The Wildlife Drive and Seneca Trail were closed on Monday (08/21) late afternoon, for a couple of days for habitat management. The great news is that there are other wonderful areas (South Spring Pool and Esker Brook Trails for hiking, Tschache Pool Tower, May’s Point Observation Deck, etc). Quick note about parking for May’s Point: I encourage you to park across the road to access the boardwalk to the observation deck. If you park on the right side of the road just past the boardwalk, people on the passenger side of the vehicle will get out and walk in poison ivy!! YUCK!! There are also great trails at the Montezuma Audubon Center and within the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area.

 The water control structure at Tschache Pool has been repaired and boards put in place to collect water.  Basically, refilling Tschache Pool is dependent on rainfall.  It may fill up quickly or slowly depending on Mother Nature! It is good for us to remember, even though the Refuge staff has a well thought out, data driven, collaborative plan, Mother Nature is the ultimate boss most of the time!!

 A pair of sandhill cranes have continued to forage in the Visitors’ Center Wetland.  Don’t forget that sometimes they lay down in the vegetation making it difficult to see them. I am including a picture of one that shows the red on its head that resembles a heart shape. Awwww. I am also including a picture of a mallard and 2 wood ducks that were up near the spillway.  The mallard is a male in eclipse plumage (notice the color of the bill) and the size difference between the two species.

 This from Kyle Gage, President of FOTMWC: Registration is now open for the 2023 Montezuma Muckrace. https://friendsofmontezuma.org/projects-programs/muckrace/. The fundraising event will take place Sept. 8th-9th 7pm-7pm with a pizza dinner and wrap up of the event at the Montezuma Audubon Center immediately afterward. Form your teams and join us for this fun event in which teams cover the Montezuma Complex trying to see/hear as many bird species as possible. Spend as much time biding as you’d like, an hour or all 24 hours! Several categories are available in which to sign up, from competitive, recreational, and collegiate, to family and low carbon. Overnight camping will be available at the MAC (no hook-ups but the restrooms will be accessible all night). 

 Please remember that this is a fundraising event so get out there and help the Friends Of The Montezuma Wetlands Complex by gathering pledges and/or sponsors. Proceeds go toward restoration, acquisition, and maintenance of projects within the Complex. 

 If you aren’t interested in being on a team, feel free to donate to one by clicking on the link above. In case you are interested, I am on the “Fellowship of the Wing” team – hint, hint!!

 Also, keep in mind the Native Plant Festival, sponsored by FOTMWC on September 23, 10AM – 3PM. 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!!

 I am going to suspend the Sound Challenge for this year.  I have highlighted 9 species but, I don’t want to overwhelm folks. Review those, practice listening for them and enhance your auditory identification skills!! Continue to ENJOY!

 Pic #1: sandhill crane with red heart shape VC Wetland, #2: pair of sandhill cranes in VC Wetland, #3: mallard and wood ducks Main Pool, #4: bald eagle in spillway tree Wildlife Drive, #5: bald eagle in spillway tree Wildlife Drive, #6: pair of bald eagles in tree near May’s Point nest (seen from observation deck), #7: great blue heron Main Pool, #8: painted turtle Knox-Marsellus Marsh, #9: painted turtle Knox-Marsellus Marsh.

 I am going to carve out some time for myself in the coming weeks.  I will post the Friday lists at the Visitors’ Center but not create a write up. I plan to continue the Wednesday write ups and pictures. Thank you for your understanding.

 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. 

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.