[Birdnet] Bear River Refuge waterbird survey

[Bridget_Olson at fws.gov]

Waterbird/Raptor Survey
09/25/06

Total waterfowl around 189,000 about 20,000 short of the long-term average
for this week in September.  Higher numbers this year, compared to last
year.  About 12% of birds counted were seen from the tour loop and 7% were
within the hunt units.  Total number of shorebirds around 17,000 which is
about 5,000 higher than the long-term average.  Almost all the Ibis have
departed for more southern climes.   Record high counts of eared grebes,
northern harriers and...ring-billed gulls?!   Recent rains have raised
river levels allowing gradual re-filling of Refuge wetland units.  Will
likely be near full target at the beginning of waterfowl season.


We have a confirmed botulism die-off of around 2,500 waterfowl out on
Willard Spur/Refuge southern boundary.  This has attracted turkey vultures
and northern harriers, seen feeding on carcasses.

Canada Goose            1643
Mallard                 19,220
Pintail                 38,393
GW Teal           27,320
BW Teal           3
Cinnamon Teal           20
Shoveler          35478
Gadwall           22,026
A. Wigeon         25,740
Unk. Dabbler            1900
Canvasback        5755
Redhead           1946
Ring-necked Duck  17
Ruddy Duck        9012
Pied-billed Grebe 4
Eared Grebe       2343
Western Grebe           87
Clark's Grebe           36
A.W. Pelican            192
DC Cormorant            482
Great Blue Heron  41
Great Egret       1
Snowy Egret       24
BC Night Heron          10
White-faced Ibis  80
Killdeer                1
Black-necked Stilt      94
American Avocet   2533
Greater Yellowlegs      25
Marbled Godwit          10131
Western Sandpiper 4
Dowitchers        4695
Wilson's Phalarope      2
Franklin's Gull         160
RB Gull                 5445
California gull         270
Forster's Tern          6
Black Tern        28
Coot              26480
Sandhill Crane          2
Turkey vulture          2
Northern Harrier        23
Red-tailed Hawk   1
Peregrine Falcon  1

Bridget Olson
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge
Wildlife Biologist
2155 West Forest St.
Brigham City, UT  84302
Phone: 435/734-6433