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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Fred Dobler, Wildlife Program Manager

February 7, 2005

Five days after installing a baffle tube in a beaver dam the stereotypical "busy" beavers had re-built the dam at the baffle location.

Game Division

Mount Saint Helen's Wildlife Area: Winter Elk Survey– Wildlife Area Manager Calkins and Wildlife Biologist Woodin conducted an elk survey last week of the Mount Saint Helen's Wildlife Area. These winter counts help the agency to monitor the intensity of use by elk on their wintering grounds.

This was the third count and highest numbers of elk seen this winter. One hundred and forty one elk were counted, with 38 branched antler bulls and 11 spikes. Fifty three cows, 27 calves and 12 unidentified elk were seen. The elk were in groups ranging from about 20 to 50 animals, with one group of 30 bulls on the river gravel. One cow was lying off by herself, and will need to be monitored as this is uncommon behavior and may indicate a failing condition.

Beaver Dam Baffle Update– Five days after installing a baffle tube in a beaver dam the stereotypical "busy" beavers had re-built the dam at the baffle location. Currently, this baffle is keeping the pond level behind the dam at acceptable levels, but will still be monitored.

Wildlife Diversity Division

Bald Eagle Surveys– Biologist Holman met with two volunteers that will each be watching the suspected locations of new bald eagle nests. Clark College student Shaun Johnson will watch eagle activity on the upstream end of Reed Island in Clark County and USFWS biologist Kevin Maurice will watch the downstream end of Ives Island in Skamania County. Each of these locations are currently unoccupied, and offer excellent nesting and foraging opportunities for eagles. Specifically, both are located on public land, both are accessible only by boat, both are adjacent to National Wildlife Refuges and both are in close proximity to abundant fish and waterfowl resources. Pairs of adult eagles have already been observed at both sites. Thanks to Shaun and Kevin for their help with the eagle surveys.

WDFW Wildlife Diversity Annual Meeting–Last week WDFW staff met to review and prepare for the upcoming field season. The focus was on all activities related to Wildlife Diversity, and encompasses all species not managed for harvest activities.

In Southwest Washington, survey work continues on Western Pond Turtle, Sandhill Cranes, Marbled Murrelet, Columbian White-tailed Deer, Taylor's Checkerspot (butterfly), Golden Eagles, and Western Grey Squirrel. Also, Washington will be one of four states nationwide to address a new survey method for Bald Eagles. This will entail spring flights of all known nests, and then a second experimental flight to assess bald eagle prevalence. This "dual-frame" method has been developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and US Geological Service.

Peregrine Falcons– The peregrine falcon breeding season has arrived with the closure of the south climbing area at Beacon Rock State Park (BRSP). WDFW and State Parks have a management agreement that protects this nesting site in the Columbia River Gorge. Peregrine falcons have nested at BRSP since 1996 and have been the most productive pair on the Washington side of the Columbia River. State Park personnel and WDFW enforcement officers have assisted monitoring the site for climbing violations. We appreciate their help.

Western Pond Turtles– Biologist Anderson was recently notified that a cost share project for improving western pond turtle habitat was funded by the USFS for 2005. This project is located on recently purchased USFS lands in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The primary emphasis of the project will be enlarging a permanent pond, removing Scot's broom for nesting habitat and thinning conifers in Oregon white oak habitat.