Spring Is Here
As the days start to get warm and longer, be on the lookout for Umatilla's many spring-time visitors. The long-billed curlews arrive in March and begin preparing to nest; look for them foraging in the farm fields and in the flat grassy areas of the refuge. While curlews may be the star of the show, many other spring-time birds can be found, including western meadowlarks and Say's phoebes. The colorful birds of spring may be what catches your eye, but don't forget to look down! Wildflowers are starting to bloom, as well, and dot the ground with beautiful bursts of color. Oregon sunshine are a small yellow flower blooming now and long-leafed phlox in a light purple will soon follow. Whatever spring-time beacon you are in search of, you can find it on your visit to Umatilla NWR.
Duck Hanky Panky
See a duck behaving oddly between December and April? You’re likely catching ducks in the act of courtship! Mallards rapidly pumping their heads up and down? How about males raising their bodies out of the water, pulling their heads up and whistling, then grunting? Often a bunch of males do this together to show off to females. Common goldeneye males throw their heads violently backwards to bounce of their backs while giving a little kick. Northern shovelers engage in exciting aerial displays as they erratically twist, dip and circle. In the water, shoveler drakes bill-jerk and neck-stretch to impress the girls. These elaborate courtship rituals encourage cooperation in choosing to pair.