Riparian vegetation, which is found along streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, is more abundant and stays green longer than the vegetation characteristic of the drier uplands. Both waterfowl and songbirds depend on food and shelter provided by this plentiful vegetation that grows in and near the water.

Sedges, small grass-like plants, together with cattails and bulrushes, are often found in riparian areas. The riparian vegetation along the shores of Steamboat Lake provides important shelter and food for many bird species. Can you spot any birds along the shoreline?

Alkali Flat
A snow-lined lake in summer

Do you see a white ring around Steamboat Lake? During spring when water levels are high, wildlife can be seen in the early morning and late evening hours drinking at the water’s edge. As the water level drops in late summer, glistening salts of alkaline deposits look much like snow along the shoreline. During this time, shorebirds and waterfowl continue to use the lake, but other wildlife need to look for fresh water.

Where do you think the animals go to find water if Steamboat Lake dries up in late summer? They might enjoy the cool waters of nearby Pathfinder Reservoir or its tributaries, the North Platte and Sweetwater Rivers.

Sagebrush Overflights
Soaring above the sage

Bird species such as Sage Grouse, Sage Sparrow, and Sage Thrasher are entirely dependent on healthy sagebrush habitat for meeting their life needs. These birds return the favor by spreading plant seeds and preying on insects.

The Prairie Falcon, American Kestrel, and Golden Eagle look for food within the healthy sagebrush habitat. They often prey upon small mammals, snakes, and other birds.

Sagebrush Critters
There’s more out there than meets the eye!

Hidden in the sagebrush habitat is a variety of wildlife species. They include the swift pronghorn antelope, the chattering Richardson’s ground squirrel, the slithering prairie rattlesnake, and the wily coyote.

Healthy sagebrush habitat includes young and old sagebrush stands, together with grassland openings. This habitat, referred to as a mosaic of vegetation, provides the proper mix of grasses and shrubs for sagebrush-dependent species to survive.

Steamboat Lake
Reservoir of life

This wetland provides a temporary resting place for many species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and songbirds. The wetland’s water supply comes from seasonal springs and snowmelt, but by late summer, the water level recedes and the lake may even dry up.

Some of the migratory birds stay long enough to breed and raise their young here. Can you spot the man-made structures along the shoreline? These elevated platforms allow ducks and geese to nest above the reach of hungry foxes, weasels, coyotes, and raccoons.

Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge
A safe haven for birds
Birds traveling long distances need to stop and rest along the way to gather strength for continuing their journey. Located in several parcels along the shores of Pathfinder Reservoir. Pathfinder National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) provides an important nesting area for migratory birds during their annual spring and fall migrations.

The National Audobon Society has joined with the partners listed below to ensure that this Refuge continues to provide a safe haven for migratory birds. Local citizens are helping to monitor the condition of the Refuge by surveying bird numbers and species. This information will tell us about the health of both the birds and the habitat on which they depend on their life needs.

How can you get involved in the Pathfinder conservation effort? Contact Wyoming Audubon at 235-3485 or your local Audobon Chapter for more information.

Migratory bird species in North America generally follow one of four migration routes known as “flyway.” Pathfinder NWR is located within the Central Flyway. Birds stop to feed, nest, and breed near the Refuge waters. Can you spot Canada geese, mallards, and western grebes on the lake below?

You can discover the importance of three habitat types found on the Refuge by following the short pathway along the rim overlooking Steamboat Lake.