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Valentine
National Wildlife Refuge
Valentine
National Wildlife Refuge lies in the heart of a vast area of undulating
sand dunes which stretch across north-central Nebraska. The region,
called the Sandhills, is the largest remaining tract of mid and
tall grass prairie in North America.
Valentine
National Wildlife Refuge
Numerous
lakes, productive marshes, and tall grasses on hills and meadows
provide habitat for many kinds of wildlife. Blue-winged teal, mallards,
pintails, gadwalls, redheads, ruddy ducks, and shovelers nest on
the Refuge in large numbers. During fall and spring migrations,
many other species of ducks stop to rest and feed. Sometimes as
many as 150,000 ducks can be found on the Refuge, with peak numbers
occurring in May and October.
More
than 260 species of birds have been sighted on the Refuge. Herons,
terns, shorebirds, pelicans, and many songbirds nest on and migrate
through the Refuge. Long-billed curlews and upland sandpipers call
from hill and fence post. In early spring, prairie chickens and
sharp-tailed grouse gather on dancing grounds for their elaborate
courtship display. Sandhill cranes pass over in spring and fall
in great numbers filling the sky with trailing V's and musical rattling
calls. Winter storms and cold weather bring the bald and golden
eagles to hunt the snow covered prairie.
White-tailed
deer prefer the marshes and small woodlots, while mule deer can
be found in the open hills. Muskrats and beaver inhabit the lake
and marsh, meadows, and hills. The variation of habitat and the
variety of wildlife each habitat supports make Valentine a unique
Refuge.
Text
from http://www.r6.fws.gov/refuges/valentin/valentin.htm
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