–The Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge will open its auto-tour route this weekend to celebrate World Migratory Day. Assistant Refuge Manager Erich Gilbert tells KLGA News that the lower water levels they currently have on the refuge are not a problem for the wildlife.
Sandhill Cranes returned to the refuge in 2019 after an absence of more than 100 years, and Gilbert says they are back again this year along with a variety of songbirds.
Visitors to the refuge are always encouraged to bring a bird book to help identify different species. Gilbert says technology is also available to enhance your experience.
While the Union Slough is a Migratory Bird Refuge, Gilbert says you will see more than just birds along the tour route.
The tour route begins at the refuge headquarters, six miles east of Bancroft on County Road A42, and runs 4.5 miles along wetlands, open water, and prairie habitat. It will be open from sunrise to sunset May 8th through the 17th, before closing for the primary nesting season. For more information, you can call the Union Slough Headquarters at 515-929-2523 or go online to www.fws.gov/refuge/union-slough.
