Migration Update September 28, 2007
After a blistering June, July, and early August, late summer rains returned to southwestern South Dakota. Nearly 5" of rain were received during the month of August at headquarters and some very nice moisture has also been received in late September. Many bird species have begun to migrate into the refuge. Biologist Shilo Comeau counted nearly 24,000 waterfowl on the refuge yesterday. Twenty one trumpeter swans have arrived, with many more expected over the next few months. Drive the auto tour loop to get a close look at the trumpeters. As each new weather system passes to the north, we expect to see waterfowl numbers continue to rise.
As the cooler fall months arrive, some species such as burrowing owls head south, while others such as northern harriers, red tailed hawks, and peregrine falcons arrive from the north. Several pairs of ferruginous hawks and golden eagles can be spotted lately on the larger prairie dog towns. Large concentrations of white-crowned, lark, American tree and harris sparrows along with spotted towhee's can be found feeding on the native sunflower fields. Muskrats have started to build their large winter lodges, that will provide nesting sites for Canada geese and mallards next spring. Concentrations of ring necked pheasants, sharp tailed grouse, and deer can be seen while driving refuge roads in the early morning or late evening. Although the weather is turning colder, the opportunities at Lacreek NWR are heating up.
Date 9/27/07
Observer(s): SC HM
Weather: calm, 70 F, 10% cloud cover
Start 12:00
End 15:40
| Species | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6E | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9DU | Hazel Pond | 9A | 10 | 11 | Total |
| BWTE | 4 | 9 | 200 | 3123 | 3336 | ||||||||
| MALL | 1 | 2 | 4 | 481 | 16 | 2000 | 4272 | 6776 | |||||
| GADW | 0 | ||||||||||||
| PINT | 0 | ||||||||||||
| SHOV | 0 | ||||||||||||
| AGWT | 20 | 2000 | 300 | 7042 | 9362 | ||||||||
| WIGE | 200 | 200 | |||||||||||
| WOOD | 9 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 23 | ||||||||
| REDH | 20 | 20 | |||||||||||
| CANV | 2 | 2 | |||||||||||
| RINE | 0 | ||||||||||||
| SCAUP | 0 | ||||||||||||
| RUDD | 400 | 400 | |||||||||||
| TRUS | 21 | 21 | |||||||||||
| CAGO | 3500 | 72 | 220 | 3792 | |||||||||
| GOEY | 0 | ||||||||||||
| BUFF | 0 | ||||||||||||
| HOME | 0 | ||||||||||||
| AWPE | 0 | ||||||||||||
| Total | 1 | 9 | 28 | 13 | 6202 | 92 | 3150 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14437 | 0 | 23932 |
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:
August 1, 2007
June 8, 2007
May 7, 2007
April 9, 2007
March 5, 2007
January 5, 2007
December 4, 2006
November 15, 2006
October 10, 2006
September 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
