Wildlife Calendar
January
Waterfowl concentrations peak with Canada Geese abundant on wheat fields and ducks and coot in the impoundments and bays. Wintering grassland bird species (sparrows, juncos, and flycatchers) are abundant. Striped bass are schooling.
February
Waterfowl can be observed foraging to build energy reserves before beginning their long migrations north. Crappie begin to move into the creeks. Wood ducks, purple martins, and bluebirds are beginning to look for nesting cavities.
March
Raptors are plentiful. Alligators may be seen sunning on canal and pond edges. Largemouth bass begin to move into the shallows.
April
Butterflies and dragonflies are everywhere. Both painted and indigo buntings as well as orioles, tanagers, vireos, and blue grosbeaks have returned and warblers are migrating. Fishing is productive for most species.
May
Spring migration continues. Nesting activities are evident. Fishing is excellent for all species.
June
Fish begin to seek out cooler waters. Many breeding birds are rearing young.
July
Shorebirds begin to return from their nesting grounds and can be seen on pond and lake edges. Young of the year are out practicing their skills and learning to survive. Bass, crappie, and catfish have moved to deeper water.
August
Redbugs, biting flies, and mosquitos are voracious. Fishing is more challenging during the heat of the summer, but panfish can still be caught in refuge waters.
September
Summer warblers begin to migrate south. White-tailed deer rutting activity commences as bucks begin to rub the velvet off their antlers.
October
Raptors, cormorants, white-throated and song sparrows, and waterfowl are arriving in numbers. Ruby-crowned kinglets and yellow-rumped warblers are prevalent. Catfishing is excellent.
November
Bald Eagles are frequently sighted around concentrations of waterfowl. Striped bass are schooling.
December
Large concentrations of waterfowl. Sandhill cranes may be observed on the Bluff Unit. Excellent fishing for largemouth bass, striped bass, and catfish.
