Meet at the Singing Hills Walmart at 7:00 am for the caravan to the birding location.

Desoto is located along the Missouri River and borders both Iowa and Nebraska, approximately 78 miles from Sioux City (75 minute drive). Within its over 8,000 acres lies DeSoto Lake, an oxbow lake that used to be a bend in the river. The refuge contains bottomland forests, tall grass prairies and wetland habitat that benefits a diversity of migratory birds. The refuge contains a piece of history in the visitor center, the Bertrand Steamboat contents, consisting of 250,000 different artifacts.

We hope our timing will match that of the thousands of Snow Geese that pause at the refuge each Fall. Our auto tour will search for waterfowl throughout the refuge, but our highlight may be viewing this spectacle from the warmth and proximity of the Visitor Center which offers views of much of the lake.

Such vast numbers of geese often attract other species, from the closely related Ross’s Goose and other waterfowl to predatory Eagles, Hawks, Falcons and Coyotes. Spotting scopes may bring each into a close-up view for us.

There is the possibility of continued birding into the afternoon, so you may wish to bring sack lunches or snacks.

Also, please bring your litter pick-up gear (grabbers, plastic shopping bags, gloves) as the Chapter will conduct a brief litter pick-up as needed.

For more information contact Bill Huser at 712-574-3107 or billfhuser@gmail.com.

Remember: all LHAS outings are open to the public and offer an inviting way to begin birding and meet others with similar interests.