Date: 3/29/25 12:49 pm From: Jean L <jaleonatti...> Subject: Update on Eagle Bluffs CA conditions
Today we ran into several people on field trips or making their annual spring visits to EBCA who were surprised and disappointed by the current conditions at Eagle Bluffs CA. I thought it warranted a post to MoBirds so birders could make informed decisions before traveling.
Currently there is very little water and rapidly shrinking mudflats at EBCA. Lots of dead fish. It is my understanding (second hand) that the river pumps are shutdown for replacement. At the same time the City of Columbia is doing substantial renovation at the McBaine water treatment plant and have notified EBCA staff they will not be sending water to EBCA until "sometime in May". (As far as I know, Columbians are still flushing their toilets, not sure where all the waste water is going.)
The only water EBCA will receive for the foreseeable future is natural rainwater -- and we have missed most of the recent storms. It is very dry.
These two events could not be happening at a worse time for migrating birds, particularly shorebirds and marsh birds.
In fairness both projects are needed, just wish the timing was different. For the next couple of months, birders might want to check on current conditions before traveling to EBCA.
Jean Leonatti Boone County <jaleonatti...>
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