Some folks have noticed that the Tschache Pool water level is lower which has created habitat for shorebirds. Yes, indeed!!  A water control structure needs some maintenance so the water is being lowered to facilitate a repair.  It is occurring at a great time as shorebirds are migrating southward right now and need a place to feed and rest. We had the most AMAZING opportunity yesterday. Jay McGowan, birder extraordinaire from Cornell Lab of Ornithology, joined us for the survey at Tschache Pool.  His experienced eyes and extraordinary identification skills made for a truly AWESOME experience for us! He shared tips on auditory and visual identification throughout the survey.  We rode in and surveyed from the bed of a pick-up truck so we could see over the cattails. He was a great sport as there was little to no shade!! It was VERY hot being exposed to the sun for hours!! Our numbers reflect the birds seen from the entire length of the service road.  THANK YOU, JAY!!

Along with the other shorebirds, the American Avocet, that was first seen a few days ago was present.  Unfortunately, it is mostly out of sight from the tower. But occasionally, it does move into an area where it can be seen.  We were able to get closer to the trumpeter swan family, so my pictures were better than they have been. We also surprised a doe with two fawns and got some pics before they scooted away.

After we surveyed Tschache, we took a break to cool off, picked up Marsela and surveyed the Wildlife Drive.  By the time we finished it was close to 3PM. The heat and humidity were oppressive so we skipped May’s Point and East Road.  Next week the temperatures are supposed to moderate, I HOPE!! We should be able to include those on Tuesday.

Remember, this week’s sound challenge is wood duck. Again, the Merlin folks have changed the format some.  Now, “Sound ID” is the first option when you open the app.  However, you are going to go to the bottom of the screen and choose “Explore,” then touch the search symbol and type in wood duck.  The first choice is mostly what I hear around the Refuge. Wood ducks nest at Montezuma. We have seen many wood duck broods this summer!  Most of the ducks I have seen in the Main Pool lately have been wood ducks!!  ENJOY!!

Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore the REALLY COOL and BEAUTIFUL things at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.

Pic #1: American avocet Tschache Pool (Jay McGowan), #2: American avocet Tschache Pool (Jay McGowan), #3: adult bald eagle Tschache Pool, #4: osprey Tschache Pool, #5: trumpeter swan family Tschache Pool, #6 trumpeter swans Tschache Pool, #7: white tailed doe w/ fawns Tschache Pool, #8: white tailed doe w/ fawns Tschache Pool,#9: white tailed doe w/ fawns Tschache Pool.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.