Created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935, this wildlife refuge was carved out of the Great Manistique Swamp by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The 96,000 acres are almost in the middle of the upper peninsula of Michigan.
A 7 mile narrow one-way dirt road winds through the refuge. We
spent the better part of a day driving (and stopping) at a walking pace.
Following the carved arrow on top of this post we could just barely see an eagle's nest in a distant tree across the lake.
We watched as both parents were busy flying into the nest with food for the chick. They would shred it with their talons and feed small bits to the hungry youngster.
The refuge only produced 9 loon chicks last year. We were fortunate to be able to see one on its mother's back.
Trumpeter swans were introduced in 1991-1992. This mother was pulling up weeds and her chicks were curious and trying to learn to do the same.
Painted turtles were crossing the road - we had to stop once and shoo them out of our way.
A dripping wet beaver slogged across the road going from one pond to another.
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