We had a beautiful day with lots of great help! Marsela joined us again, but for the last time, as yesterday was her last day at the Refuge. She is heading back to college in Massachusetts. She has done a wonderful job and we are REALLY going to miss her on our surveys. Reuben came along while we surveyed Knox and Puddler Marshes so he could scout for Saturday’s guided shorebird walk. It was awesome to have his expertise and sharp eyes! As far as I know, there is still room to join the September 3 guided walk at Knox. Folks may register using Andrea’s phone number (315)237-9862. You should leave a message with your name and phone number.
We found shorebirds in the Visitors’ Center Wetland, the Main Pool and Knox-Marsellus. In the Visitors’ Center Wetland, the birds were mostly hunkered down and resting on the strips of mud sticking up out of the water. The sandhill crane family is still intact!! Woohoo!! They were in the Main Pool up near the spillway. We also had 28 sandhill cranes fly in to Knox-Marsellus Marsh during the survey. We had 5 great egrets in the Main Pool. WOW! We haven’t seen many lately. It begs the question, “Where have all the egrets gone?” If you have any insights, I surely would love to hear them. I have been asked by many but I have no clue.
Benning Marsh was disked again, last Tuesday. Nick was able to break up the large clumps and knock down some vegetation that had regrown. It’s looking really good! It will be refilled once maintenance on the spillway is complete and the Main Pool refilled. There are no dates for this, just as soon as possible.
I’m including a picture of 2 double crested cormorants in the Main Pool near the spillway, a log of sun-bathing turtles, some Caspian terns with mallards and the sandhill crane chick with one adult. Hopefully you can get out soon to explore and experience all the amazing things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive. The Wildlife Drive is no longer open to hikers and cyclists. It’s just cars until May 25, 2023. Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Visitors’ Center and on the Seneca Trail.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
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