Migration Update October 31, 2008
Happy Halloween! The month of October is always a great one at Lacreek NWR and this year did not disappoint. We had several more freezes that put frost on the pumpkins and finished out with a warming trend with daytime temperatures into the 70's. We received 2" of rain in mid month that was needed.
The fall migration continues with many new arrivals. Over 100 trumpeter swans were counted on Pool 7 yesterday. A number of the pairs had 2, 3, 4, or even 5 cygnets (young of the year trumpeters) in tow. We expect the numbers of trumpeter swans to peak sometime in November and then fluctuate through the winter as temperatures rise and fall. When temperatures drop well below freezing for extended periods, many of the swans move to the Niobrara, Snake, and North Loup River in the sandhills. Many return as soon as temperatures moderate.
Many other species of waterfowl have moved onto the refuge. A little over 5,000 Canada geese were counted on the refuge during surveys this week. There are likely more in the area that were not counted. Mallard numbers continue to climb, with nearly 12,000 counted this week. Fourteen other species of waterfowl were also observed during surveys. Wetlands on the refuge that were grazed this spring and summer or have an abundance of wildrice and burreed have the highest concentrations. Waterfowl numbers are expected to peak in late November when many birds are forced to move out of Canada with the arrival of winter.
A significant increase in Northern harriers has been noted this week. Dozens can be observed hovering over the refuges wetlands and grasslands most days. Other raptors spotted on the refuge recently include bald and golden eagles, ferruginous, swainson, redtailed, Cooper, and sharp-shinned hawks, peregrine and prairie falcons, merlin, American kestrels, short-eared, barn, and great horned owls. Other new arrivals include loggerhead shrikes, American crows, horned larks, and many species of sparrows.
The rut or fall breeding season for white tailed and mule deer is just beginning, with bucks seen chasing does recently. The local population of muskrats and beaver have been busy preparing for winter. A number of new beaver lodges can be spotted along with hundreds of new muskrat houses. Large numbers of ring necked pheasants along with sharp-tailed grouse can be seen along the refuge's main road and auto tour route.
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:
October 14, 2008
September 25, 2008
August 4, 2008
June 12, 2008
May 13, 2008
April 21, 2008
March 27, 2008
March 3, 2008
February 10, 2008
January 10, 2008
January 7, 2008
December 14, 2007
November 28, 2007
November 16, 2007
October 23, 2007
September 28, 2007
