Field Report: Bombay Hook NWR, Sept. 5th 2010

End of summer finds things winding down here again. Not much to see since the main pools have been drained pretty low. Temperatures were fantastic, around 75-80° with a beautiful cool breeze out of the north, compliments of Hurricane Earl’s visit earlier this weekend.

  • Great Egrets are in declining numbers (maybe 100 left) and leaving the refuge to head farther south.
  • Barn and Tree Swallows are making a killing on the flies and other bugs – thousands can be seen at dawn and dusk divebombing insects.
  • Speaking of bugs, not as bad as they were last month. Biting flies are relatively gone. Mosquitoes are less prevalent, however still making their presence known.
  • New bug spray made with “Picaridin” only – NO DEET – worked about as well as the Deet. 20%-40% Deet stuff I was using prior was MELTING plastic parts in the car and on my gear.
  • Thistles and Queen Anne’s Lace are at the end of their days, but the remaining Thistle blooms still attract some wayward Monarch and Swallowtail Butterflies.
  • Hunted for the Great Horned and Barred Owls at Finis Pool, but didn’t hear or see hide ‘nor hair of them.
  • No Eagles, Ospreys or Hawks – which was kinda weird.

Here’s to hoping things pick up as the fall progresses.

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