Migration Update October 10, 2006
It looks like summer has finally given in. After a brief warm up into the high 80's a few days ago, cooler temperatures with hard frosts at night have arrived. Marsh aster and heath aster, the last wildflowers to bloom, have nearly completed their flowering period. The waterfowl numbers and variety have increased substantially in the last two weeks. An official waterfowl survey has not been completed for a few weeks, but a manager's estimate of all waterfowl on the refuge now is 30 to 40,000. Large numbers of mallards and Canada geese have arrived, along with many other species. A large concentration of green winged and blue winged teal can be found in the shallowly flooded portions of pool 10. It it expected that the blue winged teal will all depart within a week. Pools 5, 6, 7, and 8 are holding large numbers of mallards, gadwall, and widgeon, along with wood ducks, red heads, canvasbacks, and lesser scaup. A total of 38 trumpeter swans could be seen from the tour loop on pool 7 this morning.
The raptor migration is well underway as well. A significant increase in the numbers and variety of raptors has occurred over the last few weeks. Northern harriers can be observed over nearly all of the refuge wetland units. Bald eagles, golden eagles, and ferruginous hawks can be found hunting the many black tailed prairie dog towns. The last burrowing owls are expected to depart by weeks end. The first rough legged hawk was observed yesterday, indicating a return to an early winter? A steady progression of sharp shinned and Cooper's hawks, kestrels, red tailed and Swainson's hawks, and prairie and peregrine falcons is underway.
Many of the mammal species are also more visible. Large antlered white tailed and mule deer bucks, along with herds of does and fawns have been spotted throughout the refuge. Coyotes and their pups are on the move. The muskrats have been busy building their winter lodges and food caches throughout refuge wetlands.
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:
Sept 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
