Someone has asked for the location of Pool 8 on the Miss. R. and clarification of numbers of waterfowl.
Pool 8 extends south from LaCrosse, WI/LaCrescent, MN to near Genoa, WI/Reno, MN. This includes parts of LaCrosse/Vernon Cos. WI from Hwy 35 and Houston Co., MN from Hwy 26. Best viewing is from Hwy 26 south of Brownsville, MN to Reno, MN (tiny, don't blink; you will miss it) at the west end of Dike 8 (south end of Pool 8). A few birds will be close to shore until someone stops their car, gets out, slams a door, and approaches the birds. Most birds are a couple hundred yards out and up to 3/4 mile down the center of the pool, actually extending from Shellhorn Bar & Grill south of Brownsville nearly to Dike 8 at Genoa, WI. This is 3-4 miles. The stretch of Hwy 26 extends from Mile Markers 9 to 12, or so. The markers start at the MN/IA state line north edge of New Albin, IA. MM 12 is near The Shellhorn. Numbers of Canvasbacks reach 70-80,000 and Tundra Swans 8-9,000. Currently the numbers are declining but there is still a grand show of concentrated waterfowl to hear and see. This concentration has been growing in recent years and the F&WS is studying how to maintain this important waterfowl rest & refueling stop. The F&WS does weekly aerial surveys Pools 4-13 (Wabasha, MN to Clinton, IA) weather and budget permitting. I do not think the talliers from the plane can pick out every scoter or other small waterfowl in low numbers like Ruddy Ducks. Contact your nearest Upper Miss. Refuge office for info. The tally sheet is available on line and MN & WI fall season compilers should take a look at it. Stop for lunch or coffee at The Copper Penny in Brownsville and tell them Fred sent you. Fred Lesher, LaCrosse __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? All your favorites on one personal page Try My Yahoo! http://my.yahoo.com