|
|
The Waterfowl
Exhibit
Cattails and driftwood surround the Waterfowl
pond that lies beneath a mural of flooded rice fields. This mural,
painted primarily in hues of blue, includes a line of green trees which
breaks the continuing color of blue water and sky.
The Waterfowl in this exhibit, excluding the
tree duck, are migratory birds which may be seen in the coastal plains,
their natural habitat, from October to March. The harvested fields of
rice, corn, and maize, as well as the marshes, swamps, mud flats, and
shallow lakes provide food and water for hundreds of thousands of geese and
ducks. Many spend the entire winter here while others migrate further
south, as far as Central America and beyond. In early spring, the
waves of warm air bid these birds to their nesting grounds of their
birthplace in the northern United States and Canada.
Wetlands and rice fields of the coastal plains
during the winter are depicted in this exhibit of Wharton County. Waterfowl
on display are mostly migratory birds, except for one. Many of the birds
stay in this area for five months and others stop only briefly to feed on
their way further south.
The interactive computer at the museum provides
more information regarding this exhibit. Try your skills at becoming a "bird
brain" or learn more about how El Campo practices conservation for the
waterfowl.
|
A Duck Taking Flight |
