Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a friend and I were shocked to find that the southern half of the refuge is already closed for the protection of wintering waterfowl and for duck hunting (quite a combination). The closure is two weeks earlier than in past years and we were more than disappointed by the decision.
While there may be a rational explanation for the limited access, it has occurred in a year when the autumn waterfowl migration has been especially sluggish. During our brief and restricted tour this morning, we encountered only 55 Canada geese, 30 blue-winged teal, 10 mallards and 10 pied-billed grebes on the floodplain refuge; an overhead flock of greater white-fronted geese was also observed.
I certainly respect the right of the Department of Conservation to determine appropriate seasonal access but wonder if funding from hunting licenses and from hunting organizations has had undue influence. Eagle Bluffs is one of the most popular birding locations in the State (and in the Midwest); one would hope that this plays into their decisions as well.
