Bird Survey for August 17, 2021

As of yesterday, our biologist is having us include waterfowl units in our IWMM surveys. Here’s the scoop: The list you see is the what we create to share with the public.  You may not realize that we also follow protocols for surveying (US Fish and Wildlife Service) and that data goes to the Avian Knowledge Network (AKN) database. Basically, it means that now we will survey  Tschache Pool from the service road (instead of only from the tower) and Puddler Marsh from the dikes. A few weeks ago we started surveying Knox (for shorebirds) from the dikes as well as from the East Road Overlook. Even though we may be focusing on shorebirds or waterfowl, we report other birds as well. That’s probably way more information than you ever wanted to know but now you have it!

 

Now that we just had some rain, Knox Marsellus Marsh may be getting better for shorebirds and waterfowl. It was getting really dry out there but the only way to get water into that unit is via rain. I hope there was enough to refresh that area. We will survey Knox and Puddler Marshes on Friday. In the meantime, the area in the Main Pool in the open water area east of the observation deck by the eagle sculpture has become a hot spot!!  Yesterday I found 23 dowitchers, a Wilson’s Phalarope, and other shorebirds after being alerted to their presence.

 

Also, note that the blue winged teal seem to be making their way southward.  We found them in each of the 5 units surveyed yesterday. We are seeing more green winged teal as well.

 

Yesterday’s rain and humidity resulted in poor lighting conditions so I didn’t get good pictures. However, on Monday morning as I was doing a quick survey prior to opening the VC, I discovered a flock of yellow looking birds in the vegetation along the Wildlife Drive and on the ground near the photo blind parking area. I am including a pic of a flock of bobolinks in nonbreeding plumage!! Both males and females wear this plumage from August until March. I hope you get a chance to check them out before they migrate!