Montezuma NWR (hand) Delivers

*Click on photos to enlarge.*

~ After being released into the wild, a recently rehabilitated male Canvasback caught mid wing flap, Montezuma NWR, 4/4/15.~
~ After being released into the wild, a recently rehabilitated male Canvasback enjoys a vigorous wing flap, Montezuma NWR, 4/4/15.~

On Saturday, the day before Easter, my brother-in-law Bill and I made it out to Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge by the early afternoon. We started at the visitor’s center and drove Wildlife Drive and then hit many of the usual spots at the refuge, including May’s Point Pool, Tschache Pool, and East Road. We did well in spite of many of the pools still being frozen over and up until that point we had 35 species for the day:

~One of nearly 20 American Coots seen from Wildlife Drive at Montezuma NWR, 4/4/15.~
~One of nearly 20 American Coots seen from Wildlife Drive at Montezuma NWR, 4/4/15.~

Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Tundra Swan
Gadwall
American Wigeon
American Black Duck
Mallard
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Green-winged Teal
Redhead
Ring-necked Duck
Bufflehead
Hooded Merganser
Common Merganser
Ruddy Duck
Pied-billed Grebe
Horned Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Osprey
Northern Harrier
Bald Eagle
Red-tailed Hawk
American Coot
Ring-billed Gull
Herring Gull
American Kestrel
Blue Jay
American Crow
American Robin
European Starling
American Pipit
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle

~
~Bill located this very confiding Pied-billed Grebe on our way out of Wildlife Drive, Montezuma NWR, 4/4/15.~
~
~Tunda Swan splashdown, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 4/4/15.~

The highlight of the day, however, came at our last stop of the day. We made our way over to the ‘Potato Fields’ to get a better look at the Snow Geese that we had seen from East Road. We were scanning the fields, I was hoping to turn some Tundra Swans into a Trumpeter, which was one of the birds I was really hoping to see. A car pulled in behind us and a couple got out. They asked us if we had seen any Trumpeter Swans and I said no but I was really hoping for one. The woman responded by saying she had a Trumpeter with her. I had no idea what that could possibly mean. The woman’s name was Cynthia Page, and she explained that she was a wildlife rehabilitator from the Page Wildlife Center in Manlius NY. She had not only a Trumpeter Swan, but also two Canvasbacks and a Redhead which had all been rehabilitated and she was releasing them. What a great opportunity!  We got great looks at these fabulous birds as she released each of them into the water. The Redhead wasn’t on the ground for more than a few moments before she took flight. The two Canvasbacks lingered enough for some photos and then took off. The Trumpeter Swan, which was released last, took her time getting reoriented and I took many photos and really enjoyed seeing this big beautiful bird. Cynthia expained that the swan had been hit by a car and had lost one eye. The experience was fascinating and I thought, very lucky.

~
~Another rehabilitated bird enjoys a wing flap, Trumpeter Swan at Montezuma NWR, 4/415.~
~
~Trumpeter Swan at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 4/4/15.~

 

~
~Tell me this guy doesn’t seem happy to be back in the wild? Canvasback released into the wild, Montezuma NWR, 4/4/15.~
~
~Here’s a look at the Trumpeter Swan’s missing eye. She kept her good eye on us almost the entire time.~

 

 

20 thoughts on “Montezuma NWR (hand) Delivers”

      1. So nice to meet you Matt and your fellow birder. Your photos are fantastic. A thank you to you for a memorable send off, the caring public who found all of these birds in desperate circumstances, all the veterinarians particularly the Cornell Wildlife Clinic who helped heal them and the many people who make our wildlife rehab efforts possible. Wonderful day!
        (There were two red heads; a male and a female. Neither stayed).

        1. Cindy,

          It was great to meet you as well; I felt very fortunate to have such good timing. It certainly was a wonderful day, you must really love what you do. Hope to see you again the next time I’m up that way. Matt.
          Ps – I’m not sure how I missed the male Redhead!

          1. Matt,
            I had a question for you. Would you contact me at my e-mail or cell?
            I shared you blog with the Cornell Wildlife Clinic who did most of the work on these birds. I know they will enjoy.

  4. Wow Matt! that head on photo of the Canvasback is really cool! Love your photos!
    Scotty

    1. Thanks Scotty! Looks like you had another great day out at the Bash yesterday – nice! See you out there. Matt

    1. Jennifer,

      The swans that you saw at 6 1/2 Station Road are most likely Mute Swans (I’ve only ever seen Mutes out there), but Tundra Swan is possible too. Look at the bill, MUSW will have an orange bill with a black knob at the base of the bill. TUSWs will have a black bill with possibly a yellow spot near the eye. Matt

  6. WOW! What a wonderful opportunity for you! I’m so happy you were there for the release. It must have been so special to watch the beautiful creatures being returned to their home. And your photos are exceptional! Thanks for sharing with us.

  7. What beautiful shots Matt.
    That is a place that has to be on my bucket list.
    I can’t wait to go there

    Wilma

    1. You have to get out there Wilma, you will love it. It’s not really that much of a trip to get there. Matt

Comments are closed.