Yesterday, Reuben Stoltzfus joined us for our survey at Tschache Pool.  We took advantage of his superior identification skills while he was checking out the possibilities of leading guided shorebird hikes there.  He and the staff are hoping to cut some “windows” in the vegetation to facilitate viewing. The cattails are VERY tall and even with standing in the bed of a pick-up truck, seeing over them is difficult. With all the rain that came last Saturday, there was more water, therefore, less shorebird habitat and less shorebirds. The Refuge staff is continuing to work on getting the level lower as they need to conduct some structure repairs. I have suggested, to the Refuge staff, cutting some trees to improve viewing from the Tschache Pool Tower.  They were agreeable, however, that can’t be done until winter due to roosting bats. So, I learned that bats don’t just roost in bat houses or my barn. Out in the wild, they actually roost in trees!! COOL!!

On the bird list you will see the last column labeled: slough south of Larue’s Lagoon.  That is the little bit of water that extends from the Seneca-Cayuga Canal toward the Wildlife Drive that is between Larue’s and the Seneca Trail.  Pete found a few shorebirds and 7, yes 7, green herons.  All were young birds with a lot of striping on their necks. We are seeing and hearing them in many locations. Therefore, this week’s sound challenge is the green heron.  Go to Merlin, select “Explore” at the bottom, touch the search icon and type in green heron.  The last choice, “flight calls” is normally what I hear, alerting me to their presence. ENJOY!!

A pair of adult bald eagles was in the tree by the spillway yesterday.  It is was cool to see the size difference between the male and female (female larger than male). The Main Pool continues to have oodles of babies.  There has been an 8-point buck in velvet feeding on the sides of the Wildlife Drive lately.  On Monday morning I was able to get some pics of this guy who seems mostly unafraid, unaware or unconcerned of vehicles. Be alert for this silly deer who may not be paying much attention to you. The lovely swamp rose mallow is blooming almost everywhere along the Wildlife Drive.

On Saturday, September 23 the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex is going to sponsor a Native Plant Festival at the Visitor’s Center at the Refuge. There will be demonstrations, speakers, a food truck and native plants for sale!! This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn more about native plants and to get some to plant in your yard!!

Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the REALLY COOL and BEAUTIFUL things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.

Pic #1: green herons – slough, #2: green herons – slough, #3: bald eagles spillway Wildlife Drive, #4: bald eagle near Benning Marsh, #5: pied-billed grebe baby Main Pool, #6: buck Wildlife Drive, #7: buck Wildlife Drive, #8: swamp rose mallow Wildlife Drive, #9: pickerel weed and swamp rose mallow Seneca Flats, #10: Joe-Pye weed Seneca Trail, #11: great egrets Eaton Marsh, #12: great egret Eaton Marsh, #13: great egrets Eaton Marsh.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.