HOLY COW, yesterday was a COOKER!! But it didn’t seem to bother the birds too much.  We did see many cormorants and herons attempting to cool their bodies using gular fluttering, which is vibrating their gular (throat tissues). Many gulls had their mouths open too and I guess they were doing a similar technique to cool down.

Knox-Marsellus Marsh has drawn down nicely and had a variety of shorebirds. I hope we get some favorable winds to bring migrants to our area in time for the Muckrace!!  I have noticed swallow and blackbird species have been congregating on power lines along many roads lately which should also be helpful for our Muckrace teams this weekend!

Grow Native! Native Plant Festival and Sale is on Saturday, September 23, from 10 – 3 PM at the Visitors’ Center.  A guided hike on the Seneca Trail is scheduled for 9AM. We have a terrific line up of speakers for the day and will have native plants for sale from Dan Segal of The Plantsmen Nursery. There will be crafts for kids, a raffle, local vendors and ‘Til It’s Gone food truck. Share this information and come check it out!!

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.  Remember, the Refuge Wildlife Drive is currently open to vehicles only. Dogs on a leash are only allowed in and around the Visitors’ Center and on the Seneca Trail.  On Saturday, September 9 through Sunday, September 17 there is an early deer hunting period. Please wear blaze orange when hiking in the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area and be alert for deer darting across roads.

Pic #1: adult bald eagle Tschache Pool, #2: first yr bald eagle Tschache Pool, #3: young common gallinule Main Pool, #4: great blue heron attempting to cool off at Tschache Pool, #5: young pied-billed grebe Main Pool, #6: sandhill crane Eaton Marsh, #7: swamp rose mallow Wildlife Drive.

ENJOY, be respectful and safe.