Migration Update November 12, 2008
Winter has arrived at Lacreek NWR. A winter storm moved in the evening of November 5th. Rain preceded the snow and the winds that followed knocked power lines down throughout the area. Many to the north are still without power. Much of the habitat was also knocked over with the freezing rain and wind. We estimate that up to 50% of the pheasants were killed and other wildlife perished as well. The good news is that most of the remaining wildlife was able to ride out the storm.
Temperatures have warmed up and we are now melting, although it is still pretty white out. It will be weeks if not next spring before the big drifts melt. With the storm, many birds moved out of the area and some moved in. We had an all time high count of 384 trumpeter swans on November 8th. The swans appeared to weather the storm without problems and can now be spotted feeding in portions of the wetlands that the springs keep open. The numbers of swans will likely fluctuate between 150-300 for the rest of the winter depending on how severe the weather is. A few more Canada geese have moved in, with an estimated 6 to 10,000 in the area. The number of mallards on the refuge has also increased, with an estimated 20-30,000 in the area. The number of raptors has dramatically increased with dozens of rough legged hawks, Northern harriers, bald eagles, and golden eagles moving in after the storm. Many can be seen feeding on cottontail rabbits that are very visible on the white snow or frozen pheasants. Coyotes also moved into the area, and they can be spotted digging out frozen pheasants from the snow drifts.
With the melting snow, area roads will be pretty messy for the next week or so.
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 31, 2008
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
