REVIEW AND APPROVALS
WHEELER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Decatur, Alabama
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
0 Refuge Manager Date Refuge Supervisor Date
& 01-V -- ~// Approval ~-D t Vo
INTRODUCTION
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order of President Franklin D . Roosevelt on July 7, 1938 . 9 Overlaid on the middle third of the Tennessee Valley Authority's Wheeler Reservoir, it was placed on land purchased by TVA as a bed for and buffer strip around the reservoir in 1934 and 1935 . The reservoir was impounded in 1936 .
The Refuge is located in the Tennessee River Valley of Northern Alabama in Morgan, Limestone and Madison Counties . Its western end lies within the city limits of Decatur, population approximately 50,000, and its eastern end touches the city limits of Huntsville, population about 170,000 . Several cities, smaller towns and communities are nearby . Nashville is about 110 miles north, and Birmingham is 85 miles to the south . Its topography is flat to rolling . Temperature extremes range from 5 degrees below zero to 110 degrees, although winters are seldom below zero and summer temperatures rarely exceed 100 degrees . Humidity is normally 90% or above in summer . Rainfall is approximately 50 inches per year, and there is seldom extended accumulations of snow or ice cover .
TVA, the agency that purchased the area, considers over 40,000 acres lie inside its perimeter, although the official acreage given is 34,170 omitting navigable water . It includes 19,000 acres of land and 15,000 acres of water . The land acreage consists of some 10,000 acres of Mississippi Valley type hardwoods, 3,000 acres of pine plantations, 5,000 acres of farmland with the remainder being open shelves, rocket test ranges, etc . About 4,085 acres lie inside the Redstone Arsenal boundary, while about 1,500 acres of this are partially administered by the Marshall Space Flight Center, National Aeronautics and Space Administration . Interstate 65 crosses the Refuge . U .S . Highway 31 is part of its western boundary and State Highways 20 and 67 cross parts of the Refuge and closely parallel the remainder .
Considered the eastern most national wildlife refuge of the lower Mississippi Flyway, Wheeler Refuge supports the southern-most and Alabama's only significant concentration of wintering Canada geese . It also serves as winter habitat for the State's largest duck population . It was the first national wildlife refuge ever placed on a multipurpose reservoir and has supported up to 60,000 geese and near 100,000 ducks, although modern peaks are nearer 30,000 geese and 60,000 ducks . It includes interesting flora, a bird list of over 300 species, mammals ranging from shrews to deer and a wide variety of reptiles, amphibians and fishes .
The Refuge is well developed with over 100 miles of graveled roads, 2,500 acres of managed wetlands, a modern Headquarters Complex and a large Visitor Center and Waterfowl Observation
Building . Public use is heavy and visits of all types normally total over 650,000 annually .
The address is Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge, Route 4, Box 250, Decatur, Alabama 35603 . The telephone number for the Headquarters Office is (205) 353-7243, for the Visitor Center (205) 350-6639 . The Headquarters Office is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 :00 AM until 3 :30 PM . The Visitor Center and Observation Building are open 10 :00 AM until 5 :00 PM Wednesday through Sunday from March through October, and seven days each week November through February .
The Refuge also administers three satellites, all established to protect endangered species . These are Blowing Wind Cave National Wildlife Refuge, near Scottsboro, Alabama, Fern Cave National Wildlife Refuge, near Paint Rock, Alabama, and Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge located in the outskirts of Bessemer, Alabama . Four Farmers Home Administration tracts are under refuge administration .
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A . HIGHLIGHTS . . . . • 1 B . CLIMATICCONDITIONS 2
C . LANDACQUISITION
1 . Fee Title . . . 2 2 . Easements Nothing To Report 3 . Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements . . 3 4 . Other Nothing To Report
D . PLANNING
1 . Master Plan Nothing To Report 2 . Management Plan Nothing To Report 3 . Public Participation Nothing To Report 4 . Compliance with Environmental and Cultural Resource Mandates 4 5 . Research and Investigations 6 6 . Other 7
E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel ...... 9 • Nothing To Report 2 . Youth Programs • 3 . Other Manpower Programs • . • Nothing To Report 4 . Volunteer Program 11 5 . Funding 13 6 . Safety 13 7 . Technical Assistance 13 8 . Other 13
F . HABITAT MANAGEMENT
1 . General • . Nothing To Report 2 . Wetlands 14 3 . Forests 17 4 . Croplands 18 5 . Grasslands . . . . . • 22 6 . Other Habitats • • Nothing To Report 7 . Grazing . . . . . 22 Nothing To Report 8 . Haying . • • 9 . Fire Management 23 10 . Pest Control 23 11 . Water Rights • • Nothing To Report 12 . Wilderness and Special Areas . Nothing To Report 13 . WPA Easement Monitoring • • Nothing To Report 14 . FmHA Conservation Easements . . . 25 15 . Private Lands • • .Nothing To Report Nothing To Report 16 . Other Easements • •
G . WILDLIFE
1 . Wildlife Diversity 26 2 . Endangered and/or Threatened Species 26 3 . Waterfowl 27 4 . Marsh and Water Birds . . . . 30 5 . Shorebirds . Gulls, Terns, and Allied Species 31 6 . Raptors 32 7 . Other Migratory Birds 32 8 . Game Mammals 32 9 . Marine Mammals . Nothing To Report 10 . Other Resident Wildlife 33 11 . Fishery Resources 34 12 . Wildlife Propagation and Stocking . . Nothing To Report 13 . Surplus Animal Disposal Nothing To Report 14 . Scientific Collections . . . Nothing To Report 15 . Animal Control Nothing To Report 16 . Marking and Banding 34 17 . Disease Prevention and Control . . . . Nothing To Report
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General 35 2 . Outdoor Classrooms - Students . . . . • 37 3 . Outdoor Classrooms - Teachers 37 4 . Interpretive Foot Trails . • 37 5 . Interpretive Tour Routes . 37 6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations 37 7 . Other Interpretive Programs 38 8 . Hunting 38 9 . Fishing 39 10 . Trapping . Nothing To Report 11 . Wildlife Observation 39 12 . Other Wildlife Oriented Recreation 41 13 . Camping • 41 14 . Picnicking • 41 15 . Off-Road Vehicling 41 16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation 41 17 . Law Enforcement 41 18 . Cooperating Associations Nothing To Report 19 . Concessions Nothing To Report
I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
1 . New Construction . . . . . 45 2 . Rehabilitation . • 48 48 3 . Major Maintenance • 4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement • . 49 5 . Communications Systems Nothing To Report 6 . Computer Systems .Nothing To Report 7 . Energy Conservation . . . .Nothing To Report 8 . Other .Nothing To Report
J . OTHER ITEMS
1 . Cooperative Programs . Nothing To Report 2 . Other Economic Uses Nothing To Report 3 . Items of Interest ...... 50 4 . Credits . . . . . 51
K . FEEDBACK . . . Nothing To Report
L . INFORMATION PACKET . Inside Back Cover A . HIGHLIGHTS
C .1 . Lease agreement between State Highway Dept . and Service prepared to transfer management rights of 73 acre mitigation tract to refuge .
E .1 . Project Leader's position classified as GM-485-13 . Two co-op positions filled at Wheeler .
F .2 . Director Pulliam speaks at Ducks Unlimited dedication ceremony at which $48,000 were donated to Wheeler Refuge .
G .3 . Again, record low numbers of Canada geese . Ninety six new wood duck boxes placed .
G .16 . Record number of wood ducks banded . Canada goose collar observation goal reached .
H .11 . Backyard Wildlife Project begins with donations from Tennessee Valley Audubon and Amoco Chemical Company .
H .17 . Two suicides occur on refuge . Seventy-six marijuana plants discovered and removed from refuge .
I .1 . Penney Bottoms Impoundment project completed .
1 .2 . Underground fuel storage tanks replaced with above ground tanks .
J .3 . Associate Manager Bill Grabill completes refuge inspection .
B . CLIMATICCONDITIONS
For the first time since 1988, rainfall was below seventy inches . The 55 .60 inches recorded was only .88 above average, but fairly well distributed throughout the year . Table 1 . indicates rain distribution and temperature ranges for 1992 . The most notable numbers were the total rainfall in June through September and the below average summer temperatures .
Table 1 . Temperatures (degrees Fahrenheit) and rainfall (inches) in 1992 by months compared to the average .
Temperatures Departure Maximum Minimum Rainfall Average Rainfall from normal
JAN 63 12 2 .76 5 .17 -2 .41 FEB 72 18 3 .21 4 .79 -1 .58 MAR 79* 21 4.92 6 .78 -1 .86 APR 84 264 2 .49 4 .92 -2 .43 MAY 89 43 2 .45 4 .60 -2 .15 JUN 94 51 10 .59 3 .74 +6 .85 JUL 95 67 6 .13 5 .05 +1 .08 AUG 95 52 3 .38 3 .11 + .27 SEP 89 46 5 .86 3 .99 +1 .87 OCT 82 35 2 .61 2 .90 - .29 NOV 75 25 5 .19 4 .24 + .95 DEC 64 24 6 .01 5 .43 + .58 55 .60 54 .72 + .88
*breaks or ties record
Temperatures were generally mild throughout the year with a warmer than usual winter and a cooler summer . August was especially cool ; there were 10 record lows established . The high was only 95 degrees for the entire summer . Several days in the upper 90's are generally common .
Frequent summer rains helped crops thrive and kept moist soil management areas in good condition to produce moist soil plants . However . some low elevation fields were too wet to cultivate . There were no major storms or damage due to weather in 1992 .
C . LAND ACQUISITION
1 . FeeTitle Last year, the Alabama Highway Department purchased the 73- acre Packard property adjacent to the refuge as part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), the Alabama Highway Department and other signatory federal and state agencies . The purpose of the MOU was to set up a Wetland Mitigation Bank for State
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Highway projects in northern Alabama requiring wetland mitigation in accordance with Section 404 permits issued .
This year the Service accepted a leased agreement involving the 73-acre mitigation tract . For the consideration of $1 .00, the Alabama Highway Department agreed to permit the refuge to manage and develop the tract as part of Wheeler Refuge . The lease will remain in force until the land is transferred in fee title to the Service under the conditions of the Wetland Mitigation Bank MOU .
Aerial view of Packard tract . This drained wetland . adjacent to the refuge, was acquired as mitigation from the Highway Department . 11/92 F . Dukes
3 . Farmers Home Administration Conservation Easements
Three new FmHA properties were added to Wheeler Refuge's property inventory this year for a total of four . A 161-acre . four-parcel Coley tract in Calhoun County, a 63-acre, two- parcel Speed tract in Lamar County, and a 20-acre Rollins tract in Marion County were added .
Refuge personnel posted the boundaries of the new FmHA easement tracts during the months of March and September .
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By the end of the year all FmHA properties were inspected for compliance checks . No violations were noted this year .
Grady Swann posting easement boundary on the Coley tract in Calhoun County, AL . 3/92 T . Stone
D . PLANNING
4 . Compliance With Environmental and Cultural Resources
Monitoring continued on the Redstone Arsenal portion of the refuge for DDT and its derivatives . Refuge personnel, along with Olin Corporation personnel and Mark Wilson of the Cookeville FWE Office, collected fish samples and sediment samples . At the end of the year, these samples were in the lab for analysis . Results are not yet known . The refuge collects wood duck eggs and red-winged blackbird nestlings on an alternate year basis . This was not a collection year .
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Olin Corporation continued to collect fish and surface water i samples and began sediment mapping of the Huntsville Spring Branch and Indian Creek . The mapping showed stream contours at specified cross-sections and will be used to compare siltation and erosion in future years . Olin will continue sampling .
DDT concentrations in the Huntsville Spring Branch water column are still in a decline, falling from 1 .4 ug/1 in 1989 to 0 .4 ug/l in 1992 . Figure 1 shows the average concentrations of DDT at two mile markers in Huntsville Spring Branch over the past 5 years . Isomers of DDE and DDD were found along with DDT . Analysis of data collected from several years of monitoring surface water and fish, show that DDT and DDE are degrading into the less harmful DDD .
Figure 1 . Average concentrations of DDT at two mile markers 0 in Huntsville Spring Branch over the past 5 years .
Figure 1 AVERAGE DDT CONCENTRATIONS IN HSB WATER
12 MONTH RUNNING AVERAGE
• HSBM 2.4 --A HSBM 3.9 6
Mark Wilson of the Cookeville FWE Office transferred during 0 the year, resulting in the loss of valuable expertise in Wheeler's contaminant program . Dr . Don Shultz retired in the Region's Contaminant Office with the resulting loss of valuable knowledge and experience of the Redstone Arsenal DDT situation . We feel fortunate, however, in having Dr . Chuck Facemire to replace Dr . Shultz . He has already become involved in the DDT program at Wheeler .
The Alabama Highway Department cleared the hurdles of permits and Environmental Assessments and is set to receive bids for the construction of a new U .S . Highway 31 bridge across the Tennessee River . The bridge is at the western boundary of the refuge . The Highway Department is mitigating this loss of wetlands and other future losses by buying 73 acres of wetlands adjacent to the refuge to form a "mitigation land bank" . Beginning January 1993, the refuge is authorized to incorporate the 73 acres into its boundary and begin management activities . See C . LAND ACQUISITION 1 . Fee Title .
Manager Stone met with personnel from Redstone Arsenal and EBASCO Incorporated who will prepare an EIS for Arsenal activities over the next 20 years . Baseline information was provided on refuge operations and refuge lands within Redstone Arsenal .
The State of Alabama approved the refuge's application to remove underground fuel storage tanks . These were removed in December and preparations were made to install two above ground fuel storage tanks . See I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 2 . Rehabilitation .
The refuge staff continued bi-yearly surface water sampling from nine locations within the refuge . Between the first and second sampling periods, Dr . Singh of Analytical Labs and Services, Inc . in Huntsville passed away, leaving the refuge without laboratory services . Bids were received from local laboratories, and Bio-Chem Analysts, Inc . of Huntsville is now processing the refuge's surface water samples . Some discrepancies were noted between the two labs' reports on two items . This is being looked into .
5 . Research
More than 30 people from refuges, enhancement offices, and the regional office attended the Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) workshop at Wheeler, led by Ron Rope of the Center for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment EG&G Idaho, Inc . The workshop was designed to facilitate the development of a wholistic monitoring strategy for selected refuges .
David Mays of Alabama A & M University was issued a Special Use Permit for research on wetland systems . He is working for the Office of Surface Mining on a project entitled, "Evaluation of the Biotic Potential of Microorganisms and Higher Plants to Enhance the Quality of Constructed Wetlands ." Data collection occurred in a wetland adjacent to Beaverdam Creek Swamp which serves as a control to compare with man made wetlands elsewhere .
University of Alabama in Hunstville graduate student Todd Earnhardt continued stand regeneration research on Tupelo gums in the Beaverdam Swamp .
The refuge assisted in an Auburn University deer forage study headed by Dr . Lee Stribling . Eight plots of cool season fall crops were planted in October of 1991 . Plant heights inside and outside wire exclosures were monitored throughout the spring .
Researchers from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa cleared and excavated an archeological mound in White Springs, along the River . The Tennessee Valley Authority permitted this activity so that the mound can be catalogued and protected .
6 . Other
Manager Stone met with the following groups and organizations to represent the refuge's interests :
- with officials of the City of Huntsville, TVA, and U .S . Army Corps of Engineers concerning a renewed interest in the proposed barge canal and port in the Watkins Bluff area . Fish and Wildlife Service policy and permitting requirements were explained .
- with the City of Huntsville Engineering Department and the Huntsville Police Department concerning a proposed firing range adjacent to the refuge . Problems involving lead draining onto the refuge were discussed .
-with Manager Dukes, Mayor Toney, and Police Chief Fletcher of Triana concerning disturbances on refuge lands leased to the town of Triana for a park . A second meeting was held with Madison County Commissioner Abernathy concerning the renewal of the park lease to the town of Triana .
- as a member, met with the interagency biological evaluation team for the proposed Piney Creek Watershed Project in Limestone County . Other team members were personnel from the Soil Conservation Service, Tennessee Valley Authority, U .S . Forest Service, Alabama Department of Conservation, and Randy Roach of the U .S . Fish and Wildlife Service . Piney 8
Creek drains into Limestone Bay, a major waterfowl area of the refuge .
- attended a technical committee meeting in Birmingham for the Flint Creek Watershed Project sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency .
- attended a meeting of the Technical Advisory Committee for the Huntsville International Airport . Plans for expanding the airport in the future were discussed .
- with Manager Dukes for an annual meeting with TVA representatives Scott Atkins and Kenneth Gean to discuss pumping plans for 1992 . 0
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E . ADMINISTRATION
1 . Personnel
2 7 14 10 8 3 12 11 4 15 5 6 9 13 1 Not pictured : 16, 17, 18
• 1 . Harry T . Stone Refuge Manager, GM-13, PFT, EOD 08/03/87 2 . Frank C . Dukes Sup Ref Opr Spec, GS-12, PFT, EOD 08/17/87 3 . John Ann Shearer Ref Opr Spec, GS-07, PFT, EOD 11/04/90 4 . Richard M . Bays Forester, GS-11, PFT, EOD 07/01/63 5 . Harvie L . Fowler Sup Park Ranger, GS-11, PFT, EOD 05/15/61 6 . Carolyn R . Garrett Park Ranger, GS-07, PFT, EOD 10/09/79 7 . Kelly J . Smith Refuge LE Officer, GS-6, PFT, EOD 04/21/91 8 . Elizabeth C . Gilbert . . . .Office Asst, GS-06, PFT, EOD 06/03/90 9 . Roberta F . Blankenship . .Range Tech, GS-06, PFT, EOD 06/28/82 10 . David L . McCaghren Eng Equip Operator, WG-08, PFT, EOD 09/10/89 11 . Grady D . Swann Eng Equip Operator, WG-08, PFT, EOD 08/25/91 12 . James D . Ammons Maint Worker, WG-08, PFT, EOD 12/17/79 13 . Walter E . Buckner Tractor Operator, WG-06, PFT, EOD 09/27/86 14 . Dale J . Payne Tractor Operator, WG-05, PFT, EOD 04/23/90 15 . Lisa A . Spencer Custodial Worker, WG-01, TPT, EOD 04/13/92 16 . Darrin P . Speegle Laborer, WG-03, TPT-NTE 1-yr-appt . 17 . Parrish G . Monk Student Trainee, GS-03, EOD 05/31/92 • 18 . Steven T . Mayo Student Trainee, GS-03, EOD 06/14/92
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The following personnel actions occurred during 1992 :
Manager Stone was informed that the classification appeal for the project leader position was classified as Refuge Manager GM-485-13 by the FWS Division of Personnel in Washington D .C . effective 3/8/92 .
Stay-in-school employee, Celena R . Moore resigned effective 3/31/92 to accept full time employment . She had been employed under this program for six years as a custodial worker at the Visitor Center .
Lisa Spencer entered on duty as a Custodial Worker WG-01 on a 30 day appointment . She was changed to a 180-day appointment on 5/13/92 .
Refuge Law Enforcement Officer Brown transferred to the Division of Law Enforcement on 5/23/92 .
The Supervisory Refuge Operations Specialist position held by Frank Dukes was upgraded to a GS-12 effective 5/31/92 .
Park Guide, Kelly Smith was promoted to GS-6 Refuge Law Enforcement Officer on 7/12/92 .
Darrin Speegle resumed a 180 day appointment as a Laborer June through September and December .
Parrish Monk came to the refuge from Tennessee Tech University as a co-op student for 10 weeks in the summer .
Steve Mayo worked as a co-op student through Auburn University for 12 weeks in the summer .
Table 2 . Staffing pattern for previous 5 years .
Permanent Total Full Time Part Time Temporary FTE
FY 92 14 0 2 15 .5 FY 91 15 0 2 15 FY 90 15 0 2 15 FY 89 14 0 2 15 FY 88 14 0 2 14 11
The following is a summary of other personnel involvements in training and meetings :
Park Guide Kelly Smith completed the Refuge Officer Basic Course at FLETC .
Managers Stone and Shearer traveled to the Regional Office in January for a final evaluation of Shearer's Training Program with Assistant Associate Manager Karen Cartlidge .
Manager Stone attended the Wildlife Society State Chapter meeting at Wheeler State Park in February .
Manager Stone attended a mid-career retirement workshop in Atlanta in May .
Equipment Operator David McCaghren and Tractor Operator Dale Payne were both away from work for two weeks in July on Army Reserves and National Guard summer camp, respectively .
Officer Kelly Smith attended Aviation User Training in November in Jackson, MS .
- Refuge Operation Specialist, John Ann Shearer took OPM's Introduction to Supervision course in December which was taught in Gatlinburg, TN . She also attended a one day Management Skills seminar in Huntsville .
Equipment Operator Grady Swann, Tractor Operator, Dale Payne, and Office Kelly Smith received training in Basic Fire Fighting and Fire Behavior in Starkville, MS in November .
4 . Volunteer Program
Again this year, volunteers assisted with many aspects of refuge operations . A total of 4,367 hours were contributed by 190 different volunteers . Volunteer hours were distributed as follows : 3,445 towards maintenance, 49 towards resource support, and 873 towards public use .
Volunteers R . B . "Willie" Williams, Mary Ratliff, Nancy Armistead, Beverly Thomas, and Lisa Spencer (prior to her employment) operated the Visitor Center regularly . These volunteers have worked on the refuge for several years, making them efficient, experienced staff members .
Willie Williams traveled to Atlanta to participate in the Atlanta Home Show from April 23 to 25 . Willie was nominated by Park Ranger Harvie Fowler for "Conservationist of the Year" under the Governor's Conservation Achievement Program . Although he did not win this award, he did receive the
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Regional Director's Honor Award for volunteer service to be awarded in January 1993 . Willie has devoted many hours to refuge work, especially the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project .
0
Volunteer Williams working diligently on the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project . Willie won the Regional Director's Honor Award for Volunteer Service . 11/92 C . Garrett
Student volunteers Scott Roberts, Brandon Landers, Penny Curbow, Kris Seguin, and Beth Morrow worked throughout the summer helping with custodial work and grounds maintenance .
Volunteer Ed Laster used his painting talent to repaint the interior of the headquarters office . In December, volunteer Steve Reaves began observing goose collars as part of the Refuge effort to collect data on wintering Canada geese .
13 5 . Funding
Total station funding for FY 92 was $788,100 . Special allocations were made for three special projects (Visitor Center roofing, Visitor Center heating and air conditioning, and replacement of underground fuel storage tanks) totaling $87,000 . Funding to monitor DDT was $24,200 .
Table 3 . Refuge funding for 4 years excluding special project funding .
FY89 FY90 FY91 FY92
Wildlife Resources 551 .6 625 .4 598 .5 672 .9
Expenses For Sales 2 .0 2 .0 2 .0 2 .0
Quarters Maintenance 5 .8 6 .0 6 .9 3 .9
Presuppression 1 .0 2 .0 2 .0
Revenue sharing checks were delivered to the following counties in which the refuge lies : Morgan - $26,621, Madison - $19,748, and Limestone - $11,661 . Ron Tansill, an appraiser from the Regional Office, visited the refuge in June . At the request of Morgan County Commissioners, he updated the Morgan County appraisals for Refuge Revenue Sharing . 6 . af et
RaRange Technician Faye Blankenship served as Safety Chairperson . Safety meetings were held once a month . All employees were assigned a month to lead a safety meeting .
One minor accident occurred during 1992 . Student Trainee Steve Mayo cut his forehead with a piece of sheet metal . There was no duty time lost due to the accident .
7 . Technical Assistance
In April, Officer Brown taught two days of transition training classes for the Morgan County Sheriff's Office .
Manger Dukes provided technical advice on moist soil management to Auburn University, SCS, and a private individual upon request .
8 . Other
An Acquisition Management Review was conducted on December 8 by Maria Ciochon and Johnnie Poole of the Regional Office .
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F . HABITATMANAGEMENT
2 . Wetlands
Wetlands make up about 15,000 acres of Wheeler's total 34,500 acres, excluding the main channel of the Tennessee River . Refuge wetlands include Limestone Bay, Flint Creek, and many other sloughs, embayments, and tributaries adjacent to the river . Water levels are controlled by the Tennessee Valley Authority and fluctuate with the river . In the winter while the river is drawn down for flood protection, beds of milfoil in the backwaters become available to waterfowl in shallow pools . Also, mudflats become exposed, providing loafing and feeding areas for ducks, geese, and shorebirds . Wheeler manages approximately 2,300 acres of diked impoundments .
The White Springs area encompasses seven individual impoundments which are served by a pumping station . The White Side Pump Station, located on the west side of the area, is also used by Alabama's Swan Creek State Management Area . On the east side of the White Springs area there is a water control structure that allows for dewatering by gravity flow . Screwgate water control structures are located between all the other impoundments .
White Springs Impoundment 1A and 2 were drawn down early via the pump station with the intent to plant milo . However, frequent rains prevented farming . Continued rain allowed some moist soil plant growth including beggarticks, millet, sprangletop and spikerush . Pest species included cocklebur and encroaching willows . A few strips were disked and some tree cutting was done along the dike edge .
Egrets using White Springs Impoundment *3 which is infested with alligatorweed . 7/92 F . Dukes 15
White Springs Impoundment 3 was drawn down gradually beginning in mid-summer . There was good moist soil response in the upper end with the dominant plants being beggarticks, i smartweed, toothcup, and spikerush . Alligatorweed dominated the lower portion of the impoundment and was treated with Arsenal .
White Springs Impoundments 4 and 5 were managed for moist soil plants . Plant response to the gradual drawdown was excellent .
White Springs Impoundment 1B was also managed for moist soil plants . Because 1B is such a large impoundment with varying elevations, plant response was mixed . Higher elevations grec, cocklebur, asters, and sesbania . However, lower elevations produced large patches of toothcup with spikerush underneath .
A fast early drawdown was attempted in White Springs Impoundment 6 with the assistance of a gator pump . Corn was planted early . Ditch edges showed good moist soil response .
The Rockhouse area encompasses five impoundments separated by water control structures . This area is also served by a TVA pump station .
Rockhouse I and II were drawn down fast and early via the pump station to allow for farming which was successful .
Thorsen Arm Impoundment was managed for moist soil plants by gradually drawing down water levels beginning in mid-summer . This year for the first time in several years, there was little or no alligatorweed in Thorsen Arm which remains unexplained . Wild millet grew readily in this unit, but so did cocklebur .
Farming was planned for the Buckeye Impoundment, so an early drawdown was attempted . Due to frequent rains the area was not farmed . A few strips were disked . Plants growing in this area were not good waterfowl foods . Paspalum, cocklebur, and bermuda grass created a thick mat throughout .
Blackwell Swamp, the fifth Rockhouse Impoundment, was managed as a permanent pool . Water levels dropped slightly in the summer via evaporation . This unique area provides excellent wood duck nesting and brood rearing habitat, waterfowl feeding areas, and fishing throughout the year .
Penney Bottoms Impoundment adjoins Limestone Bay by a screwgate water control structure . The dike and structure were built in the fall (See I . EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES 1 . New Construction) . It is the only impoundment that is not adjacent to others . It will be most suitable for agricultural management on the higher surrounding area and moist soil management on the lower elevations .
Crabtree Slough and the Display Pool are impoundments on the south side of the river . There is a stoplog water control structure between Crabtree and Flint Creek . Because of several years of success in producing aquatic vegetation, we 16
chose to keep Crabtree permanently flooded . The Display Pool, viewed by thousands of visitors yearly from the Observation Building, adjoins Crabtree Slough by a stoplog structure . The Display Pool also remained at full pool throughout the year . Little vegetation grew there . The area is fished once a year during the annual youth fishing rodeo . In the winter, large numbers of ducks used the Display Pool which is kept baited .
Screwgates were closed in September to begin holding rain in the impoundments . By October, desired water levels were met in all impoundments except for Rockhouse I and II . These were drained to allow for late crop harvesting . Wading bird, shorebird, and waterfowl responses to the managed impoundments are discussed in G . WILDLIFE .
On January 21, Wheeler Refuge and Ducks Unlimited hosted a special dedication ceremony for several MARSH Donor development projects . Six DU donors contributed $48,000 which was matched by the Fish and Wildlife Service . TVA provided $7,000 . The money was used for the construction of a dike system in White Springs, the Rockhouse II Impoundment, and the Penney Bottoms Impoundment . Each of these projects allows the refuge to better manage its wetlands for the benefit of waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds .
Regional Director Pulliam accepts $48,000 check from Ducks Unlimited for wetland enhancement . 1/92 B . Chio
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In early October, Biologist Ron Freeman assisted the refuge in running vegetation transects in Buckeye, Thorsen Arm, and White Springs 3 and 5 . Freeman installed the Moist Soil Management Advisor on the refuge computer . Plans are to use this system beginning in 1993 .
Biologist Ron Freeman, along with Faye Blankenship and John Ann Shearer, conducts vegetation sampling in the lush White Springs Impoundment 5 . 10/92 R . Bays
3 . Forests
Two Special Use Permits were issued during the year for timber removal . The first permit to logger Edward Sivley was for clearing the right-of-way for a road to the newly constructed dike and water control structure in Penney Bottoms . Six thousand board feet and 20 cords of mixed hardwoods were removed . The second permit was issued to Champion International Corporation for the removal of 800 cords of pine pulpwood from Compartment Four . Revenue collected during the year was $19,680 .05 . Champion International Corporation started harvesting pine pulpwood under their permit on November 10, and removed 767 cords by mid-December when wet weather forced them to stop . Operations will resume next summer .
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Pine pulpwood stumpage has risen from $9 .00 to $16 .25 to $25 .00 per cord in 1990, 1991, and 1992, respectively . Champion International and Packaging Corporation have at least two local contractors using Bobcat feller-bunchers . These contractors, with their modern equipment, take great care in doing an excellent job of harvesting with minimum damage .
Table 4 . Summary of timber harvest .
1989 1990 1991 1992
Number of Permits 6 3 3 2 Acres 105 66 72 28 Pine Sawtimber (bf) 53,328 25,270 70,364 0 Hardwood Sawtimber (bf) 36,000 770 6,000 Hardwood Pulpwood (cds) 350 46 20 Pine Pulpwood (cds) 1,288 500 1,093 800 Value 16,390 10,769 27,181 25,000
4 . Croplands
Cropland management at Wheeler Refuge is vital to accomplishing its waterfowl objectives . Cooperative farming is used to provide grain foods and winter browse, maintain open areas, and set-back vegetation in agricultural fields and moist soil units . Force account farming was limited this year to planting about 800 acres of wheat browse for geese .
Twelve cooperative farmers cultivated 3,607 acres in 1992 . This total was divided into the following acreages : corn 1,331, soybeans 1,584, milo 379, and wheat 313 .
Refuge shares were as follows : corn - 17 acres harvested and 305 acres left in fields, wheat - 71 acres harvested for fall planting, and beans - 40 acres inadvertently left due to flooding . Production was excellent during the year : wheat 30-35 bushels/acre, corn 120-140 bushels/acre, soybeans 35-45 bushels/acre, and milo 50-60 bushels/acre . Spring conditions were a little too wet in low lying fields, but excellent moisture continued throughout the summer . Two major changes in the farming program became apparent during the year . Wheeler Refuge was selected to implement an 19
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pilot program . Wheeler personnel will be working closely with Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA), cooperative farmers, and other agricultural specialists trying to incorporate low input sustained agriculture practices . The long term goals will be to reduce inorganic fertilizer and chemicals and to increase organic matter in soil through better rotations .
The second major change dealt with the impending ban of atrazine . Farmers naturally prefer more residual chemicals that provide season-long control . Atrazine, which is relatively inexpensive, will be replaced by combinations of other chemicals . Shifts to a new generation of chemicals will add costs to operations and may require us to re-evaluate our 75 :25 crop share arrangement . The cooperative farmers are willing to change if the refuge can find acceptable alternatives .
With policy and management needs changing, we have experimented with several alternatives . During 1992, several i farmers planted atrazine-free corn . All efforts involved no- till planted corn using Roundup . Three different treatments were used : 1 . Prowl and Accent 2 . Accent only, and 3 . Sencor . Each treatment was to include a follow up treatment of Buctril or Banvel, but corn plants got too large to make applications . These were not the only possible treatments ; we allowed farmers to select their own regime . Taking into account that this was a very good corn year, all plots were impressive, except the Sencor plot . Other possibilities will include Princep and Dual plus Accent/Beacon and Banvel . The 1992 best result was no-till corn using Roundup, Prowl, and Accent planted on rotation behind 1991 soybeans .
A ground shot of no-till corn using Roundup and atrazine in stubble from 1991 soybean crop . 6/92' F . Dukes
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A ground shot of no-till corn using Roundup, Prowl, and Accent in stubble from 1991 soybean crap . A broadleaf chemical was not used . 6/92 F . Dukes
In 1991, we documented planting weak-stalk corn varieties that would fall without manipulation . This is a variety trait that seed producers try to eliminate .
In 1992, we tried another alternative against the recommendation of Extension Service experts . They warned that worm populations of early summer would cause unacceptable damages . If we could plant corn in locations we could flood, we would not need to manipulate crops . On Wheeler, these areas do not dry out until mid-May or later . So, we planted a normal hybrid corn and a tropical corn in mid-June with good success . A word of caution : 1992 was a good moisture year for experimenting and there was little worm activity . A normal dry July and August might prove Extension personnel correct . 0
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The important statistic is food production . This was a common hybrid variety of field corn picked at random and planted June 15 . Estimated production was 60-70 bushels/acre . 9/92 F . Dukes
Tropical corn is primarily grown for silage, but this variety planted June 15 produced 60 bushels/acre . The stalks were strong and tall (10- 12 feet) and shucks were tight . 9/•9 2 F . Dukes
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We returned to the use of bird-resistent varieties of milo to avoid blackbird damage . Production was good and blackbirds left it alone . Where we were able to flood plants, waterfowl use was good .
Noxubee Refuge received about 550 bushels of wheat for wood duck banding and fall planting . The Refuge handled its share of harvested wheat differently from the past . When farmers harvested wheat in the spring, they took the Refuge share to the Alabama Farmer's Cooperative and credit was given . Then in the fall, the Refuge received wheat seed as needed for planting . Using a three-point hitch seeder and cover disk, Refuge personnel planted over 800 acres of wheat browse for geese .
In other farming matters, the following meetings or contacts were made : - Staff reviewed IPM/LISA literature and chemical alternatives in February . - Discussed atrazine alternatives with Alabama A&M University Professor David Mays, Auburn Experiment Station personnel, and county Extension personnel . - Met with refuge farmers to discuss changes and trends to reduce chemicals . - Refuge hosted an IPM Coordination Workshop 'for representatives from all Regions (except Alaska), Washington, and the Regional Office . - Manager Dukes attended Agricultural Workshop in Kinston, NC . - State ASCS allowed Morgan County farmers to move their administrative matters to Hartselle ASCS office . Regional Office personnel Bill Grabill, Chuck Facemire, and Larry West, along with District Biologist Ron Freeman and ATTRA President Jim Lukens met with refuge personnel to discuss future pilot programs on Wheeler Refuge .
5 . Grasslands
A management plan was developed for early successional fields . The plan outlines fields to be mowed every three years so that they will remain in an early successional stage, providing wildlife habitat for deer, small mammals, and resident birds . Another group of fields was identified to continue to be mowed on an annual basis for hay . 7 . Grazing
There was one grazing permit renewed this year . Payment of $540 was made by Mr . John Dillard . His permit allowed him to graze 24 cows on 54 acres year-round . The pasture is mixed grass with some fescue present . The grazed fescue provides some browse for wintering geese .
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9 . FireManagement
There were no wildfires on the refuge this year .
In February and March, a small amount of field edge burning was conducted around the Gray Field and along the Bean Road fields . A total of 17,160 linear feet or 4 .1 acres were burned to control woody growth between the field and water's edge .
Forester Bays controls woody field edges by burning . 2/92 R . Brown
10 . PestControl
Beaver become pests on the refuge when they dam ditches and streams which cause flooding onto private property, across roads, onto farm lands, or onto green tree reservoirs in spring and summer . Throughout the year, four Clemson beaver pond levelers were built and two installed . PVC pipe for the project was donated by Consolidate Pipe Company . The leveler is installed into an existing beaver dam allowing a dispersed flow of water that discourages further darning . The levelers have been successful .
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Newly built Clemson Beaver Pond Leveler . 5/92 F . Dukes
McCaghren, Swann, and Dukes install beaver pond leveler into dam . 5/92 K . Smith
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On March 3-5, all regional pest management coordinators except Alaska, some refuge managers, and hatchery managers, and two Washington representatives met at Wheeler for an Integrated Pest Management workshop . The workshop, headed by Linda Lyons, was designed to begin an exchange of information and standardize pest management throughout the FWS . Managers Stone and Dukes attended .
Managers Stone and Shearer assisted the City of Huntsville and TVA by spraying Rodeo on purple loosestrife plants in Jackson County, Alabama . Representatives from several agencies are trying to control purple loosestrife, a wetland pest species, before it expands its range .
Work continued with tests to control alligatorweed . Space does not allow for a full explanation of work carried on, but a report will be formulated in 1993 for distribution .
Initial study plots were started in 1988 using the chemical Arsenal . Other treatment with 2,4-D, Roundup, and Garlon were tried . The Arsenal offered the best long lasting control .
Our best recommendation is to use Arsenal at dual treatments : 1 pint/acre sprayed in early July followed by another 1 pint/acre sprayed in mid August . If a single treatment is made, we would recommend a 1 1/2 pint sprayed in mid August .
14 . FmHA Conservation Easements
In an attempt to enhance habitat on the Speed tract in Lamar County, Alabama, the staff planted nutall and pinoak acorns in an area that floods each winter . The land was historically farmed .
a it
Refuge personnel plant acorns on FmHA tract in Lamar County, AL . 2/92 R . Bays'
26 0 G . WILDLIFE 1 . Wildlife Diversity
In keeping with the refuge system's objective to provide habitat for a diversity of wildlife species, Wheeler Refuge, with its diverse habitats, provides food, water, and shelter for nearly 500 species . The refuge species lists include 303 birds, 46 mammals, 49 reptiles, 25 amphibians, and 115 fishes .
A mama opposum and her young . 5/92 R . Bays
2 . Endangered Species
Only three endangered species and no threatened species are known to occur on Wheeler Refuge . Three satellite refuges administered under Wheeler Refuge have additional endangered and threatened species . These are discussed in the narratives for each satellite refuge .
bald eagle Wheeler Refuge provides wintering habitat for bald eagles . Throughout the year, 14 bald eagle sightings were reported by refuge staff, Audubon Society members, and volunteers . Only two sightings were of immature eagles .
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Based on the infrequency of reporting and the variation in reporters, only four different individuals are known to have used the refuge . It is unknown whether the same eagles come and stay throughout the winter or several individuals come and go . peregrine falcon Peregrine falcons have been sighted on the refuge during winter months for several years . Only two were reported this year, both during the Audubon Christmas Bird Count in December .
gray bat Cave Springs Cave on Wheeler Refuge serves as a maternity cave for gray bats . An exit count of gray bats from Cave Springs Cave was conducted on July 8 by Keith Hudson, Alabama nongame biologist, and an Auburn University student . Approximately 12,000 bats were counted . This shows a dramatic decrease from previous years . In 1990, 48,600 bats were counted . In 1991, 32,000 were counted . The cause for the decline is unknown .
3 . Waterfowl
Canada geese An aerial survey on January 15 revealed 7,300 Canada geese . This was the peak number of geese counted in the 1991-92 waterfowl season . On January 22, staff counted 5,300 geese by air . The last aerial count of the season was February 7 which revealed 4,700 geese . Canada goose numbers dwindled throughout February as the geese returned north . Use days for Canada geese for the October 1991 - February 1992 waterfowl season were 643,433 .
The first Canada geese of the season were observed around the third week in September . Aerial counts revealed the following goose numbers : October 20 - 840, November 17 - 1,120, December 9 - 1,600 .
Canada geese continue to use Limestone Bay, Garth Slough, Crabtree Slough, Flint Creek, and Dinsmore Slough as their primary loafing and roosting areas . In December, small numbers of geese used Penney Bottoms Impoundment, Rockhouse II Impoundment, and the upper reaches of Buckeye Impoundment .
Peak numbers of Canada geese using the refuge had never been lower, since the late 1940's, than they were in the 1991-92 season . However, goose numbers in November and December of 1992 indicated that there would be a new all time low . Wheeler has excellent wintering habitat, enough to support 30,000 geese . So, why the decline? Reasons for this downward trend are only speculative . Mild winters, variable nesting success, hunting pressure, and increased food sources in the north have all been sighted as possibilities . In 1993 several years of goose collar data throughout the Mississippi Flyway will be evaluated with special regard to those birds that f
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historically wintered at Wheeler . Perhaps this effort will help identify the reasons for the decline .
Resident giant Canada geese are on the rise in north Alabama . As many as 23 used the Display Pool area of the refuge throughout the summer . Apparently they were attracted by the bait used for wood duck banding . Other resident geese were observed with young in the White Springs area of the refuge . The estimated north Alabama giant Canada goose population now exceeds 6,000 .
snow geese In mid-January, 1,500 snow geese were counted during an aerial survey . By February 7, the snows had dwindled to 150 . Generally, snow geese leave by the first of February .
The first snow geese of the fall were observed by air on October 20 at which time 200 were counted . On November 17, counters observed 500 . And on December 9, 770 were counted . The snow geese using Wheeler stay in a group . They always loaf and roost in Limestone Bay and feed in surrounding fields on and off refuge . white-fronted geese Five white-fronted geese were sighted on December 19 during the Audubon Society Christmas Bird Couht . tundra swans Two tundra swans were observed by Audubon Society members in January on Beaverdam Peninsula . In November, a lone swan was observed in the Tennessee River backwaters . ducks The Wheeler Bird List boasts 26 duck species . The most commonly occurring species are mallards, wigeons, gadwalls, pintail, black ducks, wood ducks, and ring-necked ducks .
Duck numbers on the refuge fell from 14,000 in mid-January to 4,975 on February 7 . Regular ground counts showed continued use by ducks throughout refuge impoundments into March . During March, an increase in gadwalls, green-winged teal, and blue-winged teal was noted .
The first migratory ducks of the fall season were recorded on August 19 when six blue-winged teal were observed in Thorsen Arm Impoundment . During an aerial census on October 20, only 4,840 ducks were observed on the refuge . However, approximately 15 to 20,000 ducks were seen down river feeding in aquatic vegetation and in the State managed Swan Creek dewatering unit . A total of 11,200 ducks were observed on the November 17 aerial count . On December 9, counters observed 12,500 ducks . Use days for the last full waterfowl season (September 1991 - March 1992) for ducks totaled 2,170,651 . 29
All the refuge impoundments had good duck use . White Springs 1A, and 2 attracted dabbling ducks early in the season and divers later as water levels increased . The new Penney Bottoms Impoundment held as many as 5,000 ducks in December . Crabtree Slough continues to hold the most ducks consistently throughout the season .
A Eurasian wigeon was sighted on the refuge in 1992 . duck production This year we continued to monitor nesting success of box-nesting wood ducks and expand the nest box program . In January, new boxes continued to be erected for a total of 155 fully equipped and serviced nest boxes for the 1992 breeding season .
In April, all 154 (one fell down) refuge wood duck boxes were visited . Nearly 83% of the boxes were used by wood ducks . A total of 16% were used by other species, primarily screech owls . Predation rates appeared to have dropped dramatically since last year . All the boxes were visited a second time in July and August . Data were collected and boxes were serviced .
Analysis of wood duck data indicated that a significantly higher number of boxes produced young in 1992 than in 1991 . The 1991 success rate was 21%, while the 1992 success rate was 60% . In addition, predation decreased from 73% in 1991 to 36% in 1992 . It is believed that the increase in success is directly related to the decrease in predation . Predation has been somewhat deterred with new large predator guards placed on all box poles . With so many new box locations however, it may be that predators just have not yet learned where to find tasty duck eggs . Even with half as many boxes in 1992 as 1991, data indicate that twice as many young wood ducks were produced . General results are shown in Table 5 .
Table 5 . Wood duck box program information for 1992 .
Total Boxes Up 146 Total Usable Boxes 146 Use By Wood Ducks of Usable Boxes 138 (98 .57%) Number of Boxes With Dump Nest (>15) 72 (51 .43%) Number of Successful Boxes 80 (60 .61%) Use by Other Ducks 0 Period Checked April (first check) July/August (second) Use by Other Wildlife 32 (22 .07%) Total Wood Ducks Hatched (* of membranes) 688 Wood Duck Broods Produced 84 Wood Ducks Surviving To Flight Stage 344
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A wave of enthusiasm led to the placement of 96 additional nest boxes throughout the refuge . Boxes were placed by boat for ease in accessing them . The additions provided a total of 242 nest boxes available for the 1993 breeding season .
Richard Bays adds calking around predator guard to prevent snakes from sneaking in . 9/92 J .A . Shearer
4 . Marsh and Water Birds
Birds such as great blue herons, great and snowy egrets, and green-backed herons benefit from the moist soil management practices implemented on the refuge . These birds took advantage of the impoundments that were drawn down slowly through the summer, as well as those that built up gradually
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through the fall . Sightings of great blue herons have increased in the last few years .
Nine sandhill cranes were sighted on the A . B . Sharpe property adjacent to the refuge in December .
Pied-billed grebes occur commonly throughout the refuge, particularly in the winter . Large numbers of coots use refuge impoundments and back waters .
5 . Shorebirds, Gulls . Terns . and Allied Species
Common representatives of this category include semipalmated plovers, greater and lesser yellowlegs, semipalmated, western, least, and pectoral sandpipers, common snipe, Bonaparte's, ring-billed, and herring gulls, and Forster's and black terns . These species use refuge impoundments and mudflats on the backwaters of the Tennessee River and are most commonly observed during spring and fall migration . Killdeer and spotted sandpipers nest on the refuge .
Harvie Fowler transfers injured red-tailed hawk to the Birmingham Rehabilitation Center . C . Garrett '
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6 . Raptors
Vultures are uncommon on the refuge . The most commonly occurring hawk is the red-tailed hawk which is known to nest on the refuge . Other hawks that are seen regularly include : Northern harrier, broad-winged hawk, and American Kestrel . Barn owls, eastern screech owls, great horned owls, and barred owls all nest on the refuge .
An osprey began using the refuge in April and was sighted several times throughout the summer . There was no known nesting attempt .
The following injured raptors were sent to the Wildlife Rescue Service in Birmingham, Alabama for rehabilitation : 3 red- tailed hawks, 2 great horned owls, 2 screech owls, 3 kestrels, 3 barred owls, and 1 Cooper's hawk .
7 Other Migratory Birds
Twenty-seven nesting boxes are part of Wheeler's blue bird program . Blue birds often have double and occassionally triple broods . Therefore, several boxes are used more than once . Of 23 clutches laid, 18 were successful, producing, an estimated 70 fledglings .
8 . Game Mammals
Wheeler provides hunting opportunities for several species . Species and estimated numbers harvested are as follows : 2,700 gray squirrels, 110 fox squirrels, 300 cottontail rabbits, 50 swamp rabbits, 900 raccoons, 20 opossums and 48 white tailed deer . The total deer kill represents the total killed by bow and flintlock during the 1991-92 refuge deer season . Both sexes are legal . Final figures for the 1991-92 season are presented in the Table 6 . All data are based on voluntary hunter reports .
Table 6 . 1991-92 deer harvest and antler development, excluding the Redstone Arsenal harvest .
Button Total Female Male Buck 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Bow 34 15 19 1 2 2 4 4 3 3
Flintlock 14 5 9 3 2 - 1 2 1
Total 48 20 28 4 4 2 5 4 5 4
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Another 77 deer (46 bucks and 31 does) were killed by gun on the Redstone Arsenal portion of the refuge . The Arsenal oversees the administration of this hunt .
Additional information on hunting is reported in H . PUBLIC USE 8 . Hunting .
10 . OtherResidentWildlife
Professor Bill Gartska, University of Alabama in Huntsville, conducted an alligator survey at Blackwell Swamp with several students during the summer . Two alligators were counted .
A spider researcher, Marshal C . Hedin, from Washington University in St . Louis visited Cave Springs Cave on the refuge this fall in search of a spider species, Nesticus 'onesi . He had learned that this species of spider was discovered in Cave Springs Cave in the 1950's and has never been observed elsewhere . This was news to the refuge . He reported that the population in the cave was extraordinary ; he counted over 1,000 individuals in a small section in the twilight zone of the cave . Hedin commented that this was the largest population of Nesticus he had ever observed, so he assumed that the population is in good shape .
Y
1 14 + . ft, jq f
A 41# , .0 1% `, .- - 7' `
0 Nesticus 'onesi . This spider species occurs in Cave Springs Cave exclusively . 11/92 M . C . Hedin 3 4
11 . Fisheries Resources
Carbon Hill Fish Hatchery stocked 1,500 1/3 pound channel and blue catfish into the Display Pool to provide increased fishing opportunities for the annual fishing rodeo .
Catfish delivered to Display Pool . 10/92 H . Fowler
16 . Marking and Banding In January, 23 Canada geese were banded and collared . Another 20 geese were banded and collared in February at the privately owned Rosemary Waterfowl Refuge . The 1991-92 waterfowl season banding total was 102 .
Using a remote control system, a net shot was made on November 13 . Twenty-nine geese were banded and collared . Again, with mild temperatures and low goose numbers, capturing geese was difficult . A large effort has been made to collect Canada goose data by observing neck collars throughout the waterfowl season . These data are collected and analyzed by the Wisconsin Cooperative 7
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Research Unit in Madison, Wisconsin . During the 1991-92 waterfowl season, a total of 783 collars were observed (539 blue, 217 orange, 25 white, 2 yellow) . The season goal was 500 .
Collars were observed in October, November, and December of 1992 . Of the 15,932 geese examined, 348 collars were observed (253 blue, 92 orange, 3 white, 2 yellow) .
In an effort to prepare for the wood duck banding season beginning July 1, a banding refresher course was presented by refuge staff to other staff members and volunteers at the end of June . Techniques on trapping, aging, sexing, banding, and record keeping were reviewed .
Three trap sights were heavily baited for several months prior to the start of banding . Modified dove traps (ground traps) were used at the Display Pool, Garth Slough, and the Gray Field . Our goals of 25 after hatch year males, 25 after hatch year females, 75 hatch year males, and 75 hatch year females were met in about 40 days . A total of 434 were banded .
Again this year Range Technician Blankenship spent six weeks beginning in late July, on a banding assignment in Canada . Trapping occurred on the St . John River near Woodstock, New Brunswick . They were successful in banding 813 birds representing nine waterfowl species .
H . PUBLIC USE
1 . General
Wheeler Refuge is unique in that it lies in a highly populated area . Madison County, including the city of Huntsville on the east side, boasts a population of 243,000 and Decatur, on the western side, has 50,000 people . Visitors come on the refuge for a variety of activities including hunting, fishing, boating, birding, walking, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, and seeing displays at the Visitor Center . A total of 666,000 people visited the refuge in 1992 . The overall use of the refuge in 1992 increased by 1% . The increase is less than increases noted in the past .
The Public Use Staff included 3 .5 members, at the beginning of the year, but was reduced to 2 .5 at the end of the year because Park Guide Kelly Smith was promoted to Refuge Officer . A capable team of volunteers continue to assist with Visitor Center operations . The Visitor Center schedule was unchanged . It is open seven days per week during January, February, November, and December and Wednesday through Sunday the rest of the year . The hours are 10 :00 a .m . until 5 :00 p .m .
3 6 The Visitor Center hosted the following workshops, seminars, and meetings : January BEST Workshop DDT Review Panel Meeting Alabama Game and Fish Meeting Ducks Unlimited Dedication February Reporters Tour Group Meeting Tennessee Valley Audubon Meeting Integrated Pest Management Workshop Morgan Co and FWS Enforcement Meeting AL Highway Dept and FWS Mitigation Planning April AL Garden Clubs Annual Butterfly Meeting Congressman Bud Cramer Economic Development May Nature Photography Workshop Morgan Co . Sheriff's Firearm Training June FWS Retirement Seminar July Tennessee Valley Audubon Society Meeting 0 DDT Review Panel Meeting August Tennessee Valley Audubon Society Meeting Regional Program Accessibility Workshop September Tennessee Valley Audubon Society Meeting October Tennessee Valley Audubon Society Meeting November Piney Creek Watershed Committee Meeting December Tennessee Valley Audubon Society Meeting Groups visiting the Center by pre-arrangement totaled 253 with 12,109 individuals . The groups were predominately from schools, but also included scouts, church groups, and senior citizens . The refuge maintained a high profile with the community, county, and city governments, civic organizations, and the media . Manager Stone served as a member of the Decatur Chamber of Commerce and its Beautification Committee and the Wildlife Festival Committee . Park Ranger Fowler assisted with these efforts . Fowler also served as an Eagle Scout Project Counselor for six projects on the refuge . As mandated by the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, all programs and facilities were closely evaluated for accessibility by disabled persons . A plan identifying needed minimal corrections included an estimated cost of $177,600 . Aspects of the plan are being implemented . Twenty three off-site programs were presented by refuge staff members to the following organizations : Rainbow Garden Club Priceville School class Decatur Newcomers Club
University of Alabama in Huntsville, Biology class Alabama A & M, Forestry class (2) Westlawn School, 1st grade Madison County Bowhunters Church Summer Camp Chrysler Corporation Training Center (3) Hartselle Kiwanis Club Falkville Elementary School, 6th grade (3) Julian Harris School, 3rd grade (2) Chestnut Grove School, 3rd grade Hill and Dale Garden Club Danville School, 8th grade Falkville School, 2nd grade Calvary Church School
2 . OutdoorClassrooms-Students
Environmental education, both on and off site was emphasized this year . The "Earthscope" environmental education program involving the Huntsville School System continued with 2,237 children participating . Plans are to expand Earthscope to include more students and to use study sites at various points on the refuge .
3 . Outdoor Classrooms-Teachers
Four environmental education workshops including a Project WILD and a Project Learning Tree for teachers were held during the year . Each were coordinated with Athens State College and North Alabama Teachers Exchange so that teachers received college credit for the workshops . Refuge staff taught the workshops .
4 . Interpretive Foot Trails
The three refuge foot trails, Dancy Bottoms, Beaverdam Boardwalk, and the Environmental Study Area received heavy use throughout the year, particularly during warm weather .
5 . Interpretive Tour Routes
Guided tours were provided to groups of 10 or more upon request . The White Springs Dike, Beaverdam Peninsula, and Rockhouse Road were the most common route used . There were 18 tours during the year . Volunteers such as college instructors and Audubon Society members were used as guides when possible to relieve staff members .
6 . Interpretive Exhibits/Demonstrations
The Visitor Center exhibits and Observation Building continue to be used regularly . There were 27,353 visitors recorded at
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the Observation Building in 1992 . This is an 18% increase 0 over the previous year . Two "Hunting and Fishing" exhibits were developed and staffed at the Morgan County Farm Fair and at the Limestone County Farm Fair . A Wheeler Refuge exhibit and an Endangered Species exhibit were displayed at the Southern Wildlife Festival in November .
7 . Other Interpretive Programs
The refuge orientation slide-tape program was shown hourly throughout the year . Wildlife films were shown to special groups and school classes upon request . News releases were written to inform the public about special programs and events, refuge hunting seasons and permit procedures, and Visitor Center hours . Local newspapers, television stations, and radios made requests for information frequently .
8 . Hunting
Hunting for certain species during specific seasons is allowed on the refuge by permit . The annual coordination meeting was held with Alabama Game and Fish prior to the establishment of the refuge hunts .
Refuge staff and Alabama Game and Fish personnel taught an Alabama Hunter Safety Education class to 92 individuals at the Visitor Center on August 22 and 29 . Hunters under age 16 are required to have Hunter Education for refuge hunts .
Hunting on the Redstone Arsenal portion of the refuge is administered by the Redstone Recreation Center . Permits are on a quota system . There were no known accidents and hunter satisfaction seemed good .
Deer The 4,085 acres of refuge lands lying within the Redstone Arsenal were opened for hunting beginning with the State bow season on October 15, 1991 and continuing until the end of the season on January 31, 1992 . Hunting was permitted on weekends and holidays . For safety, shot guns with rifled slugs are the only guns used during the gun season . Total deer harvested were 77 (46 bucks and 31 does) .
Hunting on the non-Arsenal portion of the refuge began with the State bow season on October 15, 1991 and continued until the end of the season on January 31, 1992 . The gun season, flintlock only, began on January 18 through January 31 . A total of 48 deer were harvested, 34 by bow and 14 by flintlock . Of the deer harvested . 28 were bucks and 20 were
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does . Deer hunting produced an estimated 8,000 hunter use days .
RaccoonandOpossum The season for raccoon and opossum was February 12-29 . An estimate of 900 raccoons and 20 opossums were harvested . There were 800 hunter days .
Rabbit The refuge rabbit season ran from February 12-29 with 300 cottontail and 50 swamp rabbits estimated harvested . There were 300 hunter days . Rabbit hunting seems to be declining in popularity throughout the state .
Squirrel The refuge squirrel season opened with the State season on October 1 and continued through October 13 . There were 2,700 gray and 110 fox squirrels harvested during the estimated 1,800 hunter days .
9 . Fishing
Fishing continued to be the number one public use activity on the refuge . All refuge waters, with the exception of the 25 acre display pool, are open to fishing year round . State fishing regulations have been adopted and are enforced by both refuge and State officers . Target species were largemouth bass, crappie, and bream . Success was good, but somewhat below that of the last few years . We attribute this decline to the decrease in aquatic vegetation that provides cover for bait fish .
The annual Youth Fishing Rodeo was held at the Display Pool on May 23 in celebration and promotion of National Fishing Week . Crappiethon, U .S .A . sponsored the event along with the Morgan County Commission and radio station WDRM . The rodeo was a success with over 350 children fishing .
11 . Wildlife Observation
Viewing opportunities at the Observation Building and Display Pool were excellent during the winter . The Tennessee Valley, Shoals, and Birmingham chapters of the Audubon Society along with numerous college classes birded on the refuge regularly .
This year marked the beginning of an exciting new project, Backyard Wildlife Habitat . With budgeted funds and contributions from the Tennessee Valley Audubon Society and Amoco Corporation the habitat project was planned and developed on the south side of the Observation Building . The area was landscaped with a variety of plants . A water fountain was built which recycles water from the Display Pool . The area also includes bird feeders, a snag for woodpeckers, and a mist system . The public response has been overwhelmingly favorable . ' 4 0
7
Development of the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Project began with opening up thick understory . 5/92 J .A . Shearer
The Backyard Wildlife Habitat upon completion . 1/93 T . Stone 11
12 . OtherWildlife Oriented Recreation
Six permits were issued to clubs for raccoon dog trials on the refuge . Three retriever dog trial permits were issued for use of the White Springs area . The Mooreland Hunt Club used the refuge for their Tally-Ho fox hunts . Plans are to reduce this hunt each year .
13 . Camping
In accordance with Service policy, no camping was permitted .
14 . Picnicking
With so many people living and working near the refuge, picnicking is an extremely popular event . Unfortunately, considerable amounts of litter have become associated with picnicking .
15 . Off-Road Vehicling
Off-road vehicling is not permitted on the refuge although it does occur regularly . Efforts have been made to close off access points .
16 . Other Non-Wildlife Oriented Recreation
Boating, water skiing, and jet skiing are very popular . Because of safety hazards and noise pollution, water skiing and jet skiing are considered undesirable activities on the refuge . Jet skiing is prohibited . There are regulations restricting water skiing in Limestone Bay, Cotaco Creek, Indian Creek, and parts of Flint Creek .
Horseback riding has increased in popularity, posing some problems on the refuge . Horseback riding in connection with public hunts, entry behind locked gates, and riding off-road are prohibited .
With Wheeler quickly becoming an urban refuge, non-wildlife oriented recreation is increasing . It is challenging to continue managing wildlife resources when non-wildlife activities interfere .
17 . Law Enforcement Refuge law enforcement continued to be active throughout the year . Enforcement efforts shift from hunting in the fall and winter months to fishing and boating in the spring and summer . State and local law enforcement agencies have continued their support in combating violations occurring on the refuge . We have had excellent support from the special agents in the Montgomery office .
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Park Guide Smith attended the Refuge Officers Basic Course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in February and completed the Archeological Resource Protection Act training held at Savannah, Tennessee in May . Park Guide Smith was recertified as an Intoxilyzer-5000 operator by the Alabama Department of Public Safety . He also completed transitional pistol training (from revolvers to 9mm semi-automatic) in April . All refuge officers attended the annual Refresher Training at the Lively Training Center held in the spring .
Refuge Officer Brown accepted a position with the Division of Law Enforcement as a Special Agent and left the refuge in May to begin his training . Park Guide Smith was re-assigned as Wheeler's Refuge Law Enforcement Officer in July .
Refuge officers are still encountering persons unlawfully carrying firearms on the refuge, in particular large caliber handguns . In one instance, Officer Smith approached a parked car late at night and when he got within about five feet, the driver of the car chambered a round in a loaded 10mm semi- automatic pistol . After a few tense moments, Officer Smith was able to seize the weapon and the driver was charged with illegally possessing the weapon .
Artifact violations continued, particularly during times of low river levels . It is widely known throughout the area that removal of artifacts from refuge lands is prohibited, however, many people seem willing to take their chances .
Manager Dukes with 76 marijuana plants found in a remote area of the refuge . 10/92 .K . Williams E?
In October, while checking on a report of possible deer baiting, Assistant Manager Dukes and Refuge Officer Smith located a large amount of cultivated marijuana growing on the refuge in Limestone County . With the help of the Limestone County Drug Task Force, refuge officers removed 76 high grade, sensimellia marijuana plants with a local street value of between $152,000 to $190,000 .
In April, the Limestone County Sheriff's Office responded to a call at the Rockhouse Pump Station located on the refuge . According to several witnesses an intoxicated man pulled a .22 caliber pistol and forced a fisherman to salute him . The suspect then had the victim kneel and put the gun to the victim's head, threatening to shoot . Limestone County deputies later arrested the suspect and charged him with second degree kidnapping, carrying a concealed weapon, and public intoxication . The victim was not harmed .
In September, Refuge Officer Smith responded to a report that several vehicles were broken into and items stolen at the Bluff City boat launch . Officer Smith found several of the stolen items hidden in the woods a short distance away and waited for the violators to return . A short time later, Officer Smith detained two juvenile males trying to leave with the stolen items . Both were charged by Morgan County deputies and both have pleaded guilty in court .
Two suicides occurred on the refuge . In February, a 24 year old female jumped from the 1-65 northbound bridge into the Tennessee River . Refuge Officer Brown and Alabama Marine Police Officer Lanier pulled the woman from the water . She was transported to the hospital, but died one week later . In July, a Maryland man was found by Priceville Rescue Squad members hanging from a small tree near the refuge environmental education trail off Highway 67 . Decatur Police detectives investigated the death and considered it a suicide as there were no signs of foul play found .
There were two incidents of vandalism to refuge equipment during the year . In March, a road grader sustained $500 worth of damage when person(s) unknown shot out two large windows . In June, a tractor equipped with a brush cutting device was found vandalized . Damages totalled $325 .60 . There were no suspects developed in the two incidents .
Refuge Officers also worked with special agents and state conservation officers during dove and waterfowl seasons in areas surrounding the refuge . Several cases were made .
4 4
Summary of refuge cases made by Refuge Officers in 1992
Hunting without a permit 6 Hunting without a license 6 No hunter orange 2 Possession of a firearm on a N .W .R . 6 Fishing without a license 25 Disposal/Dumping of waste 2 Littering on a N .W .R . 2 Unauthorized use of a vehicle (ATV) 2 Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle 4 Trespass (General) 5 Trespass in closed area 7 Search for/removal of artifacts 7 Musseling without a state license I Illegal possession of prohibited liquor 2 Attempting to elude a police officer 1 Driving under the influence (Fed . court) 1
Total 79
Summary of off-refuge cases by Refuge Officers in 1992
Dove Hunt with unplugged gun 1
Waterfowl Hunt with unplugged gun 1 No Federal stamp 1 Possession of lead shot 1 Take during closed season 2
Total 6
Summary of refuge cases by state Conservation Officers in 1992
Fishing without a license 63 Blocking a gate or road 4 Carrying loaded firearm in vehicle 3 Possession of firearms 7 Possession of bow and arrow 3 No hunter orange 6 Boat not registered 4 Insufficient PFD's (life-jackets) 7 No running lights (boats) 2 Unauthorized use of a vehicle (ATV) 2 Criminal littering 5 Musseling without a license 2 Possession of illegal (undersized) mussels 3 Hunting without a license 1 Hunting without a permit 2 Possession of marijuana 1 Total 115
GRAND TOTAL 200
45 0 I . EQUIPMENTANDFACILITIES 1 . NewConstruction
A contract was awarded to KOALA Equipment Company of Marietta, Georgia to remove three 1,500 gallon underground tanks and install two 2,000 gallon above ground tanks . The award total was $38,998 including an amendment for placement of two new fuel dispensers . The completed work included a concrete slab, new plumbing lines, electrical work, and an emergency cut off valve . All work was completed shortly after the end of 1992 .
Two 2,000 gallon above ground storage tanks . 12/92 F . Dukes
The major construction work for the year was the Penney Bottoms Impoundment . The total cost of the project was $45,000 funded jointly through the Ducks Unlimited MARSH Donor Program ($16,000), Tennessee Valley Authority's Wildlife Branch ($7,000), and the Refuge ($22,000) . The Refuge share was divided between a Challenge Grant Match ($12,300) and funds from the Olin DDT Court Decree ($9,700) . The end product was a 100 acre impoundment on the eastern shore of 4 6
Limestone Bay consisting of 50 acres deep water and 50 acres 0 of shallow water, adjacent to 200 acres of croplands .
Initial work started during early summer by removing timber along the access route using a negotiated sale . The road was cleared and constructed in September . Dike work started in October . We needed dry weather, a low Tennessee River, and hard work to get the project finished . Refuge employees did all the work except for the use of a contracted earthmover for approximately 22 hours . We also benefitted from a D-7 dozer loaned to us from Eufaula NWR . The dike was 700 linear feet in length with a 12 foot surface and 2 :1 slopes . The 3000 cubic yards of fill was rip-rapped on both slopes and graveled on the top . The water control structure used was a 60 foot run of 48" pipe with a screwgate, including prefabricated wingwalls set on each end . Work was completed in November just prior to rains .
w
1%
After backfilling with rip-rap and clay headwalls, the pipe and water control structure were set to grade . 10/92 F . Dukes
4 7
0
After adequate fill was placed over the water control structure, a rented earthmover placed about 3 .000 cubic yards of clay fill to complete the dike . 1/92 F . Dukes
The completed dike in foreground allowed us to flood croplands in the background . The extreme foreground is Limestone Bay, shown here during high water . The bay is typically mudflats during winter months . 12/92 F . Dukes 48 2 . Rehabilitation
The Visitor Center and Observation Building re-siding and re- roofing project was reported in 1991 as all but complete . The project has still not been completed as of this writing . The contract was awarded to John Holtman and Sons . Siding was completed, with some shortcomings, by the contract's June 20 expiration date . The built up roof work had not started . The contract was extended without penalty for another 66 days, but the work still was not finished . The contractor regularly disagreed with materials and installation procedures . Work finally began on November 30 and was completed December 18 by the subcontractor, Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc . of Huntsville . While there were no penalties assessed, the contractor called for additional payment for modifications at every turn . At this writing, the Refuge has identified about $20,000 in necessary work to bring the project to acceptable standards . The whole matter now is being arbitrated by the Regional Solicitor, CGS, Engineering, and the contractor .
3 . Major Maintenance
Much time and money was used to support the normal upkeep of roads, boundary, equipment, and facilities . Less discretionary funds have been available for road maintenance in recent years . Our unavoidable approach has been to wait until late year and see what monies are available .
Grading and graveling of roads on the north side were handled by the Limestone County Road Department . They did a good job during 1992 considering the miles of road and the heavy use by the public . The refuge resumed the task of maintaining the south side road system . Cost of graveling roads is escalating and is compounded by the distance gravel trucks must travel to reach roads in the eastern portion of the refuge .
The cost of vegetation controlled by mechanical rather than chemical means on 100 miles of roads has a tremendous price tag in terms of salary, fuel, equipment repairs, and equipment wear and tear .
Other maintenance work was performed during the year . The most notable was as follows :
A surplus tank car was used to replace an old bridge at McClosky's Branch - $2,000 .
MoTrim overhead mower required repairs . - $500 Two windows of John Deere road grader were shot out and required replacement . - $500
49
Remodeled two bathrooms, installed carpet, and painted interior of Residence #1 . - $6,000
MoTrim mower was vandalized - cut hoses, debris in fuel tank, and fluids drained . - $350
Two sewer lift motors were rebuilt and pipes replaced at the Headquarters lift station . - $500
John Deere 4020 clutch and pressure plate replaced . $1,200
Visitor Center driveway and parking lots were resealed . - $4,800
1991 Chevy 4X4 CV joint replaced . - $480
1988 S-10 Blazer oil seal and sensor replaced . - $200
1978 Stake Dump brakes repaired (vacuum booster) . - $500 Eight miles of boundary were painted and posted on the north side .
Regional surveyor Mike Carlisle relocated six monuments near Cain's Landing .
Tom Page, Regional Property Utilization Officer, visited Wheeler in June for a property inspection . Prior to his coming, all capitalized personal property was located and property numbers verified and/or added to item .
An Atlanta firm, Amour, Cape and Pond, Inc . , was contracted to develop a replacement proposal for the Visitor Center heating and air conditioning system . The contract totaled $17,000 . By yearend, TVA consultants made a different recommendation which is now under serious consideration .
4 . Equipment Utilization and Replacement
The following equipment was received during 1992 : A full size Ford 1/2 ton, 4X2 pickup truck was received in June . Excess heavy Rome disk was received from Redstone Arsenal in July . Excess generator with trailer was received from Redstone Arsenal in July . Excess portable heater unit was received from Hatchie NWR in July .
Wheeler's John Deere 690 excavator was loaned to Eufaula NWR for two months during the spring . Eufaula reciprocated by loaning Wheeler their D-7 dozer for two months during late fall .
sn
J . OTHERITEMS
3 . ItemsofInterest
The refuge took part in the Morgan County Spring Clean Up Activities on April 11 . Over 2,000 volunteers filled more than 10,000 bags with trash throughout the county . Manager Stone served as coordinator for the City of Decatur through the Decatur Chamber of Commerce Beautification Committee . As part of the Morgan County Adopt-A-Mile program, the refuge staff continued to pick up litter along two miles of Highway 67 once each month .
Tractor Operator, Dale Payne spent the week of April 6-10 at Choctaw Refuge assisting with the construction of a pole shed .
Manager Stone and Student Trainee Parrish Monk visited Tennessee Tech University in Cookville, TN where they spoke to 15 students taking part in the FWS Career Awareness Program . Each student takes part in three weeks of classes followed by a summer work assignment with the Service at a field station . Monk was a student of this program in 1991 .
Assistant Associate Manager Karen Cartlidge visited Wheeler on August 4 to meet with co-op students and review the co-op program .
In April, Refuge Ranger Harvie Fowler traveled to the Regional Office to assist in the development of the Regional Recreational Fisheries Plan entitled, "Action for Angling" .
During the week of October 19-22 Manager Dukes filled in for Associate Manager Grabill in the Regional Office . The following week, Manager Stone filled in for Ken Chitwood in the Regional Office . On November 3-6 Refuge Operations Specialist Shearer assisted Karen Cartlidge compile and edit the Region 4 co-op Program Manual in the Regional Office .
On November 23-25 Associate Manager Bill Grabill conducted a station inspection . In November, Manger Stone traveled to Middle Tennessee State University to conduct interviews with three students that applied for the Region 4 Co-op Program .
Two refuge mapping projects were completed this year . The first is a 40" X 60" map consisting of the nine topographic maps that encompass the refuge . The second is a 60" X 96" compilation of infrared aerial photographs . Refuge boundaries are marked on both maps . Both are mounted on frames, covered with glass, and hanging in the headquarters office for use by the staff and public .
i 4 . Credits The following persons contributed to preparing the annual narrative : Richard Bays, Faye Blankenship, Frank Dukes, Harvie Fowler, Liz Gilbert, Steve Mayo, John Ann Shearer, Kelly Smith, and Tuck Stone .
0 BLOWING WIND CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Scottsboro . Alabama
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
U . S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 1
BLOWING WIND CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Blowing Wind Cave NWR lies just above the Sautv Creek embavment of TVA's Guntersville Reservoir . seven miles west of Scottsboro . Jackson County . The refuge consists of 264 acres of hardwoods with a double entrance cave in the hillside . The land was acquired by the Service in 1978 to provide protection for the endangered gray and Indiana bats and their critical habitat .
Indiana bats hibernate in the cave throughout the winter months . A count was conducted on February 22 . Dr . Troy Best of Auburn University spear-headed the group, while Dr . Mike Lacki of the University of Kentucky conducted the census . The group of 15 also included University of Kentucky and Auburn graduate students . Manger Shearer . Guntersville State Park Naturalist Linda Reynolds, and a few volunteers . Lacki counted 211 Indiana bats, which was consistent with the count taken by Best the previous year . The group spent less than 15 minutes in the upper level of the cave in order not the disturb the hibernating bats . Hill Henry, an Auburn student . took four water samples near the upper entrance of the cave and in the lower level .
Gray bats use the cave during the summer as a maternity cave . However, Dr . Best visited the cave in June and saw very few young bats . He suspects that the cave may now be used by bachelor colony . Plans are to investigate this further in 1993 .
An exit count of gray bats was conducted on June 22 by Dr . Best and Alabama Nongame Biologists, Keith Hudson and Roger Clay . They counted 78 .233 bats .
A second count was conducted on August 20 by Biologist Hudson and Refuge Forester Bays . This time, 114 .000 bats were 0 counted . Although the numbers were slightly higher than the June 22 count, they were much lower than the 214,000 stray bats counted last year . The reason for the dramatic decrease remains unexplained .
Manager Dukes and Co-op Students Parrish Monk and Steven Mayo observed the August census and the Auburn research activities .
Dr . Troy Best . Auburn University, was granted a special use permit for the continuation of his study, Foraging of Gray Bats at Guntersville Reservoir . Alabama . The research . funded by TVA . i s designed to determine the relationship between habitats used by gray bats and anticipated affects of removal of growths of macrophytes from the reservoir . During each of four years, approximately 50 gray bats will be captured using 2 a harp trap at Blowing Wind . Hambrick, and Nickajack Caves . Radio-transmitters weighing 0 .8 grams are attached to the bats using surgical cement . Capturing and tagging are authorized under a Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species permit . During the two to three week life of the transmitter, the movement of each bat is monitored from several stations for 10 nights . Activity periods and foraging locations are determined . This year, Best's study revealed several interesting facts about the feeding habits of the gray bat . The bats traveled to other caves during their night-feeding excursions, some caves as far as 20 miles apart . Best noted a substantial increase in the number of visitors coming to see the bats exit during the summer .
Darrin Speegle and Kelly Smith, both Wheeler employees . repaired the entrance to the upper level of the cave by welding a damaged gate .
Steve Williams, Jackson County Fire Ranger, occupies a house located on Blowing Wind Cave NWR . Williams monitors the cave and informs Refuge Officials of any suspicious behavior or damages around the cave in exchange for free rent .
A revenue sharing check was presented to Jackson County for $947 for Blowing Wind and Fern Cave NWRs . FERN CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Paint Rock, Alabama
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
U . S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 0 FERN CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Fern Cave NWR . located 20 miles west of Scottsboro and two miles north of Paint Rock in Jackson County, consists of 199 acres of forested land . Below the forested hillside lies a massive cave with many stalactite and stalagmite-filled rooms . It has five hidden entrances . The property was acquired in 1981 by the Service to provide protection for gray and Indiana bats . Over a million gray bats hibernate in Fern Cave, as do several hundred endangered Indiana bats . Fern Cave also has the threatened American hart's-tongue fern at one of its entrances .
John Van Swearingen of the Huntsville Grotto, National Speological Society served for the fifth year as the Fern Cave Access Coordinator . He reported that the cave is in satisfactory condition . Although, two unauthorized entries were reported, the offenders were notified and there was no evidence of vandalism . Van Swearingen also indicated that visitation had escalated from 227 people in 1991 to 262 people this year . A total of 38 permits were issued . Trips to work on the Fern Cave Project accounted for 47% of the visits to Fern Cave .
Manager Shearer led Keith Hudson and Jim Wehvr . both of Alabama Game and Fish, to Fern Cave to examine the Johnson . Fern Sink . and Morgue entrances to the cave . Keith Hudson . who is the nongame biologist for north Alabama, intends to do gray bat exit counts at the Morgue entrance of Fern Cave as well as the other caves throughout the refuge .
The Huntsville Grotto continued the Fern Cave Project . The goal of the project, which began last year, is to survey the entire cave over a five-year period . The Fern Cave Project has extremely high standards allowing only a 1 % maximum margin of error on compass bearings . Each January Van i Swearingen, chief executive officer of the Huntsville Grotto, provides the Refuge with results from his survey . The Huntsville Grotto, has surveyed 11,268 feet horizontally and 359 feet vertically .
Managers Stone and Shearer accompanied by volunteer Todd Earnhardt visited the Morgue entrance of the cave to census the American hart's-tongue fern . Three adult plants and one sporeling were observed . A population of 20 individuals was first discovered in 1979 . In 1981 there were 9 plants and in 1990 there were only four . The Endangered Species office has drafted a recovery plan for the fern . The refuge intends to implement the plan in 1993 by protecting the plants with fencing and initiating propagation of spores of the remaining plants . The reason for the decline of the ferns is unknown . Possible causes are trampling . stealing . and climatic changes . 2
Two adult American hart's-tongue ferns growing inside the Morgue Pit on Fern Cave Refuge . 9/92 J .A . Shearer
The efforts of Steve Pitts, Huntsville Grotto member, resulted in the accidental discovery of Pleistocene bone material in an obscure area of the cave . Jennifer Pinkley and Donna Cobb of the Red Mountain Museum in Birmingham became the new Fern Cave Project science coordinators . The two positions were created in order to manage the paleontological materials retrieved from Fern Cave .
Materials from the following animals were found : giant ground sloth, giant armadillo, giant peccary, jaguar (tooth), cave bear, horse (tootle), human mandible and teeth, and deer skull and antler . It is believed that each of these date back to the Pleistocene period . All of the findings were taken to Red Mountain Museum for positive identification and aging .
3
This human mandible was discovered inside Fern Cave . 10/92 J . Van Swearingen
k {' I f!,
Other Pleistocene bones, including the toe bone of a giant ground sloth, found in a remote section of a Fern Cave . 10/92 J . Van Swearingen 4
Three bat bands were found in Fern Cave in 1992, all by Steve Pitts . The bands were sent to the Museum of Natural History in Washington, D .C . to be traced . The first band, discovered in the West Room of the cave in mid-January, was found to have been placed on a juvenile male gray bat on July 22 . 1970, in Geromes Cave, Jackson County, Florida .
During a July 25 exploration of the cave, a second band was discovered on the floor of the Morgue section of Fern Cave . This band had been placed on a gray bat on August 5 . 1969, in Baker Cave, Colbert County, Alabama .
On Sept . 5, Pitts recovered another band, this time from the Guano Room in Fern Cave . The band had been put on a male gray bat on July 25, 1968, at Sauta Cave (now Blowing Wind Cave), Jackson County, Alabama . All three bats were banded by Merlin Tuttle .
A revenue sharing check for $947 was presented to Jackson County for Fern Cave and Blowing Wind Cave NWRs . WATERCRESS DARTER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Bessemer . Alabama
ANNUAL NARRATIVE REPORT
Calendar Year 1992
U . S . Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM 1 WATERCRESS DARTER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Watercress Darter NWR, near Bessemer, Jefferson County, was acquired by the Service in 1980 to provide protection for the endangered watercress darter fish . Although the refuge is only seven acres of bushy vegetation, it contains a quarter acre pond, Thomas Spring, which is vital habitat to the darter . A second pond was built on the refuge in 1983 to provide additional darter habitat .
There are seven ponds in the area where the Darter in known to occur or has been introduced . Two of these are part of the refuge .
Jerry L . Moss and Jay Haftner, Alabama Conservation Department of Natural Resources, in 1991, began monitoring the watercress darter, which was formerly done by Dr . W . Mike Howell, Samford University . A population census was not conducted in 1992 .
Manager Stone and Forester Bays attended a watercress darter workshop on May 27 . Jim Stewart of the Endangered Species Office in Jackson, MS, Pete Douglas of the Daphne FWE Office along with Jerry Moss and Dr . W . Mike Howell attended .
The two major points of interest of this meeting were off-site contaminants draining into the refuge and the bass population . Measures are being taken to control the contaminant runoff . An arrest was made at a local funeral home for cleaning paintbrushes in Roebuck Springs, one of the seven ponds in which the darter lives . Plans to reroute a pipe that funnels in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the pond have been made .
High bass numbers raised concern because bass eat darters . Jim Stewart believes it is not a major problem . He feels that eliminating the bass will be a detriment to the darters because they also eat sunfish which prey on the darters . He also pointed out that bass will re-populate within three years .
Jerry Moss noticed a large population of darters in the pond constructed in 1983 . He believes a large number of darters are using Thomas Springs, but is unable to confirm this assumption because of the poor visibility in the spring .
A revenue sharing check for $143 was presented to Jefferson County for Watercress Darter NWR . EASTERN WOODRAT (Neotoma floridana) Fairly FELINES common . The most lithe and graceful of all mammals, members PRAIRIE VOLE (Microtus ochrogaster) Common. of the cat family are also the most skilled killers . PINE VOLE (Microtus pinetorum) Uncommon . They possess keen senses and lean, muscular bodies NORWAY RAT (Rattus norvegicus) Introduced, ideally suited for their role as hunters . Cats bare five Common near buildings . long, curved claws to climb and grasp prey . When not ammals HOUSE MOUSE (Musmusculus) Introduced, Common in use the talons retract into sheaths to protect the near buildings . sharp points . Longer hind legs allow amazing leaps and bursts of speed . Their furred feet permit soft and noiseless tracking. Our bobcat is especially beneficial CANINES in helping to control the populations of rabbits and The dog family is a familiar one with world-wide dis- rodents. Cats shun human contact and people have tribution . Long travel is necessary for canines to find little to fear . enough prey animals to survive . Although most will eat a large variety of animal life, and plant matter BOBCAT (Lynx rufus) Uncommon too, they generally rely on mammals they can run down. Their blocky foot and thick hefty claws give HOOFED MAMMALS exceptional support and allow them to run swiftly The horns and antlers grown by members of this group and cover great distances. The front feet are also well serve as weapons of attack and defense, and for dis- suited for digging dens and burying food caches . play purposes . Animals with the largest antlers are the COYOTE (Canis latrans) Common, probably intro- most dominant, the most virile and the most success- duced. ful. The better an animal is at getting food, the more RED FOX (Vulpes fulua) Common nourishment it can spare from body needs to grow GRAY FOX (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Common in horns or antlers . These animals pay a price however, woodland . their life spans are generally shorter than animals of the same group with smaller horns . Contrary to folk- lore, the number of points on an antler does not in- RACCOONS dicate the animals age . Equally at home in city, suburb or forest, raccoons are probably more numerous now than when Captain WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus) John Smith explored the New World . They are notor- Common ious for nighttime raids on garbage cans - prying lids All native deer were exterminated a half century or off is no challenge for this animal with thin, mobile more ago. While none have been restocked on the fingers and a fine sense of touch . Their track resembles refuge, nearby restockings have made their way to a human hand . Swimmers as well as climbers, raccoons the sanctuary . can reach delicacies such as fish, frogs, clams and cray- fish, not accessible to more firmly grounded creatures .
RACCOON (Procyon lotor) Common.
WEASELS This is the most diverse family of meat eaters . With their differing life styles, one or more has adapted to virtually every type of habitat . Dependent upon var- iable and uncertain food supplies, they have become cunning hunters and pursue their prey with intelli- gence and in constantly changing ways.
LONGTAIL WEASEL (Mustela frenata) Rare. MINK (Mustela uisgn) Fairly common around water . SPOTTED SKUNK or CIVIC CAT (Spilogale putorius) Rare DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WHEELEP... STRIPED SKUNK (Mephitis mephitis) Common U. S . Fish and Wildlife Service (Lutra canadensis) All native otters RIVER OTTER RF-43660-3 November 1989 ~fVATIONAL WILDLIFE r-REFUGE were exterminated years ago . They have been re- stocked but are still uncommon . MAMMALS OF WHEELER NATIONAL SHREWS BIG BROWN BAT (Eptesicus (ascus) Fairly common. WILDLIFE REFUGE These tiny, fast moving creatures resemble both mice EVENING BAT (Nycticeius h umeealis) Fairly common and moles . They are common, living under leaf litter, BIG-EARED BAT (Plecotus rafinesquei) Occasional but are secretive and seldom seen . Shrews have a rapid in warm weather . rate of metabolism and must eat frequently or risk The Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is Alabama's . Feeding primarily on insects, oldest and largest national refuge . Although its man- dying of starvation RABBITS . many consume more than their own weight in food agement has been aimed primarily at providing winter Our rabbit's only habitat requirement is abundant habitat for waterfowl, it does support a varied and in- each day . low vegetation for food and cover . Most have a small teresting native mammal life. Its 34,500 acres include home range, spending the greater part of their lives SHORTTAIL SHREW (Blarina breuicauda) Common a wide variety of habitat : backwater sloughs and em- on a few acres . Rabbits often freeze in a moment of bayments, shoreline, streams, hardwood bottoms, LEAST SHREW (Cryptolis parm) Uncommon great danger in an attempt to hide the visual target pine plantations, cultivated fields, brush and hedge- their pursuer may have been following . Few rabbits MOLES rows. Protection has caused game mammals to be- live to be two years old, but a female cottontail may These small, almost blind mammals spend most of come so numerous that short public hunts are held produce more than thirty young per year . their lives underground emerging only occasionally . annually to remove surpluses and hold populations However, their ridge-covered burrows can be seen in in better balance . With the exception of Norway rats EASTERN COTTONTAIL (Syluilagus floridanus) moist, well drained soil . Moles are well suited for their and house mice, this list includes only native mammals Common on uplands . underground life style with broad, powerful front feet and does not consider ownerless cats, dogs, and other SWAMP RABBIT (Syluilagus aquaticus) Fairly com- . Their cylindrical feral domestic species . Where the larger mammals are and flattened claws for digging mon in low woodland . bodies arc tapered at both ends and covered with vel- concerned, it is complete, although there may well be vety, dirt-repellent fur which lies as well backward as omissions among the bats, shrews and small rodents . forward, easing passage in any direction . Their cars - RODENTS Anyone detecting errors in this list, or positively iden- . Local mere holes - have no outer flaps which would get in This is the largest group of mammals on earth tifying species not included here, is urged to contact members range in size from tiny mice to beavers . All the way . Contrary to popular opinion, moles eat only the refuge office . worms and insect larva. rodents have a single pair of upper and lower incisor teeth which they use mainly for gnawing . Each incisor Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge EASTERN MOLE (Scalopus aqualicus) Common grows constantly and is self-sharpening . Rodents have Route 4, Box 250 been called "prima~y converters" in a food chain that Decatur, Alabama 35606 BATS begins with their converting vegetable matter into Telephone: 205-353-7243 or 350-6639 Bats exist almost everywhere, but their secretive be- food and ends with their being converted into protein havior and nocturnal life styles keep them out of by hungry predators . sight. All ours are insect eaters, therefore highly bene- ficial . One bat may eat more than 3,000 insects in a EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL (Sciurus carolinensis) single night . The screech owl is their most serious pre- Common dator . Bats are the only mammal that can truly fly . EASTERN FOX SQUIRREL (Sciurus niger) Fairly The bones of their wings are the same bones which common . form the human arm and hand but the bat's hand ex- SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL (Glaucomysvolaw) pands to form its highly maneuverable wing . Fairly common though night feeders and seldom seen . EASTERN CHIPMUNK or GROUND SQUIRREL LITTLE BROWN BAT or BROWN MYOTIS (Myotis (Tamias striatus) Common. lucifugus) Fairly common throughout warm weather. GROUNDHOG or WOODCHUCK (Marmota monax) GRAY BAT (Myolis grisescens) Endangered species, Common . but common locally . BEAVER (Castor canadensis) Common along all KEENS BAT or MYOTIS (Myotis Keeni) Occasional streams . during warm weather . MUSKRAT (Ondatra zibelhless) Common around INDIANA BAT (Myolis sodalis) Endangered species, MARSUPIALS water . These are primitive mammals that bear their young but common locally. EASTERN HARVEST MOUSE (Reithrodontomys partially developed, then carry them for a period in SILVER-HAIRED BAT (Lasionycteris noctiuagans) humulis) Common. WHITE-FOOTED MOUSE (Peromyscus leucopus) a stomach pouch . We have only one - the "possum" . Uncommon . Common on all parts of the refuge, this species thrives EASTERN PIPSTREL (Pipistrellus subf7aeus) Fairly Common . (Peromyscus gossypinus) Fairly amid 20th century civilization . Though they hunt at common . COTTON MOUSE night and are not frequently seen during daylight RED BAT (Lasiurus borealis) Common. common . GOLDEN MOUSE (Ochrofomys nulialli) Fairly visits to the refuge, their star shaped track is easily SEMINOLE BAT (Lasiurus seminolus) Occasional in common . identified . warm weather . HOARY BAT(Lasiurus cinereus) Hybemates in local RICE RAT (Oryzomys palustris) Fairly common . COTTON RAT (Sigmodon hispidus) Common . OPOSSUM (Didelphis uirginiana) Common caves.
or"aa- aEZ m- - Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge 9. Refuge gates will be closed from October 15 to m Route 4, Box 250 February 12 . a- Decatur, Alabama 35603 10. Bicycles are restricted to gravel road use only . (L) C CD (D General Provisions 11 . Airboats are prohibited . 0 Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge is one of over 475 12. Archery and flintlock deer hunters must wear a 0 national wildlife refuges, The primary objective of minimum of 144 inches of hunter orange as defined Hunting Regulations a national wildlife refuge is to provide habitat for by the State when the State gun deer season is the conservation and protection of all species of open in Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties . & Permitl992-93 wildlife. The harvest of surplus animals is one tool used to manage wildlife populations . Carefully Caution: other members of public may be in area managed hunts maintain wildlife populations at a and without hunter orange . level compatible with the environment, provide 13. Only licensed vehicles permitted . No unlicensed wholesome recreational opportunities and permit ATV's. Access is limited to graveled roads and a the use of a valuable renewable resource . portion of these are closed at certain times . The regulations listed below supplement the 14 . In accepting this brochure, hunter concedes right general regulations which govern hunting on of inspection of game bag, hunting coat, etc ., as Wheeler wildlife refuge area as set forth in Title 50, Code of provided for by State law, to Refuge Officers & Federal Regulations . State bag limits, arms and State Conservation Officers. National Wildlife Refuge ammunition and other applicable State 15. Safety belts required at all times with the use of regulations apply . tree stands. General Hunt Regulations Keep your brochure with you while hunting. This Public hunting on Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge brochure does not authorize you to hunt refuge lands is permitted on approximately 18,000 acres . within Redstone Arsenal. 1 . Squirrel, raccoon opossum and rabbit hunting Specific Hunt Regulations is prohibited on 1,500 acres of the refuge in the Squirrel Flint Creek area (see map) . Season : October 1-13 2. No hunting is allowed in the Triana Recreation Raccoon and opossum Area or within 100 yards of any public building, Season : February 12-27 public road or the Beaverdam Swamp Night hours only (hunting must not begin until sunset Boardwalk . February 12). 0 3. No overnight camping is allowed, r- Rabbit a) 4. Mules and horses are prohibited on all refuge Season: February 12-27 m hunts. Deer-Either Sex me 5. Hunting is allowed Monday-Saturday . No Season: Archery October 15-January 30 Sunday hunting . Flintlock January 18-January 30 6. Dogs may be used only on the rabbit, No percussion cap rifles permitted . N raccoon and opossum hunts . a Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Restrictions: Only bows with broadhead arrows and aO~E 7. It is unlawful to damage a tree or to hunt from flintlocks, .40 caliber or larger are to be used . m Hunt Permit 1992-93 a tree in which a metal object has been All deer killed must be reported to Refuge Officers, ~ x0 driven . State Conservation Officers, or refuge headquarters az~Q. .ja)a When signed, this brochure is your 8. Hunters under age 16 must have passed a within 24 hours. Phone 205/353-7243 or 205/350-6639 . tom n o authorization to hunt squirrel, raccoon, State approved hunter education course, a) a) o i? opossum, rabbit and deer . Take pride in wildlife resources . Report game law U 0 must be supervised by an adult 21 years of violations by calling 205/353-7243 or Alabama U5 -c p age or older, and must remain in sight and Gamewatch, 1-800-272-4263 . :5 3a0 0a normal voice contact with the adult . On small game hunts, the adult may supervise no more Opportunities are available for disabled sportsmen . Signature For more information, call the refuge office . than two youths, and on big game hunts no (Valid only when signed .) more than one youth .
Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge
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LIMESTONE, MADISON . & MORGAN COUNTIES
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W SP S F W SP S F V% SP S F l1' Swainson's Thrush f u Cerulean Warbler r r r -- Swamp Sparrow c c a _ Wood Thrush' c c c Black-and-white Warbler f r c White-throated Sparrow a a a _ American Robin' a c c a _ American Redstart • u c - White-crowned Sparrow u f f _ Prothonotary Warbler' • c c - Dark-eyed Junco f c c - Gray Catbird' c c c v _ Worm-eating Warbler • r u - Lapland Longspur r - Northern Mockingbird' c c c c _ Swainson's Warbler r r BIackht!-ri, , (,rackfc'. , Co Il'I'I1th rtn,l ono 1c, Brown Thrasher' c c c c _ Ovenbird f c _ Bobolink c u Pipits _ Northern Waterthrush f u v _ Red-winged Blackbird' c c a a rs a - American Pipit f c c _ Louisiana Waterthrush • r u _ Eastern Meadowlark' c c c c _ Kentucky Warbler' f c _ Western Meadowlark v v Wax-L1,11N_ Cedar Waxwing c v c a Connecticut Warbler v v _ Yellow-headed Blackbird v v v R Mourning Warbler v v Rusty Blackbird u c c Loggerhead Shrike' f f f f Common Yellowthroat a r c r _ Brewer's Blackbird u u r 'n5 Hooded Warbler' f f c _ Common Grackle' c c a a _ White-eyed Vireo' c f c Wilson's Warbler r u _ Brown-headed Cowbird' c c a a _ Solitary Vireo u u v _ Canada Warbler • u _ Orchard Oriole' c c u Yellow-throated Vireo' f u f Yellow-breasted Chat' • c c _ Northern Oriole' f u f _ Warbling Vireo v v c 1 11111`' Old V%'nrld 111014"; _ Philadelphia Vireo u u _ Summer Tanager' • c c _ Purple Finch u f f _ Red-eyed Vireo' c f c _ Scarlet Tanager • f _ Red Crossbill v ll'rl C rhf rl _ Pine Siskin u u f _ Blue-winged Warbler u f Nt,rL1'wI,II n ln< Northern Cardinal' a a a a _ American Goldfinch f u c c _ Golden-winged Warbler u u Wheeler Rose-breasted Grosbeak • c Evening Grosbeak r r r Tennessee Warbler c c Blue Grosbeak' • c c !11t, Iuct'd 11(>11-ilatC'c ITCCir'- _ Orange-crowned Warbler f f v National _ Indigo Bunfing' a c a _ Rock Dove' a a a a Nashville Warbler r u _ Dickcissel' • c u v _ European Finch' a a a a Northern Parula' c u c Wildlife Sh,lrrn~r; _ House Finch' a a a a _ Yellow Warbler c r c _ Rufous-sided Towhee' • c c c _ House Sparrow' a a a a f Refuge Chestnut-sided Warbler f _ Bachman's Sparrow _ Mute Swan v v Magnolia Warbler f c American Tree Sparrow Cape May Warbler f u Chipping Sparrow' Notes Black-throated Blue Warbler v v _ Field Sparrow' a a a Yellow-rumped Warbler - Vesper Sparrow Black-throated Green Warbler f f - Lark Sparrow Blackburnian Warbler u u _ Savannah Sparrow • c c u r u Yellow-throated Warbler - Grasshopper Sparrow' • u u c c c c Pine Warbler' - Henslow's Sparrow • h h Prairie Warbler' u r u Le Conte's Sparrow c c v _ Palm Warbler - Sharp-tailed Sparrow _ Bay-breasted Warbler c c - Fox Sparrow v _ Blackpoll Warbler c - Song Sparrow" - Lincoln's Sparrow
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SP S F W SP S F W SP S F W SP S F W Loom - Eurasian Wigeon v v _ Sora u u _ Ring-billed Gull a u a a _ Red-throated Loon v v - American Wigeon C a a _ Purple Gallinule v v - Herring Gull f r c c _ Common Loon f v f c _ Canvasback f c c _ Common Moorhen v v v - Caspian Tern u r u Grebes _ Redhead f c u _ American Coot` a u a a _ Common Tern u u Sandhill Crane v _ Forster's Tern - Pied-billed Grebe' c u c a _ Ring-necked Duck c c c c r c u _ Homed Grebe f f c _ Greater Scaup r r r Shorebirds _ Least Tern r r Pelicans acrd their Allies _ Lesser Scaup c c c Black-bellied Plover r u Black Tern f u c _ American White Pelican v _ Harlequin Duck v _ Lesser Golden-Plover f u Pict'o;1~, Doi'es _ Passenger Pigeon Extinct _ Double-crested Cormorant c u c c _ Oldsquaw v v v - Semipalmated Plover c c _ Mourning Dove' a a a a Anhinga h h h _ Black Scoter v v - Piping Plover v v Common Ground-Dove v v v v Herons, Egrets arrd Allies _ Surf Scoter v _ Killdeer' a c a a _ White-winged Scoter v v v Black-necked Stilt v v Cuckoos _ American Bittern u u _ Carolina Parakeet _ Common Goldeneye c c c _ American Avocet r Extinct _ Least Bittern r r r Black-billed Cuckoo u u _ Buffiehead c c c - Greater Yellowlegs c u c f _ Great Blue Heron c u a a Yellow-billed Cuckoo' C c c Hooded Merganser' f r c c Lesser Yellowlegs c u C u _ Great Egret f u f r _ - _ Common Merganser r r r Solitary Sandpiper f u f OT1wls Snowy Egret r r r Barn Owl" r r r r _ Red-breasted Merganser f f u - Willet v v _ Little Blue Heron f f u Eastern Screech-Owl' c c C c _ Ruddy Duck C c c - Spotted Sandpiper' c u C v _ Tricolored Heron r r Great Horned Owl' f f f f Vultures, Hawks and A11ieN - Upland Sandpiper r r - Cattle Egret c c f _ Barred Owl' u u u U r r r r _ Whimbrel v v _ Green-backed Heron' c c f _ Black Vulture Short-eared Owl v v r _ Hudsonian Godwit v v _ Black-crowned Night-Heron u u f u - Turkey Vulture u u u u _ Marbled Godwit v Nightjars Yellow-crowned Night-Heron' f f u - Osprey u r u u _ Common Nighthawk' c c c v r r _ Ruddy Turnstone r r Ibises,'lhko11h111. Stork _• Mississippi Kite Chuck-will's-widow' c C U _ Red Knot v _ Glossy Ibis v _ Bald Eagle u u u _ Whip-poor-will u u f c _ Sanderling r u _ White Ibis v r u _ Northern Harrier u Swifts, Hulrrruin~hirds Wood Stork h h h - Sharp-shinned Hawk' f r f f - Semipalmated Sandpiper c u c Chimney Swift' c c a _ Western Sandpiper f c r Waterfo~vl Cooper's Hawk' u r u u - Ruby-throated Hummingbird c c c _ Least Sandpiper c u c c _ Tundra Swan r r r _ Red-shouldered Hawk' f u f u Kin sIu'i' White-rumped Sandpiper u r v _ Greater White-fronted Goose r u u Broad-winged Hawk' f c tied Kingfisher' f u c c Red-tailed Hawk' c u c a Baird's Sandpiper r r _ Snow Goose u c a _ I Wahil1ecker,~ _ Pectoral Sandpiper c r c _ Red-headed Woodpecker' Ross' Goose v v _ Rough-legged Hawk v v u u u u Dunlin f f U _ Red-bellied Woodpecker' c c c _ Brant h h _ Golden Eagle v v c c _ Stilt Sandpiper u u Yellow-bellied Sapsucker f c c _ Barnacle Goose h h _ American Kestrel' f r c - Buff-breasted Sandpiper r u Downy Woodpecker' _ Canada Goose' f u a a _ Merlin r r v - c c c c _ Short-billed Dowitcher f f Hairy Woodpecker' f f f f _ Wood Duck' c c c c - Peregrine Falcon r u r - _ Long-billed Dowitcher u u - Northern Flicker' c c c c - Green-winged Teal c c c Galiina~r nus birds (Quail, Turkclt (illd Auk's) _ Common Snipe c r c c Pileated Woodpecker' _ American Black Duck' f u c c _ Wild Turkey' r r r r - f f f f _ American Woodcock' u U u u Fhicatc hers _ Mallard' c f a a Northern Bobwhite' f f f f _ Wilson's Phalarope r u Olive-sided Flycatcher v r _ Northern Pintail u v c c Rails, Ga1iirrules, (ots and Caries Eastern Wood-Pewee' C _ Yellow Rail v _ Laughing Gull r r r r f c 4 - Blue-winged Teal c r c r _ Franklin's Gull v v v v _ Yellow-bellied Flycatcher v v _ Northern Shoveler c v c c _ King Rail v v v h _ Bonaparte's Gull C f c _ Acadian Flycatcher' u r u Gadwall c v c a - Virginia Rail r r