Fall Flight Surveys

Each week during fall migration biologists from the Illinois Natural History Survey fly over the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers to count the number of waterfowl using the river habitat. These counts estimate the number of birds seen on the routes only, not the entire refuge. Survey numbers are used to describe general trends in the number of waterfowl resting and feeding on the refuge through the years. Survey results are also used by managers, hunters and birdwatchers to monitor the progress of migration. Biologists use the number as a tool to assess waterfowl use (often referred to as carrying capacity) in response to management actions. Waterfowl use is influenced by off-Refuge factors such as continental populations and habitat and weather conditions throughout the flyway. On the refuge, food availability and the extent of human disturbance greatly influence the number of birds present.

To view weekly waterfowl numbers from the Illinois Natural History Survey visit http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/waterfowl/surveys/Pages/MRAerialSurveys.aspx.

 

Volunteer Surveys

Sam, a volunteer for the refuge, visits the refuge nearly 52 weeks per year to perform bird counts. Click on weekly reports below to find out what Sam saw this week.

Sam's Weekly Surveys
2013	2012
Jan. 3, 2013	Sept. 7, 2012
Jan. 9, 2013	Sept. 12, 2012
Jan. 17, 2013	Sept. 20, 2012
Jan. 23, 2013	Oct. 4, 2012
Jan. 31, 2013	Oct. 12, 2012
Feb. 6, 2013	Oct. 17, 2012
Feb. 14, 2013	Oct. 24, 2012
Feb. 20, 2013	Oct. 31, 2012
March 1, 2013	Nov. 7, 2012
March 7, 2013	Nov. 14, 2012
March 15, 2013	Nov. 23, 2012
March 21, 2013	Nov. 29, 2012
March 29, 2013	Dec. 6, 2012
April 5, 2013	Dec. 27, 2012

 

Other Volunteer Surveys

A number of volunteers visit the refuge during spring and fall migrations. They see a large variety of bird species as they travel to the different refuge divisions. Check back soon to see their most recent sightings.