Goose Bay — State Game Refuge
Fish and Wildlife

Birds

Goose Bay wetlands provide an important spring and fall resting and feeding area for waterfowl on their way to and from northern nesting grounds. Over twenty thousand geese stop to rest and feed in the refuge in the spring (mid-April to mid-May). Canada geese are most numerous, with several thousand snow geese and an occasional white-fronted goose sighted as well. Several thousand trumpeter and tundra swans can also be observed in the area during spring migration. Waterbird species known to nest in the wetlands include mallards, green-winged teal, pintails, northern shovelers, snipe, and yellowlegs. Frequently, sandhill cranes can be viewed in the refuge. In the fall, Canada geese stop once again on their way south.

Mammals

The shrub habitat along the inland portion of the refuge is known to be a moose calving concentration area providing cover and some of the first new willow growth for food in early spring. Beavers have been found in the western portion of the refuge. Muskrat and mink also call the refuge home. Black and brown bears, coyote, red fox, and an occasional lynx cross the wetlands in their search for food.

Fish

Goose Creek is an anadromous fish stream known to support coho salmon, rainbow trout, long-nosed sucker and stickleback. Only old pilings now mark the spot where, in 1915, docks and a cannery were built at the mouth of Goose Creek.