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Southwest Washington Wildlife Reports
June 25, 2007

Wildlife Diversity Division

Bald Eagle Sites: Biologist Holman visited Battle Ground Lake State Park to determine the nesting outcome for the eagle pair that resides at the Lake. While observing one of the adult eagles, interesting acts of predation were observed. The eagle not only took full advantage of the supply of WDFW-planted rainbow trout, but also captured and consumed mallard ducklings as well. The hunting eagle carried the fish back to the nest and perched to eat the two young ducks. Fisherman and other Park visitors enjoyed the display put on by the bird.

Several years ago fishing and swimming were temporarily disallowed at the popular Park due to the presence of bacteria in the Lake. Dirty diapers near the swimming area were implicated during the event. Some also suspected that the presence of a large numbers of tame or semi-tame, domestic, and semi-domestic ducks also played a part in the spread of the bacteria. The bald eagle pair has subsequently occupied the Park with the Lake as their favored hunting territory. Waterfowl numbers have been reduced at the Park. Two adult Canada geese with two remaining juveniles from their brood along with two mallard hens were the only waterfowl observed on the site visit.

National Scenic Area Trails: Biologist Anderson met with the Director of the Friends of the Gorge to discuss proposals for a variety of hiking trails in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. At issue are the trail locations in relation to sensitive wildlife sites throughout the Gorge. Included in the discussion were proposals at Beacon Rock State Park, Cape Horn, The Hatchery, and the Syncline. Although most people agree that these trails would improve recreational opportunity in the Gorge, a few sites have wildlife issues that need to be addressed.

Game Management Division

Pheasant Release Site Fence Project: Wildlife Management staff and local volunteers built 3 fence styles on the Woodland pheasant release site. Last fall the farmers leasing the land were upset by the behavior of hunters with regards to vandalism of the gates that limit cattle movement. The new styles will allow hunters to move between fields without disturbing the gates and hopefully eliminate the leaseholder from having to chase his cattle back to where they belong. The Woodland site is the only remaining pheasant release site in Cowlitz County and staff were happy to work with the landowner to reduce problems. Special thanks to Brian Calkins and Darren Hauswald for assisting with this weekend effort and for their help overseeing the volunteer group effort. Vancouver Wildlife League also provided volunteers.

Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course (MOICC) Training: District Wildlife biologist Miller completed the Motorboat Operator Instructor Certification Course in Olympia. The 5-day class covered all the basics for boat operation that will be included in future classes for WDFW employees. A total of 24 instructors have been certified and will begin teaching classes this summer across the state. This training is intended to bring all employees who operate boats up to a basic skill level. Specialized training for moving water, fan boats, and other specialized operations will follow in the years to come.