Knox-Marsellus Marsh continues to be our “hot spot”. We had about 6 different species of shorebirds as well as our usual birds. Without a lot of rain this week the water has receded enough to attract shorebirds!! Even though we did not have any sandhill cranes or Caspian terns today, there was an increase in northern shovelers and American wigeon. I searched but did not see the possible hybrid. I hope the guided shorebird folks find it tomorrow. We had only 1 black crowned night heron at Puddler Marsh which is really odd for this time of year. I have no idea why. We did find the roseate spoonbill in Puddler Marsh, in the west, north west area very close to the dike so it could not be seen from East Road.
I am including a couple of pics of monarch butterflies. We see them everywhere on the Refuge right now. I think these are the chosen group that will fly all the way to Mexico for the winter and then begin the northward migration in the spring.
BYOB – bring your own BUG SPRAY!! I am not kidding!! Have a great weekend.
ENJOY, be respectful and safe,
Thank you so much for these surveys!
Since we live almost 4 hours away, we use this information to guide us as to where and when we should visit!