Featured image by Gary Meyer
Just when we thought spring had arrived, our 10-day forecast proves us wrong with almost every day showing at least a chance of snow. We also have more cold temperatures on the way this weekend, but it looks like those may not last long.
Even though the weather does not look favorable in the coming days, we are still starting to see more wildlife activity on Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, and Amsterdam Sloughs. Trumpeter Swans have continued returning to the area and are hanging out on our (still mostly ice-covered) flowages. Sharp-tailed Grouse have started to move into lekking areas on the warm, calm days, and are leaving evidence that they are beginning to dance. We are continuing to see small groups of Mallards, and lots of Canada Geese as well.
Although we are seeing signs of spring, we are seeing several of our winter birds hanging around the area, including a large number of Rough-legged Hawks and some Snow Buntings.
We have not yet seen Sandhill Cranes returning to Crex Meadows or Fish Lake, but they should be arriving any day now.
Highlights this past week include Bohemian Waxwing, Common Merganser, Hooded Merganser, and Ring-billed Gull.
Roads in Crex Meadows, Fish Lake and Amsterdam Sloughs have been holding up quite well for the most part, but with the upcoming snow it is a good idea to check in with Visitor Center staff before making a trip. Currently, the only road we recommend avoiding is West Refuge Road, which may be impassible to some vehicles.
Bird sightings within the last week on Crex Meadows, Fish Lake, Amsterdam Sloughs, and surrounding area:
| American Crow | Downy Woodpecker | Redpoll |
| American Goldfinch | European Starling | Red-tailed Hawk |
| American Kestrel | Great Horned Owl | Ring-billed Gull |
| American Robin | Hairy Woodpecker | Ring-necked Pheasant |
| American Tree Sparrow | Hooded Merganser | Rock Pigeon |
| Bald Eagle | Horned Lark | Rough-legged Hawk |
| Barred Owl | Mallard | Ruffed Grouse |
| Black-capped Chickadee | Mourning Dove | Sharp-tailed Grouse |
| Blue Jay | Northern Cardinal | Snow Bunting |
| Bohemian Waxwing | Northern Harrier | Trumpeter Swan |
| Canada Goose | Northern Shrike | White-breasted Nuthatch |
| Common Merganser | Pileated Woodpecker | Wild Turkey |
| Common Raven | Red-bellied Woodpecker |
Mammals seen in the area within the last week:
| Coyote | Gray Wolf (tracks) | River Otter (tracks) |
| Fisher | Red Fox (tracks) | White-tailed Deer |