Current Report
	Report Archives

Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
Brian Calkins, Acting Wildlife Program Manager

September 25, 2006

Region 5 Wildlife Areas:

Shillapoo Sandhill Cranes: Sandhill Cranes have arrived in the Vancouver Lowlands area and the next two weeks should be an excellent time for viewing these birds. This is part of a migratory population that stops here in the fall and spring as a stopover on thier migratory route. Most of the birds will move further south but some will spend the entire winter in the vicinity. Harvested corn fields along Lower River Road probably present the best viewing opportunities.

Trapping for western pond turtles at an unnamed lake in the Carty Unit of the Ridgefield NWR.

Wildlife Diversity Division:

Western Pond Turtle: Trapping for western pond turtles is underway at Ridgefield NWR. There are currently 2 hoop traps in Gee Creek and 6 hoop traps in an unnamed lake in the Carty Unit. The lake features excellent habitat for turtles. The first day of checking the entire trap layout was Sept. 14. One trap contained 11 painted turtles. We noticed that some of the turtles exhibited inconsistent primary and secondary sex characteristics. Two males(?) had the flat body profile and long foreclaws typical of males, but thin tails with the vent even with the edge of the shell, a feature normal for females. One male had a normal male tail and body profile, but shorter foreclaws, more typical of female turtles. All of the turtles had moderate algal growth, despite an abundance of places for emergent basking (which would allow them to dry out). The turtles are molting the outer layer of shell coverings, so they show sections of clean, colorful shell interspersed with shaggy, algae-covered surfaces. Two traps placed in Carty Lake were removed after they were ruined by aquatic rodents in less than one day. Traps are to be checked daily through Sept. 23, then removed to storage. Lauren Ridenour is checking the traps. This takes 2 to 3 hours per day, depending on trapping success and whether she has recruited volunteer help.

Game Division:

Mt. St. Helens Elk Herd Plan: Biologists from District 10 and 9 are reviewing the document and responding to public comments. Most public comments support the new herd goal, support using permits to deal with damage,
support retention of the permit entry for units 524 and 556 and support using permits to deal with elk populations in the Gorge. Other comments are being addressed.

Avian Influenza Monitoring: Biologists in Distinct 10 obtained sampling vials last week to use in sick/dead bird situations as well as fecal analysis. Check station processes are being modified to comply with tissue media
requirements for freezing and refrigeration.

Dark Goose Survey: District Wildlife Biologist Miller followed up on a local report and surveyed the Lewis & Clark refuge for geese. Several flocks of dark geese were observed, none with white next collars. In addition, several thousand ducks were observed on Russian and Lois islands.