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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Brian Calkins, Acting Wildlife Program Manager

August 14, 2006

Wildlife Diversity Division

Eagle Plans: Biologists in District 10 are working on several eagle plans at this time in both all counties of District 10.

Western pond turtle: Biologist Anderson reports that the majority of field work is completed for this years western pond turtle project. A total of 24 bullfrog egg masses were removed from the Klickitat County ponds this year. This is in comparison to 187 egg masses removed during our initial efforts to reduce the population ten years ago.

California Tortoiseshell butterfly

Butterfly Movement: Biologist Anderson reports that thousands of California Tortoiseshell butterflies are currently moving through the south side of the Mount Adams area in the South Cascades. Most butterflies currently are being see between 2500-3000 ft. This butterfly can be absent from our area for several years, subsequently building up in mass numbers when conditions are right. This appears to be a year with a substantial movement.

Game Management Division

Region 5 Deer Herd Composition Surveys: Black-tail and mule deer herd composition surveys are underway in Region 5. The surveys are conducted annually during the period beginning August 15 and continuing through September 30th. Wildlife Program Staff along with volunteers will actively conduct surveys as well as documenting any deer seen during other work (or play) activities. Any Region 5 staff member who that is interested is encouraged to collect this data as well.

Please contact Biologist Holman for a copy of the survey form and further information. At last, be aware that it is extremely important to classify all deer observed, i.e. don't just mention the big bucks or healthy does with two nice fawns. Thanks in advance to anybody who helps Wildlife Program out with this important part of our deer management efforts in Region 5.

Band-tail pigeon

Band-tailed pigeon survey: The third year of surveying mineral springs along the Newaukum River for band-tailed pigoens was completed by Wildlife Biologist Woodin. During the past three years, the high count of pigeons went from 634 to 67 to 335.

The first year of this survey (2004) was a very dry year, and it was believed that pigeons were concentrating at sites with a more permanent water source. In 2005, numbers were likely more closer to an average year. Then in 2006, a new observation station was located that afforded a much better overview of the entire springs area.

These mineral springs counts give WDFW an index of pigeon abundance and are useful in keeping track of Band-tailed pigeons. See image at right for a look at a silhouette of one of these native birds of Western Wasnington.

Shooting Preserve Inspection: District Wildlife Biologist Miller and Survey Biologist Woodin met with the applicants for a shooting preserve in Lewis County. This new landowner/operator is developing a high quality dog training and shooting preserve facility to conduct field/hunt trials. Facilities may in time reduce the need for WDFW owned lands to fulfill this function for hunting dog enthusiasts as well as providing some upland game hunting opportunities. Owner was encouraged to be diligent in releasing only birds that had clean medical histories during this time of bird flu concern.

Elk Flight Planning: Biologists from District 9 and 10 have cooperatively worked to develop a elk herd comp plan that will sample populations in lowland and coastal areas this fall. Planning will also provide some funding for late winter elk surveys in areas where fall flights have failed to provide adequate sample sizes for population modeling