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Ballard Wildlife Management Area |  | Description: This prime wintering area for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles consists of bottomland hardwoods, sloughs, and 11 oxbow lakes. Blue, snow, and Canada goose, mallard, wood duck, pintail, northern shoveler, merganser, American coot, and grebes as well as cormorant, anhinga, heron, and egret frequent the area. | |
Wildlife to Watch: Sandhill crane and whistling swan are sometimes seen in winter. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, gray and fox squirrel, coyote, red and gray fox, opossum, beaver, mink, and muskrat are frequently seen year-round. Diamond-banded water snake, snapping and painted turtle, crayfish, groundhog, Indiana and gray bat, killdeer, red-tailed hawk, American kestrel, pileated woodpecker, kite, plovers, gulls, and insects are common during summer. Cottonmouth snake rarely seen-best chances during summer. Summer and fall are best for seeing barred and great horned owl, striped skunk, and raccoon. Look for bald and golden eagle in summer, fall, and winter; eastern cottontail rabbit and woodcock in spring and fall. Swamp rabbit, river otter, and bobcats are year-round residents but are rarely seen. Numerous migratory songbirds use the area, including Kentucky warbler, warbling vireo, and scarlet tanager. Common summer plants are buttonbush, lotus, and fire pink. |
Special Tips: CLOSED OCTOBER 15 THROUGH MARCH 15, but a barrier-free observation platform with interpretive display and elevated wetland walkway are open year-round.
SEASONAL BARRIER-FREE PIER ON SHELBY LAKE. | |
Ownership: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Size: 8373 acres
Closest Town: Oscar |
Facilities:
    Best Seasons for Wildlife Viewing:
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