I want to make a correction to something I posted a few weeks ago.  I reported that I had consistently seen activity at 5 of the 6 osprey nests along Routes 5 & 20. So, I thought they were only using 5 nests. Right after I said that, I saw activity at the 6th nest almost every time I went by it. So, the osprey are using all 6 nests this year.  Hooray!! The power company’s saucers did not interfere with the osprey nesting this year!

 

We had nearly perfect weather today – lots of sun, a slight breeze and low humidity.  Knox-Marsellus continues to be the hot spot.  We did not see the wood stork but did see the spoonbill (pic included), 2 black bellied whistling ducks, at least 8 different species of shorebirds, 21 sandhill cranes (pic included), 67 pied-billed grebes in groups of 15 – 20 (pic included), 170 great egrets and over 1300 mallards. There were several large rafts of mallards with 200 – 300 birds swimming closely together in tight groups (pic included). They were quite comical!

 

I guess the black terns have finished up their nesting and have moved on, as we only saw 1 at Tschache Pool today. I didn’t see any there yesterday morning.  May’s Point had some green herons, coots, pied-billed grebes and gallinules to name a few.  We also got great looks at a belted kingfisher hovering and diving for food straight out from the observation deck!

 

The only downside to this gorgeous day was the MOSQUITOES!!  If you go out to the Refuge you may want insect repellent!!

 

FYI: There is a mask mandate for all federal buildings now.  This includes the Visitors’ Center.

 

Enjoy, be respectful and safe.