Sorry for the delay in this week’s posting. A software update threw a major glitch into the program.
There continues to be thousands of ducks on the Main Pool. Many of our dabbler ducks (Northern pintail, American wigeon, gadwall, Northern shovelers, etc.) have moved further along on their southward journey. But the diver ducks are there in huge numbers!! We had the most AMAZING experience last Friday while surveying. We were on the Seneca Trail Tower and heard what sounded like a machine approaching us. We looked around thinking that someone on the Refuge staff was mowing nearby, but not a machine could be seen. All-of-a-sudden, there was a HUGE flock of ducks (several thousand) flying over our heads, heading toward the Main Pool. HOLY COW!! We were TOTALLY AMAZED at the sound generated by thousands of ducks in flight!!
Sandhill cranes have been showing up in large numbers at both the Visitors’ Center Wetland and East Road. I recommend the VC area as they are so close and often “chatty.” One can enjoy a wonderful visual and auditory experience, either from a vehicle along the driveway or from the VC Observation Deck. Remember there is also an outside upper deck that can be accessed via stairs near the end of the sunroom windows.
Pete is having another guided walk this Sunday, November 24 at 10 am beginning at the VC. The VC/store will not be open on Thanksgiving, Nov 28, but the Wildlife Drive will be open. The Visitors’ Center (if we have volunteer staffing) and Wildlife Drive will be open through November 30. The outdoor restrooms at the head of the Seneca Trail will remain open through the winter. Keep in mind that the path may not be cleared if we get snow. While the Esker Brook and South Spring Pool trails will remain closed through January 1 (reopening January 2), the Seneca Trail will be open – even during the late archery season for white-tailed deer (12/9/24 – 12/17/24 & 12/26/24 – 1/1/25).
Hopefully, you can get out soon to explore and experience the magnificent, magical migration at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.
Pic #1: immature bald eagle Main Pool, #2: immature bald eagle Main Pool, #3: male canvasback Main Pool, #4: DUCKS!! Main Pool, #5: muskrats North May’s Point Road, #6: pied-billed grebes Main Pool, #7: male ruddy duck Main Pool, #8: sandhill cranes VC Wetland, #9: sandhill cranes and snow geese Knox-Marsellus, #10) snow bunting Wildlife Drive.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
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