Migration Update April 9, 2007
We received some welcome snow and rains over the last few weeks. This moisture will help many of the cool season plants get off to a good start. Some of the earliest nesting species have already started incubating, including many Canada geese and our bald eagle pair. Canada geese can be seen on many of the muskrat houses and nearly all of the nesting structures. The bald eagle nest can be viewed from the southwest corner of the auto tour loop, looking southeast to the tallest cottonwood tree. Other species, such as mallards and pintails, are busy with establishing and defending nesting territories, courtship, and egg laying. The first shorebirds, including greater yellowlegs and killdeer, have begun to arrive. Staff have observed a number of long billed curlews in refuge grasslands and meadows over the last week. The first American white pelicans have arrived and can be seen near the Pelican Island on Pool 9. A large number of great blue herons have arrived and can be found feeding throughout shallow portions of the refuges wetlands. During the early mornings, when the winds are not howling, the refuge is alive with western and eastern meadowlarks singing their courtship song. There are still many species yet to arrive, The first burrowing owl was spotted last week, but hundreds are still winging their way north as you read this. No American bitterns have been heard yet making their characteristic water pump noise. We have thousands of red winged blackbirds, but still have not seen or heard a yellow headed blackbird. Numberous other species of waterfowl, raptors, songbirds, shorebirds, and warblers have yet to arrive to stop and rest on the refuge before continuing north or to stay with us for the summer and raise a brood of young birds.
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:
March 5, 2007
January 5, 2007
December 4, 2006
November 15, 2006
October 10, 2006
September 20, 2006
July 27, 2006
May 17, 2006
April 5, 2006
March 24,
2006
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
