This is Bird Note.

The United States is home to more than 550 national wildlife refuges, havens for wildlife,

like these black ducks and canvas backs.

But only one refuge can claim the distinction of being international, the Detroit River

International Wildlife Refuge.

Reblished in 2001, this refuge unites vital habitats across the borders of Michigan

and Ontario, along nearly 50 miles of the Detroit River and Lake Erie.

The refuge straddles the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, and its wetlands, marshes, and islands

host millions of migratory ducks each year.

Canvas backs, handsome ducks with chestnut heads and pale grey backs, gather here by the

thousands to feed on wild celery.

One of the largest concentrations of black ducks on the continent can be found here too.

Bald eagles, while still endangered in the region, are making unnotable comeback.

In sandpipers, fuel up along the waters and during migration.

What the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge accomplishes for wildlife is truly

exemplary.

But the greatest feat, it does all this within the heart of a major metropolitan area.

For birdnote.org, I'm Mary McCann.