I am taking two weeks off from surveying.  However, I will do my best to share the survey results with you during this time. Linda B and two interns surveyed Tuesday.  They saw the sandhill crane family in Larue’s Lagoon. Many of the Main Pool birds were seen from the Seneca Trail Tower. Linda sent a few pictures for me to share. The pied-billed grebe and a chick, and the “coot clan” were in May’s Point.  The black-crowned night heron and the common gallinule with chicks were in the Sandhill Crane Unit.  They saw 20 great egrets in Knox-Marsellus Marsh! It looks like they are beginning to gather.  Early last August, we had over 100 great egrets in Knox and the numbers continued to increase. Our largest count was 320 on August 10.  We will see what happens in the next few weeks.

 Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the REALLY COOL stuff at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.  Remember, the Refuge Wildlife Drive is now open to hikers and cyclists as well as cars.  Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Visitors’ Center and on the Seneca Trail.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.