I am back to sharing our bird lists again.  I hope everyone had a great holiday weekend. Sadly, I was unable to get to the family wedding in Denver, thanks to United Airlines!!

This is for the 07/05/23 bird list, however, due to commitments I was unable to get this out last Thursday, sorry.

Some of the highlights of the Main Pool were: a male blue-winged teal near the spillway, a flock of Caspian terns and ring-billed gulls on the Wildlife Drive also near the spillway, and a water lily in bloom. In Seneca Flats we found a sandhill crane family with a young colt.  I would guess that it is the same family was seen in the Visitors’ Center Wetland last weekend. Also in Seneca Flats, the absolutely, beautiful pickerel weed is blooming magnificently!! When we were approaching the turn at the north end of Eaton Marsh, we noticed a first-year eagle soaring around in the vicinity of the Benning Marsh nest.  It eventually flew into a tree and we got great looks at it. At Tschache Pool we could see many great blue heron young still in nests in the rookery but there were also some empty nests as well.  There were some great egrets in trees across the marsh. The reason we had 100 mallards on the survey is that an adult bald eagle flew across the marsh and sent them into the air allowing us to get an estimated count!!

During our survey yesterday we experienced uncomfortable heat and humidity. Eventually, we ran into a deluge that eventually lessened to a steady rain.  Tough day out there!! We surveyed the Sandhill Crane Unit along Van Dyne Spoor Road then the Wildlife Drive units.  I was only able to get one picture yesterday. It is of a water lily in full bloom, found near the spillway on the Wildlife Drive. So, keep an eye out for more as the others get to this gorgeous stage!!

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.

Pic #1: male blue-winged teal, #2: Caspian terns and ring-billed gulls, #3: water lily, #4: sandhill crane family, #5: sandhill crane colt, #6: fledgling bald eagle, #7: pickerel weed, #8: heron rookery, #9: great egrets, #10: mama mallard w/ ducklings.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.