I interviewed Ranger Dave Young at the Wheeler National Refuge (WNR) in Alabama.
What types of wildlife does WRN see each season?
We see almost any kind of native wildlife. Our popular visitors are Whooping Cranes, thousands of ducks, Sandhill Cranes, and Snow Geese. Twenty thousand Sandhill Cranes visits us during an average Winter. The Refuge was established primarily as a waterfowl habitat. Most of our work is focused on waterfowl but hundreds of other species find their way here too.
Why did you become a Ranger and what did you study to become a Ranger?
I love the outdoors and I love helping people discover the amazingness of wildlife and nature that is right next to them. I studied geography in college. In Grad School I studied Natural Resource Interpretation (helping others understand and discover nature). A more typical route is to study Wildlife Biology, and Forestry and Natural Resource Management.
At what age did you want to start to help animals and what does a Ranger do here?
Elementary school. I grew up in the country noticing animals and insects. In college I realized humans and wildlife need to co-exist better. As a Park Ranger I help visitors understand how to interact with nature and wildlife. I educate them on trails for hiking and rivers for kayaking. I educate school kids on the variety of species in our state.
How many migration bird types come here every year?
Warblers and song birds migrate through. We get a large population of Whooping Cranes, Snow Geese, and Sandhill Cranes that over-winter here. Dozens of species of Duck also over-winter here. They start arriving late November and stay through late February.
Why is WNR a good place for birds to stop by on their migration?
There is food, water and space for them. Corn is grown especially for the cranes. We did not always have Whooping Cranes stop here. They are endangered and baby birds (hatched in a controlled setting) were trained to fly from Wisconsin to Florida by following a micro-light aircraft that led the migration. The craft had engine trouble and had to land close to WNR and the birds were brought here. They decided the following year not to go on to Florida.
What problems do migrating birds face and how can we help them?
They don’t have a lot of stop-over habitat. They need places to stop, rest and feed otherwise they won’t make it. They need green, wild space especially wetlands. Habitat is the biggest factor. They also need over-wintering habitat in Georgia and Alabama.
What is your favorite type of bird and why?
The Wood Duck is a beautiful duck that breeds in the South. They have a fun call and they eat acorns! They nest in Wood Duck boxes and tree cavities. The Painted Bunting is also a favorite of mine. It looks like a rainbow. They are a Southern bird, but not that common.