Pete and Linda did the survey yesterday as I was providing programming for a group of youth from Victor Parks and Recreation. The water level at Knox-Marsellus Marsh is being lowered to help provide shorebird habitat that, if Mother Nature cooperates, should be great for the Muckrace on September 8 – 9. The good news is that there is plenty of shorebird habitat in other parts of the Refuge, the bad news is that much of it is not in view for birders. However, there is still some habitat that can be seen from Tschache Pool Tower, the north end of Seneca Flats and parts of Benning Marsh. YAY!!
Monday morning when I did a quick survey before I opened the VC, I found a peregrine falcon across the canal perched in a tree and a merlin perched in the top of the “spillway tree”!! It was REALLY foggy and unfortunately, my pics did not turn out well, RATS!! But keep an eye out for them in that area. Last Friday the falcon was in the “spillway tree.” Also, in recent weeks, I have seen peregrine falcons and a merlin from Tschache Tower.
Just a reminder, nine days until the Montezuma Muckrace and 3.5 weeks until the Grow Native! Native Plant Festival and Sale at Montezuma!!! The Muckrace is a fabulous opportunity to get out birding with friends and family, support the Friends (FOTMWC) who support the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and have a FANTASTIC time!! The Native Plant Festival is the first, that we hope will become an annual event. The folks who will be presenting are experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about native plants. It looks to be an AWESOME festival!!
Pic #1: belted kingfisher Wildlife Drive, #2: belted kingfisher Wildlife Drive, #3: double crested cormorant Main Pool, #4: double crested cormorant in the fog Main Pool, #5: great blue heron Main Pool, #6: sandhill cranes Tschache Pool, #7: goldenrod Wildlife Drive, #8: Joe-Pye weed Visitors’ Center wild flower area.
Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
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