak time for the Snow Geese at DeSoto is in the spring on their way back north. The fall they end up at Loess Bluffs right around the first of December.

[skinzfan23]

Thanks Brad, that was going to be my next question. (when the peak time is)

[Coyote]

Ceremony to mark 50th anniversary of historical marker at site of Steamboat Bertrand

Officials are celebrating the 50th anniversary of a historical marker that sits at the site of a sunken steamboat. The marker, installed in 1972, commemorates the Steamboat Bertrand Discovery Site near DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. The discovery site is on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River. Contents recovered from the boat remain on display.

“The Bertrand’s a fascinating part of Nebraska — and even United States — history,” said Peter Rea, supervisory park ranger for DeSoto and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuges. “It’s a fascinating time capsule for that era.” The Bertrand, on the way from St. Louis to Montana, took off from Omaha on April 1, 1865. As it came around a treacherous bend, the boat snagged on a submerged log. All passengers were able to get off the boat before it sunk. Many of the items on the upper deck were salvaged. By the time crews came back to recover the Bertrand, it was covered by sediment from the Missouri River and written off as a loss, Rea said.

The steamboat sat underwater for more than 100 years. In 1968, two Omaha men set out to find the boat, hoping it still housed gold and mercury. They found the Bertrand, thanks to help from some old river maps. The boat was more than 30 feet underwater. The boat wasn’t structurally sound enough to be removed from the water. It still sits in what is now DeSoto Lake, which used to be a bend in the Missouri River channel. The cargo that was removed from the boat was in “remarkable condition,” Rea said. Items that were recovered included clothing as well as glass bottles that still held food such as pickles and cherries.

Unfortunately for the salvors, none of the cargo included gold or mercury. But, Rea said, they were able to “uncover a priceless treasure that’s now on display for future generations to look at and enjoy.” The rededication ceremony, which is open to the public, is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs for the ceremony, which is expected to last about 45 minutes and take place outdoors. The effort is a partnership between the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri Valley, Iowa, and the Daughters of the American Colonists. The Nebraska State Society of the Daughters of the American Colonists funded the initial sign.


The DeSoto NWR Visitor Center and Bertrand Museum

[Coyote]

Spring migration in full swing at DeSoto

Spring migration in full swing at the DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge

[Coyote]

Supporting conservation and animal protection through National Wildlife Refuge Week



MISSOURI VALLEY, Ia. (KMTV) — There are more than 550 wildlife refuges in the U.S. This week marks "National Wildlife Refuge Week," a time to recognize how they support conservation and animal protection. At this time of year, it's still early in the migration season, which means visitors at Desoto National Wildlife Refuge can still see plenty of