As you have probably noticed, we have LOTS of water!! Most of our unit water levels are very high.  Someone told me yesterday that Carncross Road over the Seneca River to Howland’s Island is flooded. Most of the area got hammered with rain last Wednesday night.  I noticed that many of the “lakes” in agricultural fields have diminished but it is still WET out there, everywhere, including most ditches, streams, rivers and canals. Since the Refuge water levels are so high many ducks are hanging out away from the Wildlife Drive in water that is less deep. RATS!! However, the Visitors’ Center Wetland has had some very cooperative blue-winged teals and northern shovelers close to the entrance drive.  We encourage visitors to please stay in their vehicle because the ducks often seem to accept cars as non-threatening.  However, once a person gets out of a vehicle, that person looks like a human which mostly spells TROUBLE for ducks and understandably they tend to move away. 

  From Tschache Pool Tower you can get amazing views and photos of the great blue heron rookery.  Last year, Mike Tetlow counted almost 250 nests there!! It is a good bet that there are even more this year!! I took some pics yesterday and it appears that many are incubating. I found some great blue heron facts on the All About Birds website at Cornell University (allaboutbirds.org). They lay 2-6 eggs and it takes 27-29 days to incubate.  It takes an additional 49-81 days for the young to grow and develop to be ready to fledge. Great blue herons are monogamous for the season, but do not mate for life. 

  I noticed that all six osprey nests on the power towers along Route 5&20 were occupied yesterday. YAY!! I am including pictures of a muskrat that was on the edge of a unit and a double crested cormorant that was in the very choppy waters of Tschache Pool. Yes, there were white caps!! Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive. The Wildlife Drive is only open to cars, no hiking yet.  Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Refuge Visitors’ Center and on the Seneca Trail.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.