NEW Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge "birding hotline" established

[Betsy_Beneke at fws dot gov]

This is the Bear River Refuge "Birding Report" for November 17,  2003.
This report is also recorded and available by telephone at (435) 723-5887
ext. 26.

During the weekly waterbird survey, completed on November 14th by refuge
biologist, Bridget Olson, a total of 56,000 ducks were counted.  This
number was down from one year ago, when the count was 85,000.  Of the 17
species of waterfowl surveyed, the most common was northern pintail, at
18,500 birds.  Other notable waterfowl species included tundra swan,
green-winged teal, canvasback, common goldeneye, ruddy duck and common
merganser.  14 RING-NECKED DUCKS and 2 BARROW'S GOLDENEYES were also seen.

BIRDERS PLEASE NOTE  that although waterfowl are seen all along the refuge
access road (Forest Street) and the auto tour route, while hunting season
continues, the bulk of birds recorded during our surveys are seen in parts
of the refuge not open to the public.

A single COMMON LOON has been seen several times over the past two weeks,
both within the auto tour route loop and in Unit 3, which is on the east
side of the final leg of the auto tour.

125 Great Blue Herons were counted during the November 14th survey, as well
as both western and eared grebes, American white pelican, ring-billed and
California gulls.

Raptors seen this past week include both bald and golden eagles, northern
harrier, red-tailed and rough-legged hawks, peregrine and PRAIRIE FALCONs.

Other species likely to be seen this time of year include ring-necked
pheasant, short-eared owl, northern flicker, American pipit, Loggerhead
shrike, red-winged blackbird, western meadowlark, white-crowned sparrow,
dark-eyed junco and American goldfinch.

You are encouraged to SHARE INTERESTING BIRD SIGHTINGS for this report, by
either telephone or e-mail.  Contact Betsy Beneke at 435.723.5887 ext. 16,
or Betsy_Beneke@fws.gov.  Please also include your name, date of visit, and
a telephone number, in case we need to verify information.

This report will be provided weekly during spring, summer and fall.  During
winter months, it will be updated twice per month, or as interesting
sightings are reported.

DIRECTIONS TO THE REFUGE:  Take the Forest Street exit (#366) off of
Interstate 15 at Brigham City and travel west 13 miles to the refuge.  Bird
checklists and maps are available at an information kiosk near the
beginning of the auto tour route.

We hope you enjoy your visit to the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge!

Betsy Beneke
Outdoor Recreation Planner
Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge (office)
58 South  950 West
Brigham City  UT   84302
435-723-5887 ext. 16



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