Migration Update July 27, 2006
Conditions have really changed during July. Many days have reached over 100 degrees fahrenheight, with as high as 114 degrees recorded. Almost no measureable precipitation has occurred during this period as well. The threat of a widlfire has increased dramatically. Springs entering the refuge are a virtual wildlife magnet under these conditions. Many deer, pheasants, and other wildlife have moved from surrounding lands to the refuge and the water that remains. There are many species of wildlife to observe, however it is best during the early morning and late evening hours. Mid day viewing is difficult as most wildlife is inactive and found in the shade.
The first bald eagle hatched on the refuge fledged on July 26th. It has been "gaining its wings" near Pools 4 and 7. A pair of sandhill cranes can still be heard and occasionally seen in Pool 8 early in the morning. We suspect that they nested, but have not confirmed any colts hatched out. Some of the early nesting Canada geese and mallards already have goslings and ducklings that have fledged. Broods of blue winged teal can now be observed on many wetland units. The deer fawns are growing quickly and can usually be spotted feeding along the wetland edges near heavy cover in early morning hours. Many pheasant broods, some recently hatched and some nearly full grown, can be found near the wetland edges keeping cool in the shade. Many of the songbirds have also fledged, with young western and eastern meadowlarks, red winged and yellow headed black birds, and bobolinks spotted throughout the refuge. A large number of burrowing owls nested on the refuge this year, and dozens of adults and young can be spotted on any of the prairie dog towns.
Many of the locals believe that this winter will come early, and if the shorebirds give us a hint, they may be right. Shorebirds have already started their migration south, which is almost two weeks earlier than usual. Pool 10 has a large expanse of very shallow water, and the shorebirds have really taken advantage of this available habitat. You can park near the outlet of Pool 10 and walk along the shore to get a good view of the shorebirds. It won't be long before many of the other species of migratory birds begin to migrate as well.
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:
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
