The southern half of Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area has been closed for duck hunting since October 15 and will remain inaccessible to the public until mid January. Why the season was extended is uncertain, especially since migrant waterfowl have been arriving later in central Missouri for several years.
Indeed, the number and diversity of waterfowl have been low this October, a phenomenon that may reflect global warming; unlike songbirds, waterfowl migrate in response to weather conditions, escaping to the south when northern ponds and wetlands begin to freeze over. This morning, a friend and I encountered about 60 mallards, 20 blue-winged teal and two ruddy ducks on the accessible portion of the refuge, hardly a large number and variety of waterfowl for late October. Other sightings of interest included about 75 American coot, 16 American white pelicans, 5 pied-billed grebes, 3 double-crested cormorants and 3 bald eagles.
Since cold, snowy weather is currently moving across the Northern Plains, waterfowl may soon arrive at Eagle Bluffs in large numbers. For now, the hunters have a head start, as non-productive as their early efforts may be.
