They’re B-A-A-C-K!! The great egrets that were here in great numbers then disappeared, were back in the Main and Tschache Pools in good numbers yesterday!! Most of the egrets at Tschache could be seen from the tower. YAY!! Allyn assisted with the survey. While surveying from Tschache Tower, she noticed 2 raptors approaching. Two peregrine falcons did a couple of fly-bys, right over our heads!! HOLY COW!! We got great looks at them. They even made a brief stopover in a tree behind us. I was able to get a pic of one of them.
The best shorebird viewing was in the southern end of the Visitors’ Center Wetland. They are relatively close and can be seen with bins or a scope. We didn’t survey Knox-Marsellus, so I don’t know the conditions there. I hope it had lots of shorebirds for the guided hike this morning! The list shows many shorebirds at Tschache Pool. However, they were out around the corner. This is the first time since the end of April that the biologist had us survey from the dikes. Due to the dry conditions the water level at Tschache Pool is REALLY low. Many areas that normally have 12 to 18 inches of water, are muddy or dry. So, there were some shorebirds out there. On Monday morning, I saw 3 Wilson’s snipe in Larue’s Lagoon. After searching, we found them again yesterday!! They are absolutely beautiful and blend in so well with their surroundings!!
At one point when we were on the Tschache dike, Allyn said, “Don’t start the car, listen.” Lo and behold, we heard a soft tremolo of an eastern screech owl!! Then another one chimed and we had a wonderful chorus!! Not something we expected to hear during the day. I routinely hear them at my home at night. But, I think this was the first time I had heard them during the day. AWESOME!!
I’m also including pictures of a first-year bald eagle, a great egret, a trumpeter swan and some napping pied-billed grebes.
Hopefully, you can get out to explore and experience all the amazing things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive. The Refuge 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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