Pete surveyed Tuesday while I did a Boy Scout program. He reports that Knox-Marsellus Marsh continues as the HOT SPOT! He saw the spoonbill and at one point it flew towards him then crossed the dike right in front of him! Holy Cow, what a fantastic view!! There are over 300 great egrets, and several hundred ducks and shorebirds!! Caspian tern and ring-billed gull numbers are increasing as well.
He did not see the wood stork or the black bellied whistling ducks. I also didn’t see them Monday when I checked units prior to opening the VC.
I will take advantage of my lack of first-hand knowledge to include some pictures that I did not have room for in previous posts. Two lovely plants found along the Wildlife drive are mullein and evening primrose. Mullein is native to Europe and Asia, has yellow flowers on an unbranched stalk and blooms from June to September. Evening primrose is native to eastern and central North America. The yellow flowers open in the evening on a tall spike and only last until the following noon. The plants bloom throughout summer and early fall. Both species are wonderful for our pollinators!!
Encourage visitors to sign up with Andrea (315)237-9862 for the Saturday guided bird walks at Knox-Marsellus Marsh – there is a participant limit, so don’t hesitate. The dates for the walks are August 14, 21, 28 and September 4. Dave Nicosia is leading them. He has outstanding knowledge of birds, their behaviors and migrations. He does an excellent job of helping all participants see the birds.
Enjoy, be respectful and safe.
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