Migration Update December 18, 2008
An arctic front pushed through the region on Sunday, December 14th. Temperatures as low as -20 fahrenheight were recorded at the refuge headquarters. Almost all of the open water froze, with the exception of a few small areas where flowing water and bird use has kept it open. Most of the Canada geese remained and there are an estimated 10 to 12,000 in the area. They are mainly using Pools 9, 10 and the Little White River Recreation Area and feeding in cornfields to the north and east. An estimated 50% to 75% of the mallards moved out with the storm and 5 to 10,000 remain on the refuge. Many of the swans have moved to spring fed rivers in Nebraska, with over 100 now found on the Snake River confluence with Merritt Reservior. Bald eagles have started to move onto the refuge, with over 20 now seen around headquarters. The number of short eared owls, rough legged hawks, and northern harriers has continued to rise and all are commonly observed on the refuge. Refuge staff completed a deer survey on December 12th and counted 590 deer on the refuge. Most were whitetailed deer with just a few mule deer counted. Winter appears to have settled in for good. Merry Christmas!
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:
December 10, 2008
November 12, 2008
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
