Celebrate the Fall Bird Migration at the Columbia Gorge Refuges

Fall is just around the corner, and with it will come the arrival of migrating birds to the Columbia Gorge National Wildlife Refuges, Steigerwald Lake, Franz Lake, and Pierce.

While the birds at Franz Lake can only be appreciated from the overlook on Highway 14, guided hikes are scheduled at both Steigerwald Lake and Pierce Refuges. Hikes at Steigerwald Lake NWR will occur on Sunday, September 20, and Saturday, September 26, 2009. Hikes are scheduled at Pierce NWR on Saturdays, September 12 and 26, 2009. All hikes will begin at 8 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m.

The guided walks are free and open to the public; however, space is limited to 15 people per hike. Please contact Eric Anderson at (360) 887-4106 or Eric_Anderson@fws.gov to register for a hike, obtain directions to the starting location and get additional information if needed.

The Columbia Gorge Refuges sit at a migratory crossroads. Birds use the refuges to rest and refuel on the way to their wintering grounds. At Steigerwald Lake Refuge, waterfowl such as the omnipresent mallard and the colorful wood duck can be seen using the wetlands. Wintering or migrating Canada geese will be resting or feeding in the lake waters. Riparian woodlands can provide sightings of songbirds, such as western tanagers, purple martins, Swainson’s thrushes, Bullock’s orioles, and cedar waxwings. Both outings will be easy walks on the new Gibbons Creek Wildlife Art Trail .

The other two hikes will provide an opportunity to see a refuge that is otherwise closed to the public. Hikers at Pierce NWR will have a chance do some birding through oak woodlands, open fields, and riparian forest. They will be easy walks on flat terrain leading to beautiful views of the Columbia River, refuge wetlands, Beacon Rock, and Hamilton Mountain .

Birdwatchers, both novice and experienced, are invited to come out and get a closer look at the refuges and the nature show created by the changing of the seasons. Experienced guides will identify birds, explain why habitat areas on the refuges provide vital resting stops for migrating birds, and discuss how the refuges are managed. Unusual sightings can surprise and excite birders on any of the hikes.

Bring your binoculars, appropriate footwear/attire, and water. As is always the case in this area in the fall, check the weather forecast and be prepared for rain if necessary.

Regards,

The Columbia Gorge Refuge Stewards
www.refugestewards.org Columbia George