Migration Update May 7, 2007
May 7, 2007
What a difference a year makes. Rain and cooler temperatures have remained, making 90+ degree temperatures and no rainfall during April and May seem like a distant memory. The cool season grasses, sedges, and forbs have responded and Lake Creek Valley looks green again. Nearly all of the migrants have made their way through, and those that remain will be nesting here this spring and summer. The one exception is the shorebirds and a few of the late arriving grassland nesting birds. We have seen a few of the first Wilson phalaropes arrive, with many more expected to follow. Some of the first greater yellowlegs, willets, marbled godwits, spotted sandpipers, and long billed dowitchers have been spotted. Many broods of Canada geese can be seen early or late along the auto tour route. At least one bald eagle "eaglet" has been spotted in the active nest. Most of the ducks are either currently incubating, such as mallards, or still in the egg laying process, such as blue winged teal. If you spend time carefully watching, you can spot hens quietly and secretly coming from or going to their nests. The American white pelicans are actively incubating, and both islands are nearly covered with white birds. Many types of mammals are starting to have their young as well. Young prairie dogs have been born, and are expected to be spotted sunning outside of their burrows over the next few weeks. Young coyote and badgers will remain in their burrows, with the adults bringing food to them on a regular basis. The white tailed and mule deer does will be moving off by themselves soon, with the first fawns arriving in late May. A few late arrivals are still to come, such as bobolinks and dicksissels. This is a great time of year to spend some time at Lacreek NWR. If you are planning a visit, the west entrance road becomes nearly impassable after recent rains. The northeast entrance via Tuthill is a much better road, especially after rainfall events. The main refuge road and the auto tour loop are passable after rains. Enjoy your visit!
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:
April 9, 2007
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
