#2 - Managed Pools

The large pool to the west (your right) is East River Pool. This pool was created by damming the East River with a concrete spillway. East River Pool is the major source of fresh water for the other large impoundments (man-made pools) along Lighthouse Road. Water flows by gravity under the road into canals through large cement water control structures. Water can be stored in East River Pool during dry periods to help maintain water levels in the other pools. During the winter, water levels may be lowered to allow access to deep-water food plants for wintering waterfowl. During the summer, the biologist may try to keep water levels higher to prevent the growth of cattail and other pest plants. In this pool, look for anhingas, wading birds roosting in the willows, purple gallinules among the lily pads in the summer, and ducks such as the ring-necked in the winter. Sport fishing is popular in the spring and summer in East River Pool.

Across the road on your left (east) is Stoney Bayou Pool #1. You'll notice that Stoney Bayou Pool has been numbered as well as named. At one time, Stoney Bayou was one large pool. It has since been subdivided, hence the numbering system. This is true for several of the refuge impoundments. Stoney Bayou Pool #1 is a brackish (salt water mixed with fresh) pool. You can see the contrast between the types of water plants you see growing here and those you saw in the freshwater East River Pool. Many species of birds prefer the snails and shellfish that live in these brackish conditions. An assortment of ducks use this pool in winter, especially bufflehead, hooded merganser, and ruddy ducks. Bank fishing is popular in Stoney Bayou year-round.