Migration Update
December 14, 2007
Let in snow, let it snow, let it snow......... Although much of South Dakota remains snow free, Bennett County has received enough snow in the last week to make everything white. Approximately 4 inches of snow now blankets the refuge. Along with the snow, daytime temperatures have remained below freezing. Only a few pockets of open water remain. No waterfowl census has been completed in the last 2 weeks, however an estimated 20-25,000 Canada geese remain. An estimated 10-15,000 have likely moved to the Niobrara River or south. Trumpeter swans have done the same, with an estimated 150 still in the area with 150 to 200 moving to the Niobrara, Snake, and other Nebraska River systems that remain open. The forecast calls for highs in the 40's many days next week, and we expect the wetlands to open up some along with a return of some of the ducks, geese, and swans.
Along with the cold and snow has come new visitors. A total of 30 bald eagles were counted within 5 miles of headquarters on Monday. Many are here feeding on the crippled and injured Canada geese on the refuge. An increase in coyote numbers has also been noticed for the same reasons. Herds of white-tailed and mule deer are seen bunched up in heavy cover around the refuge. Large concentrations of sharp-tailed grouse have been seen in the last week feeding in surrounding cropfields and then flying back to the refuge for roosting overnight. Ring-necked pheasants have really bunched up in the heaviest cover and if you find one you may see hundreds. Several snowy owls have been spotted hanging around the headquarters area in the last week. Twenty or more short eared owls have been seen hunting refuge grasslands in the late afternoons northeast of headquarters and near the Trout Ponds.
Although the weather outside is frightful, wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities remains delighful. Have a 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
Previous Migration Updates:
November 28, 2007
November 16, 2007
October 23, 2007
September 28, 2007
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
