TEN
MILE POND CONSERVATION AREA
Mark
Haas, July 2017
3,755 acres, Mississippi Co., DeLorme
69, F-6
GPS: 36.738801, -89.310550
MDC owned. For information, call
573-290-5730
Ten Mile Pond CA is within Audubon’s
Southeast Missouri Bottomlands Important Bird Area and in MDC’s River Bends
(bottomland forest) Priority Geography. This area is on the Great Missouri Birding Trail.
Directions:
From East Prairie, go about one mile east on Highway 80 and then turn right on
Highway 102, which takes you 5.25 miles to the west side of the area. Turn left
on County Road 518 for 1.7 miles and then left on Highway VV for two miles to
reach the area headquarters.
ADA
Information: The best birding by vehicle,
especially for waterfowl, is at the three parking lots along Highway 102. One
of these has an ADA accessible observation platform. For more good birding by
vehicle, slowly drive County Roads 518 and 516 and Highway VV, paying attention
to the brushy /grassy roadsides. Pull into one of seven parking lots along the
way to view various wet or dry fields. There are no ADA accessible trails.
When
to visit/species to expect: Fall and winter are prime
time at this wetland area. Mostly shallow water covers the wetlands, so any
species of dabbling duck might be found here. Still, there’s a good possibility
for diving ducks, especially Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Redheads, Ruddy
Ducks, and Buffleheads. And countless thousands of Snow Geese and White-fronted
Geese will be here. Watch the brushy areas for the surprising variety of
wintering sparrows, such as Fox Sparrow and Swamp Sparrow. Raptor viewing is
also best at this time, with Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers in abundance.
A wide variety of shorebirds (25
species) have stopped here during spring and fall migration. Black-necked
Stilts are a good possibility in spring and even into summer. If you are
looking for Least Tern, Snowy Egret, or Little Blue Heron, summer is also your
best time to visit. No matter the season, be sure to check the power lines for
Loggerhead Shrikes.
Features
of interest to birders: This entire area was crop
land when purchased in 1982 for the purpose of re-establishing wetland habitat.
It is comprised of 2100 acres of crop land for geese and ducks; 1400 acres of
restored wetlands for waterfowl, shorebirds, waders, and other wetland
wildlife; and only 100 acres of forest and woodland. If you only drive the
roads and bird from the ten parking lots, you will get a good feel for the
area.
Although conditions can change as water
levels are manipulated, here are some general guidelines for birding. Pools C,
D, and E are best for viewing ducks. All have parking lots good for scanning,
but you may be rewarded if walk the levees around the pools. Snow Geese and
Greater White-fronted Geese often use the refuge fields west of Highway VV.
For shorebirds, Fields F, P, and R1 can
be good. Also, don’t overlook Pools A, B, and the northwest corner of Pool C.
Waders can be found almost anywhere there is water.
The area supports a nice variety of
wintering sparrows. Look for them along brushy roadsides and in Fields Q, N,
and S. Also check out the roadside north of Field G1 and the old home site in
the corner of Field O. If you are trying for woodland birds, walk the perimeter
of Pool 1, which is surrounded by private forest land.
Picnic
Areas: none
Toilets:
A portable privy is maintained at the headquarters.
Camping:
prohibited
Hazards/Limitations:
During the 2016-17 hunting season, the hunting units were
closed to all but hunters October 15-February 6. The designated refuge areas
were closed to everyone October 15-April 30. Also, there is an early teal
season each September when access may be restricted for a part of the month. Be
sure to check regulations for the latest update on all hunting seasons.
Regardless of the time of year, birding
is allowed at any time from public roads and parking lots. Fortunately, these
provide some of the best birding on the area.
Nearby
Birding Sites: Seven Island CA, Big Oak Tree State
Park, Delaney (Robert G.) Lake CA.