Northern water snake basking on a tree branch

Photo by Jessica Bolser/USFWS

#animal #reptile #snake #nature #wildlife

Spotted Sandpiper (Bird) on Levee

From Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge:

We observed this spotted sandpiper last week on the levee near the inlet structure. This shorebird is one of the most widespread sandpiper species in North America.

Photo: Spotted sandpiper by Jessica Bolser/USFWS

#nature #animal #bird #Sandpiper #Wildlife 

Common Snapping Turtle

From Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge:

We spotted this common snapping turtle yesterday on the refuge. The high temperature was over 40 degrees, but we were still surprised to see this turtle.

Jessica Bolser/USFWS 

#animal #reptile #turtle #nature #wildlife #conservation #outdoor #outdoors #outside 

#USFWS #winter #solstice #Iowa #IA #midwest 

White-fronted and Canada Geese on Body of Water in Wildlife Refuge in Iowa

From Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge:

Geese have been on the move through the area this week. We estimated approximately 5,200 white-fronted geese, and 3,300 Canada geese on the Louisa Division. We also spotted 4,300 mallards.

Photo: Greater white-fronted and Canada geese on Fox pond by Jessica Bolser/USFWS 

#animals #birds #goose #geese #nature #wildlife #conservation #fauna #water #ice 

#USFWS #Iowa #IA #Midwest

Bald eagles on the Louisa Division Jessica Bolser/USFWS

From Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge:

#animals #birds #eagles #nature #wildlife #conservation #fauna #branches

#outdoor #outdoors #outside #iowa #IA #midwest #tree #USFWS

Silver-spotted skipper nectaring on New England aster Jessica Bolser/USFWS

#Animal #Insect #Pollinator #Nature #Wildlife #Iowa #IA

Water Primrose | Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

This yellow-flowered plant is water primrose. We found it blooming and full of pollinators in a few spots along the backwaters of the Odessa water trail yesterday.

Jessica Bolser/USFWS 

#Plant #perennial #aquatic #noxiousweed #herb #Iowa #IA

Sunlight shining through the trees | Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

Sunlight shining through the trees. With the warm weather and rain this past week, the trees are rapidly leafing out.

Jessica Bolser/USFWS

Northern water snake | Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

Jessica Bolser/USFWS

A Snowy Morning at the Refuge | Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

Jessica Bolser/USFWS

Coyote with a Meal at Horseshoe Bend (Iowa) | Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge

A coyote with a meal (a rabbit) at Horseshoe Bend this morning.

Jessica Bolser/USFWS