The results of the weekly waterbird survey at Bear Lake Refuge included
Canada Goose – 151, Trumpeter Swan – 6 (2 adults and 4 cygnets), Mallard –
198, American Wigeon – 405, Northern Shoveler – 31, Redhead – 2, Ruddy Duck
– 5, American Coot – 1983, Pied-billed Grebe – 1, American White Pelican –
3, Western Grebe – 11, American Bittern – 1. The first Bufflehead of the
season were counted as well (11). There is a large number of mixed ducks
and American Coots on the southeast corner of Mud Lake, so viewing
opportunities for the public are good along the east end of North Beach
Road and from Merkley Lake Road along the east side of the refuge.
A Pacific Loon is still being found at Minidoka Refuge. It is most often
found on the Snake River just below the Lake Walcott spillway. Many
waterbirds are being seen including Mallard, Northern Pintail, American
Wigeon, Gadwall, Ruddy Duck, Western Grebe, Common Loon, American White
Pelican, and thousands of Canada Geese. A few late shorebirds are still
hanging around, including Long-billed Dowitcher, Pectoral Sandpiper, and
Killdeer.
The weather looks great for this weekend, fall migration is still in full
swing, and it won’t be long before the marshes freeze up. So come out and
visit us and let us know what you are seeing!
If you want to know about all what we’re doing at Bear Lake, Camas, Gray’s
Lake and Minidoka Refuges, check us out and Like us at
https://www.facebook.com/SEIdahoRefuges/. We have posts about a bison skull
found at Bear Lake NWR, Idaho’s bats, and more.
Thank you!
Steven F. Kahl
Deputy Project Leader
Southeast Idaho National Wildlife Refuge Complex
4425 Burley Dr., Ste. A
Chubbuck, ID 83202
P (208) 237-6615 ext 112
F (208) 237-8213
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