I need to start off with a correction from my last posting. Someone kindly alerted me to the fact that we had one ruddy duck on September 28 in Puddler Marsh. So, the two we saw at Tschache Pool on Tuesday were not our first this fall. I had checked back to May, but I somehow overlooked that September survey. Oops!! Sorry.
The Visitors’ Center Wetland had yellowlegs and at least 5 species of ducks mixed in with the Canada geese. The Main Pool had at least 7 species of ducks. I noticed a phenomenon in the Main Pool that I have never seen before. Huge areas were literally covered with thick masses of spider webs . I wonder if this is common in some places and that is why spider webs are a popular Halloween decoration. Feel free to educate me in this matter. Seneca Flats had at least 4 species of ducks, 7 species of shorebirds and 3 species of waders in the mix. Some highlights were great egrets, glossy ibis, dunlin, Wilson’s snipe and dowitchers. I know there were more shorebirds but a northern harrier passed over scattering them into the vegetation before I could get them all counted. RATS!!
Knox-Marsellus Marsh had hundreds of Canada geese, dozens of sandhill cranes, our trumpeter swan family, at least 3 species of ducks, 4 species of shorebirds (did not see the godwit) and dozens of great egrets and gulls. Puddler had at least 7 species of ducks, an American bittern and only 1 black crowned night heron.
I have been wanting to include the sunflower information for some time but usually run out room with the other stuff. So here is the story of the sunflowers. They are called Maximilian sunflowers (helianthus maximiliani) that were planted in the Visitors’ Center wildflower meadow a number of years ago. According to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center they are “common in the prairies of the mid-west and have naturalized eastward. The USDA considers them native to the lower 48 states and Canada. This species is palatable to deer and numerous species of birds, who eat the seeds. It is also a useful wildlife cover plant. It provides nectar for both bees and butterflies. They bloom from August to November.” And if you have seen them this fall you know they are absolutely gorgeous!!
Wildlife Refuges are sponsoring a Walk for the Wild as part of National Wildlife Refuge Week October 10 – 16.
From Andrea: Hi All! Please follow this link and sign yourself up for the national virtual Walk for the Wild; choose Montezuma as YOUR refuge! Sign your family up too! Share it with friends! You can walk, roll, or stroll during the upcoming week (National Wildlife Refuge Week) and count your miles towards this 5K challenge. You don’t even have to do 5K all at once. Not walking these days? I’m offering the Wildlife Drive as an alternative!
We are now at #8 in the country for refuges represented for the Walk for the Wild. Let’s get us to the top 3!
https://www.virtualrunningclub.com/events/walk-for-the-wild/#tve-jump-17af881e6b5
I have signed up, will don my insect repellent and hit the trails!! Hope to see you there.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe,
Recent Comments