DUCKS ARE US!! Oodles of ducks, mostly dabblers, are in the Main Pool. I noticed that the water level had dropped there. Come to find out, the Refuge’s Comprehensive Plan calls for them to create habitat for dabblers, who prefer/need shallow water. They believe that there is plenty of deeper water for diver ducks in other areas close by (Tschache Pool, Erie Canal, Clyde and Seneca Rivers and Cayuga Lake). Mission accomplished!! That also created a large area of mud for shorebirds (and others) in the Southern part of the Main Pool that can be seen from the Seneca Trail Tower. That area is best viewed with a scope (there is one on the tower), especially if you want to see shorebirds.
Pete and I got the most wonderful surprise as we were driving along the North dike of Knox-Marsellus as we were leaving the area yesterday morning. We saw what, at first, looked like a large flock of Canada geese arriving. All of a sudden, Pete says, “Not geese, CRANES!!” We got to see and hear 130 sandhill cranes approach and come down into Knox!! What a spectacle!!
Just a heads up, I am unable to survey next Tuesday. Pete and Linda will survey and post lists in the Visitors’ Center but there will be no write up. Sorry!
Hopefully, you can get out to explore and experience the Autumn grandeur and the awesome, magical migration at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex trails, towers and the Refuge Wildlife Drive.
I am also including the bird list from last Friday, October 20, so you can get a sense of “who” is visiting other units.
Pic #1: heron rookery Tschache Pool, #2: adult female bald eagle spillway tree (Wildlife Drive), #3: adult male bald eagle spillway tree (Wildlife Drive), #4: female hooded merganser Main Pool, #5: trumpeter swan family Knox-Marsellus Marsh, #6: DUCKS ARE US!! Main Pool, #7: female wood duck Main Pool.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe.
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