We surveyed Tuesday at Knox, Puddler and the Wildlife Drive units. It was a sensational weather day with lots of sun and no wind!! Hard to imagine that of late. We had a huge surprise finding thousands of Canada geese and ducks on the Main Pool.  Most of our numbers came from surveying from the Seneca Trail Tower but, most of those same birds could be seen from the upper observation deck at the Visitors’ Center. There was a lot of ice along the Wildlife Drive which pushed the waterfowl back towards Maple Island. The duck and goose chatter/NOISE was so loud!! Don’t get me wrong, it was awesome, but LOUD! Just an aside, I have been enjoying a couple of Carolina wrens that have been hanging around the parking area near the office.  However, they can be heard from the parking area near the start of the Seneca Trail by the restrooms.  Yesterday, there were 3 separate and distinct birds and I thought there were only two.  Woohoo!  Love it!!

I got clarification from Andrea about the Seneca Trail closure.  The Refuge is allowing visitors to access the restrooms, but the Trail is closed just past the restrooms and all the rest of the way around. It will reopen at dawn on December 22 and reclose at dusk on December 25. It will reopen again on January 2, 2022. The South Spring and Esker Brook Trails are on the same schedule. Remember, the trails at the MAC are open, dog friendly and hunter-free!

There were lots of birds to see at Knox-Marsellus Marsh as well.  Due to the distance, a scope is necessary to identify many of the duck species.  But, with a naked eye or bins you can see cranes, gulls, ducks, geese, and swans. I didn’t see any trumpeter swans in the mix.  I checked all the swans that picked up their heads, many were resting with their heads tucked in out of sight.  The cranes were in a newer open area of Knox a little to the south.  I’m not sure whether that open area is a result of weather, bird activity or both.   As a matter of fact, I could only see 30 cranes from the dikes but was able to count 110 from the East Road Overlook!! If the cranes are not there, check out Armitage Road (south side, west of Olmstead Rd) and Olmstead Road.

Along with the bird list, I’m including pictures of a flock of ruddy ducks and one of the spillway eagles.

Tuesday was my last survey for 2021!  I wish you all very Happy Holidays and a safe, healthy, prosperous and birdy New Year!!

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.