Migration Update for April 5, 2006
The snowfall received in late March has melted away and many of the early migrants such as pintails, have largely moved on. Many new bird species have been spotted with springs arrival. The first American white pelicans were spotted on March 30th, with nearly 400 adults on the north island by April 5th. Long billed curlews and American bitterns have arrived and begun to stake out their nesting territories. Large numbers of great blue herons and several dozen black crowned night herons can now be seen on the nesting island and hunting throughout refuge wetlands. Late migrating waterfowl species began to move onto the refuge, with a large number of blue winged teal and Northern shovelers observed in the last few weeks. Canada geese have initiated nesting, with several easily observed nesting pairs over two weeks into incubation. Snapping turtles are awakening from their winter slumber and large numbers of western chorus frogs can be heard singing across the refuge from nearly all of the shallow marshes. Several pairs of trumpeter swans remain on the refuge, although it is believed these are young birds and are not likely to initiate nesting for a few more years. Yellow headed black birds, bobolinks, dicksissels, and many species of shorebirds will begin to move onto and migrate through the refuge over the next four weeks.
Many other species of wildlife are now commonly observed on the refuge, including mule deer and white tailed deer, coyotes, badgers, mink, long and short tailed weasels, black tailed prairie dogs, sharp tailed grouse, and ring-necked pheasants, Although snow is still possible through the end of April, spring has sprung at Lacreek NWR. If you were planning a trip, the next 4 weeks will be ideal for wildlife viewing. Wildlife are most visible during the first three hours in the morning and again during the last few hours of daylight.
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 6, 2006
November
16-20, 2005
Apr 07 2003
Jan 16 2003
Jan 07 2003
Nov 15 2002
Nov 4 2002
Oct 24 2002
Oct 01 2002
Spring 2002
Fall/Winter 2001
