8.0 PRSR 03-09-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

L , EXISTING WILDLIFE POPULATIONS As stated in previous sections,there are no rare species occurrences recorded on the property. However,a rare mussel species was found in the Mississippi River to the east of the property. It is possible that this species and others are present throughout this reach of the Mississippi,and indeed other mussel species-both live and dead-were found in the waters bordering the property(likely to be Strophitus undulatus,or the creeper mussel,though identification is difficult to confirm). Although no longer a rare species,bald eagles remain on the DNR watch list and are frequently seen at Bailey Point. Besides the numerous eagles seen flying along the river and across the property(there is a nearby nest at the WHHCA),a large nest occurs in the grassland area.The nest has been recently successful,though no eagles fledged from the nest in 2015.Currently,signs denote nest viewing areas from a safe distance,though care must still be taken not to disturb the nest, especially during the nesting season. Other wildlife seen in regularity at Bailey Point include white-tailed deer,gray squirrels, red tail hawks, mallards,great blue herons,and numerous insects, including honeybees,bumblebees, dragonflies, damselflies,and monarch butterflies. On occasion, coyotes,rabbits, and red squirrels have been seen on the property. There is also evidence of beaver activity on the property. Stumps left by beavers are visible throughout the floodplain forest,especially along the Elk River,though most if not all were not likely felled in the last one or two years. Friends of the Mississippi River Bailey Point Nature Preserve NRMP 22