Migration Update February 2, 2009
. Winter at Lacreek NWR continues to have periodic warmups with daytime temperatures reaching into the 50's followed by arctic cold fronts that drop temperatures to 20 below fahrenheight. The warm periods have melted most of the snow, and snow only remains in drifts behind winbreaks, in road ditches, or in heavy vegetation. Concentrations of ring-necked pheasants and sharp-tailed grouse can still be found throughout the refuge. Rough legged hawks, golden eagles, and northern harriers can often be seen "harrassing" the pheasants and grouse, looking for an injured or just unlucky bird for the next meal. Coyotes are commonly seen, with many continuing to pursue injured geese that remain on the refuge. Twenty or more bald eagles can be found near the Trout Ponds, Pool 9, and Pool 10 where mallards and Canada geese have been concentrating on the remaining open water. Temperatures are forecast to reach into the 50's again this week, and 50 to 100 trumpeter swans will likely return to the refuge as new feeding areas open up. Lacreek NWR's wetlands open quickly in the late winter as the spring flows help to thaw them out. With the heavy snow and ice found in the breeding grounds to the north, Lacreek NWR will likely provide an extended stay for waterfowl species that await the thaw to the north.
Thinking of making a trip to Lacreek NWR? Check out the latest weather forecast for the Lacreek area at http://www.weather.com/weather/local/57551
Migration Updates:
January 7, 2009
December 18, 2008
December 10, 2008
November 12, 2008
October 31, 2008
October 14, 2008
September 25, 2008
August 4, 2008
June 12, 2008
May 13, 2008
April 21, 2008
March 27, 2008
March 3, 2008
February 10, 2008
January 10, 2008
January 7, 2008
December 14, 2007
November 28, 2007
November 16, 2007
October 23, 2007
