Tuesday, April 24, 2018

Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge: 4-20-18




Reelfoot Lake was created in 1811-12 as the result of the most violent earthquake ever recorded in North America, which was followed by many months of jolting aftershocks.  This earthquake caused the Mississippi River to flow backwards for a short period of time creating the 25,000 acre Reelfoot Lake.  The formation of this lake, which lies within the NW corner of TN and the SW corner of KY, created a valuable wetland area which became a haven for many wildlife species.  Due to the proximity to the Mississippi River and being located in its former floodplain, this refuge serves as a major stopover point and wintering area for waterfowl of the Mississippi Flyway.



Huge fields of Ragweed were everywhere on the refuge.





Thankfully neither of us suffers from allergies.




Eastern Fox Squirrel





It is the largest species of tree squirrel native to North America.





They feed on nuts, acorns, pinecones, fungi, seeds, and fruit.



Short-billed Dowitcher





Adult Savannah Sparrow





Raising young for this species is hard work: a female must gather 10 times her weight in food to feed herself and her young during the 8 days they are in the nest.



Great Egret





These elegant waders are found around the world and are one of the most common egrets in North America (by far the most common heron or egret in this refuge).



Chow time for Monarchs











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