Itoratlw R^Part R^Tlag Slip Miss Bam Admiaist.Ratlvi& Services Mr

Itoratlw R^part R^tlag Slip

Mr- S&lye^ ,A'MH11Lfl r^|

Mr. Cmvfwd.

Admiaist.ratlvi& Services

Miss Bam

Operaticfittfi I .'..•.I. tfctiw>' Mr. Femsaicli^ ^ Mr. Regan

Pttfelic Pes

Mr. Dutet Mr. Kublchek Mr. StclXfaerg

Keiourcfe

Dr. Msrley Mr, Hickok

Wildlife Itoa^e xamt

Mr, Banko Mr, Sxiles Mr, GoitMm

Refiige KIR WIN Perlcni Jan. - Apr. 1961 KIRWIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

NARRATIVE REPORT

JANUARY, FEBRUARY, MARCH, APRIL

1961

PERSONNEL;

Robert H. Shields , Refuge Manager

I Neta L, Lenertz Refuge Clerk(l/1 - 1/20)

Kenneth M# George Foreman III

Howard L® Stephens • . « . • oMaintenanceman (Equipment)

Gale G, Jones ••••••••• •Maintenanceman (General)

Audie E, Lee ^Maintenanceman (General)

Harry A, Deichen. Laborer (Temporary)

Warren J. Stockman Laborer (Temporary) TABLE OF CONTENTS

I, General Weather Conditions Habitat Conditions

IT, Wildlife Migratory Birds Upland Game Birds Big Game Animals Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals Hawks, Eagles, Crows, and Magpies Other Birds Fishing Disease

III* Refuge Maintenance and Development Physical Development Plantings Collections, Receipts, and Transfers IV, Resource Management Grazing Haying Other Uses

V. Field Investigations or Applied Research Lacreek Refuge Canada Goose Project VI, Public Relations Recreational Use Visitors Refuge Participation Hunting Violations

VII, Other Items Items of Interest Signature NR forms Photographs Klrwin National Wildlife Management Area Narrative Report January, February, March, April 1961

I. GENERAL

A, Weather Conditions, Extremely mild conditions prevailed throughout the winter. Warm days and cold nights were the rule. This winter has been just the contrary to the severe winter of 1960,

The following weather recordings were taken at the Kirwin office of the Bureau of Reclamation,

Month Snowfall Snowfall Total 61 year Max, Temp, Min, Temp, 1960 1961 Precip. Average

January 12. S" 1.0" ,04" .39" 61 -13 February 11.5" S.S" ,25" .68" 75 2 March 19.5" * 2,0" 2.16" .98" 75 19 April — ^ 7.0" 1.50" 2.32" 89 17 TOTAL 43,5" 13.5" 3.95" 4.37" EXT, 89 -13 * Snowfall not included in Bureau of Reclamation weather data and therefore estimated by refuge personnel,

B, Habitat Conditions,

1, Water> An approximate 8" ice-layer was present on the lake during January and was busted by high winds on 1/18; became refrozen on 1/21; again became broken up on 2/8 to quickly re freeze; and completely disaopeared in latter February,

Although below average precipitation was received during the period, adequate moisture was present. Contrary to oast winters, the land was usually unfrozen during the time of rainfall which resulted in an increased absorption of moisture.

The following information was taken from the Kansas River Projects Operation Data from the Bureau of Reclamation,

Date WS El. & Inflow (CFS) WS Area AF Storage Outflow (CFS) in acres 1/31/61 1725.44 5 4,466 81,260,00 0 2/28/61 1725.69 15 4,505 82,390.00 0 3/31/61 1726.11 20 4,573 84,300,00 0 4/31/61 1726,32 20 4,610 85,260.00 0 The lake level at the end of the period was approximately four feet lower than last year's level and about 1,5' below that of 1958 and 59. What a difference a foot makes.

All refuge ponds remained empty throughout the period.

2. Food and Cover. Food and cover was abundant during the period. An early thaw and a lack of snowfall created feeding conditions sel dom witnessed by Kansas wintering waterfowl. Standing crops of corn and railo had to be mowed down to provide easy access for the birds. Last winter's heavy snows built up around the base of the grain stalks which allowed the ducks and geese to reach the standing grain heads. Thus, no mowing was necessary.

This year the timing was perfect. The last flight of northern mig rants stripped the last morsel of grain from the fields.

II. WILDLIFE

Mieratory Birds.

1, Waterfowl. Our wintering flocks of geese and ducks are slowly increasing. Also, the number of spring migrants which use the refuge are steadily climbing. The accompanying table best depicts the waterfowl history of the area. Some leeway has been allowed in the above statement for the better production year in 1958, An early spring probably accounted for a two week early arrival date on 2/15 of major waterfowl numbers.

Wintering Canada Geese topped the 2,300 mark, an increase of 400 over the previous year. Fewer migrant Canadas were noted over the 1960 figures; however. White-front migrants doubled most past records at nearly 5,000.

Canada Goose nesting surveys disclosed 9 nests and probably 3-5 were overlooked. Three broods supporting 3,4, and 5 goslings were observed successfully hatched on 4/27-28,

Numbers of wintering and migrant ducks were second only the spring of 59 and winter 58-59, Approximately 21,000 Mallards wintered on on the area. Peak spring flights included 19,000 Mallards and 13,300 Pintails. There were no Redheads and only one Canvasback seen during the period. Spring flights of Green-winged Teal aporoached only 1,065 individuals, a severe drop over past years.

Several paired Mallards were seen during latter March and April, All refuge ponds were empty and offered little encouragement to nesting ducks.

Peak Coot migrants numbered 4,700, a small decrease from 1960 figures. WINTERING AND SPRING MIGRANT NUMBERS AND ARRIVAL DATES OF WATERFOWL AND SANDHILL CRANES, 1955-61

ARRIVAL DATES AND NUMBERS OF SPRING 56 SPRING 57 SPRING 58 SPRING 59 SPRING 60 SPRING 61 WINTERING AND SPRING MIGRANTS or or or or or or WINTER WINTER WINTER WINTER WINTER WINTER 55-56 56-57 57-58 58-59 59-60 60-61

TOTAL WINTERING GEESE «... 200 1,500 1,400 2,400 2,800 (oredomlnately Canadas) PEAK GOOSE MIGRANTS 800 609 1,940 6,050 6,235 8,200

PEAK CANADA GOOSE MIGRANTS 300 300 1,500 3,100 4,500 3,630 PEAK WHITS-FRONT MIGRANTS 500 400 21 2,950 2,400 4,570 TOTAL WINTERING DUCKS 2,500 18,000 42,000 15,000 21,000 (predominately Mallards) PEAK DUCK MIGRANTS 10,000 7,800 26,000 105,000 31,000 44,000 PEAK MIGRANT MALLARDS 3,000 3,800 25,000 35,000 14,000 19,000 PEAK MIGRANT PINTAILS 4,000 4,500 1,300 58,000 6,500 13,300 PEAK COOT MIGRANTS 1,000 500 1,000 2,000 6,000 4,700 PEAK SANDHILL CRANE MIGRANTS 400 500 500 500 675 2,500 1st. MAJOR SPRING ARRIVAL DATE 2/22 2/13 3/25 2/21 3/7 2/15 (all waterfowl) PEAK SPRING ARRIVAL DATE 3/22 3/2 4/2 3/22 4/12 3/8 (all waterfowl) 4,

2, Other Waterblrds and Shorebirds, Sandhill Cranes ^ere seen as early as 2/27 and as late as 4/7, Approximately 2,500 Sandhills utilized the refuge on or around 3/7-14 and some estimated 3,500 passed us by,

3, Hourhing Doves, Three doves were seen as early as 3/17, Approx imately 500 were present by latter April,

B, Upland Game Birds,

Ring-necked Pheasants and Bobwhite quail had an easy life this past winter. Pleasing temperatures, little snow, ample cover, and adequate feed was their lot. Both species were fairly abundant in numbers, the pheasants exceeding the quail.

No Prairie Chicken were seen during the period,

C, Big Game Animals,

A crippled yearling White-tailed doe was released on the refuge by state game personnel in early May, This cripple was seen in the company of another doe on several occasions near Gray^s Park, A dead deer was found by a cooperative farmer near Hungry Hollow early in the period. The cause of death was unknown,

D, Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents, and Other Mammals,

1, Fur Animals, Beavers comprised the only important animal in this category. There were probably 8-10 colonies of these mammals using the refuge,

Predators, The Striped Skunk was the most numerous predator. The accompanying table depicts the predators taken in the refuge trapping program which began for the first time during January, 1961. The area trapped covered only about 300 acres near goose nesting sites. Time will tell if our efforts have been justified,

3, Rodents and Other Mammals, Both Cottontails and Black-tailed Jacks showed a definite increase during the period,

E, Hawks, Eagles, Crows, and Magpies, A pair of Bald Eagles attempted nesting south of the residence near the south lake shore in a dead Cottonwood, They were unsuccessful! as has been the circumstances for the past 3 years.

A Goshawk frequented the shelter belt south of headquarters from 3/2-3/29, He was a welcomed addition to the refuge bird list,

F, Other Birds,

An influx of Red-headed Woodpeckers, Eastern and Western Kingbirds, Brown Thrashers, and Yellow-headed Blackbirds during latter April 5

PREDATORS REMOVED FROM 1/30.4/28/61

Striped Spotted Raccoon Opossum Badger Feral Horned Date Skunk Skunk Gat Owl

1/30 Im 1 2/1 2m 1 2/5 2m Im 2/9 Ira 2/10 Ira Im 2/11 2m 2/12 2m 2/13 Ira 2/15 2ra 2/16 Im Im 2/17 Im 2/20 Im 2/21 Im 2m, If 2/22 If 2/23 lm,2f 2/24 2m 2/27 Im 3/1 2m 2m 3/4 2m 3/5 3/11 Im 3/13 Im Im 3/16 If 1m 3/21 If 3/22 Im 3/27 If 4/1 Im 4/9 If 4/23 Im 4/28 Im Im TOTALS 29m,4f Ira 6m,3f lm,lf 4ra Ira 5

(It is interesting to note the large number of male skunks caught prior to the capture of a female and also the low take of females. The males were no doubt out earlier looking for their mates, When the females came out, they found that the males were absent and they promptly left the area in search of a mate which would account for the low take of females. At least we think that is what hap pened.) '6.

added a considerable amount of color to the local surroundings,

G, Fishing, Grapple fishing was slow. Channel Gats were frequently caught. Large Mouth Bass fishing was at it's best and followed closely by Walleyes« Walleye and Bass catches of 3-pounders were the rule and 3-5 pound catches were comraonc Consequently, more fishermen-use during March and April than ever before.

H, Disease.

None noted. III. REFUGE MAINTENANCE AND DEVELOPMENT

A, Physical Development, 1. Fencing. No new fence was built this period. All fence was checked and repairs made where needed. The gates on all seasonal roads were opened to the public on April 15th,

2. Equipment. The 1958 ^ord Stake grain box frame was straightened and a new hoist frame built for the dump assembly. The motor was overhauled with new inserts, rings, and a valve job.

Left brake linings were installed on the MM UBE 1955 tractor and also the bearings in the left side of transmission were replaced.

The water pump on the firetank was rebuilt with new bearings, seals, and valves replaced. Both Johnson 35 HP outboard motor transmissions were rebuilt.

The boat and barge were both given paint jobs and identifying letters and the blue goose insignia installed on each. New guard rails were put on the barge.

The power take-off drive line on the "Servis" rotary mower was rebuilt and a safety guard installed.

All other automotive and farm equipment were checked and repairs made as needed, 3. Roads and Trails, All roads were maintained as needed. Culverts were cleaned and fills raised on Unit 25. Two 3'x20' culverts were salvaged from Unit 23 and one installed on Unit 15, the other on Unit 14, Two new culverts 2,x20t were installed on Unit 8, Other fills on Unit 8 were raised where water had overflowed during the past rainy seasons. 7o

Building, No building accomplished this period. Minor repairs were made to storm doors at the office and residence building. Grain bin doors were repaired. New water lines were installed and a cabinet built in the trailer house. The northwest door to the metal building was shook from the hangers by high wind and was rehung. Storm win dows were taken down and stored for the summer.

5. Recreational Development. Approximately 220 guard posts were set and painted. The posts were located at Crappie Point, Bluegill Point and the Kiln, Picnic areas were cleaned up and all outdoor toilets were cleaned,

6. Soil and Moisture. For the first time in the history of the Kir- win Refuge we are ahead of the game in our farm program. Six hundred and fifty acres have been one-wayed, disced, or plowed. Approximately 100 acres has been disced the second time and is ready for planting. About 150 acres of the 650 will be summer fallowed for fall planting to wheat.

Approximately 150 trees were transplanted at parking and picnic areas. They consisted of 30 cedars, 60 cottonwoods, and 60 locust.

Other items of soil and moisture are listed under Part III, B, plant ings,

7. Signs. All refuge boundary signs have been checked and damaged ones replaced. Fifteen signs reading "Danger-Steep Banks" were made and placed on refuge roads where needed. Signs reading "Danger-Deep Water, Use Caution in Parking" were constructed and placed at Crappie and Bluegill Points, All buoys taken out by wind and ice were picked up, repaired, and replaced in buoy lines. Hunting area signs were taken up and stored. A new type buoy was made to zone the swimming area at the concession.

B. Plantings.

1, Grass

Date Unit Acres lbs./acre Variety Method

1/3-4 ; 8 25 12 Blue Stem, Brome Drill 1/4-5 24 18 12 Buffalo, Brome, Switch, Broadcast 6c Blue Stem 1/6 3,4, 5 10 12 Switch (on terraces) Broadcast 1/9-13 13 75 12 Brome, Blue Stem Broadcast 1/12 12 10 12 Brome, Blue Stem Broadcast

2. Cultivated Crops, Date Unit Acres lbs/acre Variety Method 4/25-26 6 18 5.5 Reeds open oolinated Corn listed 4/26 5 7 5.5 Reeds open polinated Corn listed 8.

C. Collections, Receipts, and Transfers»

1* Collections. None

2, Receipts. Buffalo Grass 100 lbs, Lee Schick, Phillipsburg, Ks, (open Market) 3, Transfers.

Date Item Amount To Whom 1/17 Wheat 50 bu. Bear River Refuge 2/28 Wheat 100 bu. National Elk Refuge 2/28 Corn 100 bu. National Elk Refuge 3/22 Corn 60 bu. Monte Vista Refuge 3/22 Wheat 80 bu. Monte Vista Refuge

Fires, One fire to report this period. A farmer, Mr. Billy Knowles, while burning trash in his field adjoining the refuge on 4/18 let the fire get out of control. The fire quickly spread to Unit 23 of the refuge and burned approximately 25 acres of dead vegetation, Mr, Knowles was forced to cut the refuge boundary fence in two places in order to plow a fire guard around the fire. The fire was under control before any refuge personnel or other help arrived at the scene, Mr, Knowles stated, "My burning days are over, I'm not even carrying matches from now on,"

All tools were checked at the refuge fire caches and the water barrels filled during the period. The fire cache boxes were renovated and are ready for a new paint job,

IV, RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

A, Grazing. No grazing this refuge.

Haying. Special Use Permit 29646 issued to Orln W, Elder for the cutting, stacking, and storing of native hay brought in a cash revenue of $31,50 (10,5 tons (^ $3,00 per ton). The hay was taken from approximately 20 acres on Unit 9.

Special Use Permit 25216 yielded $10.40 for 2,08 tons of alfalfa hay at $5,00 a ton. This permit was issued to Mr. Billy Knowles. c« Other Uses. The Coronado Council, Boy Scouts of America, remitted $21,00 for the leasing of their permanent campsite.

The Kirwin Concession began a thriving business during the spring. Concessionaire Dick Glenn engaged Mr, Gary Morgan to manage the concession during the 1961 season, Mr, Morgan contemplates buying the concession rights from Glenn in the fall, Mr, Bruce Josserand who once considered buying the concession has dropped all interests. 9.

V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS OR APPLIED RESEARCH

A, Lacreek Refuge Canada Goose Project. On 3/9 Charles A. Hughlett, manager of the Lacreek Refuge, picked up a flock of 28 Lesser Canada Geese from Kirwln to transport back to South Dakota, The geese were brought to Kirwin last fall from Lacreek in an attempt to stimulate breeding in the captive flock through an induced migration,

VI, PUBLIC RELATIONS

A, Recreational Use, By mid-March, fishermen were out in force. Visitor day-use for the period tallied 20,460, This is more than double the use for the corresponding period in 1960, Several factors accounting for this increased use were: 1, An early thaw and a warm spring, 2, An intensive tourist attraction program sponsored by the Phillips- burg Chamber of Commerce, 3, A new manager for the Kirwin Concession who, thus far, is meeting the general needs of the boating and fish ing public, and 4, publicity given the Kirwin Reservoir by Harold Ensley, "The Fisherman's Friend," Mr, Ensley travels from lake to lake where he samples the fishing and then televises his fishing success, Mr, Ens ley's TV program covers all of the surrounding states, While at Kirwin, Mr, Ensley had outstanding fishing success which has accounted for thousands of additional fishermen on the refuge this spring,

B, Visitors, The following list of visitors does not include the many trailer owners, campers, boaters, sight-seers, and fishermen who have stopped by the office to seek information.

Date Visitor Purpose

1/5 Bert Blank, Civil Defense Director, Phillipsburg. Coop work,

l/U Gary Morgan, Salina, Ks, Concession

1/17 Marvin P, Duncan, Bear River Refuge Grain transfer

1/17 Mrs, Ronald Pflughoft, Stockton 20th. Century Club, Info,

1/25 Clyde Ukele, Kansas Game Protector, Norton, Ks. Coop work

1/27 Frank Schryer, Kansas Fisheries Biologist, Hays, Ks, Coop work

1/27 Bruce Josserand, Johnson, Ks, Concession

1/27 C,3, Jenkins, Architect, Philliosburg, Ks. Concession

1/30 Stan DeFoe, Bou Scout Executive, Salina, Ks. Courtesy

2/16 Charles E. Pilcher, BR, McCook, Neb, Courtesy

3/9 Charles A. Hughlett, Lacreek Refuge, S,D. Goose Study 10.

3/9 Howard D, Woon, Fort Niobrara Refuge Manager, Neb. w/Hughlett

3/10 Harry B, Crandell, Albuquerque R.O. land study

3/15 Dean Noffsinger, Kansas Highway Patrol, Phillipsburg info,

3/22 Robert C, Brown, Monte Vista Refuge grain transfer

3/27 Max Jarvis, SCS, Philliosburg Coop.

3/27 Leo Weinhold, SCS, Phillipsburg, Ks. Coop.

3/30 John M, Chipman, U. of Neb., Lincoln. info re thesis

4/5 Bob Williams, Larned, Ks. concession

4/7 Bruce Josserand, Johnson, Ks, concession

4/16 Marion J, Morgan, Smith Center, Ks. meeting re trailer site 4/16 Dr. J.D, Hardeman, Smith Center, Ks, it

4/16 Carl S. Motter and 2 friends, Gaylord, Ks.

4/16 Arno Windschef fel, lax^yer. Smith Center, Ks,

4/16 Jim Paden, Philliosburg Chamber of Commerce info,

4/21 Bob Williams, Larned, Ks. concession

4/24 Cal Ginther, Philliosburg Chamber of Commerce info.

4/26 Gordon C. Lynn, BR, McGook, Neb. re concess.

4/27 Dean Schachterle, BR, McCook, Neb, M

Refuge Participation.

Unless otherwise indicated, Refuge Manager Shields carried out the following:

Slide-lecture about the refuge to 19 members (ladies) of the Phillips burg Cultus Club,

A 5-night Civil Defense Training Course on emergency fire fighting was attended on 3 occasions by manager Shields and on 2 nights by Foreman George and 1 night by Maintenanceman Lee,

A program on the federal refuge system was presented to 18 ladies of the Phillipsburg Modern Study Club,

The refuge program was presented to 125 members of the Code 11 PTA. 11.

A talk on water safety was oresented to 200 members of the Phillios- burg P.T.A.

Slide-lecture to 80 members of the Glade Elementary School on Kansas wildlife.

A general refuge-wildlife talk and discussion to 75 members of the Kensington Lions Club (father and daughter banquet.)

A Kansas wildlife slide series Tvas oresented to 45 participants of the Alton Methodist Family Night Group.

A wildlife slide series was presented to 41 members of the Solomon Valley 4-H Club at Cedar, Kansas.

A special meeting for the. promotion of tourists attractions of the Phillipsburg Chamber of Commerce was attended,

D, Hunting. No hunting this period,

E, Violations. No enforceable violations occurred to our knowledge. Boats in the "No Boating" zone have been a constant menance to the nesting geese this spring. Every effort has been made to keep them out but words with no action accomplish little.

VII. OTHER ITEMS

A, Miss Neta Lenertz vacated the refuge clerk's position on January 22nd. to become Mrs. Marvin Shipley. Miss Lenertz was well worth her salt as the refuge manager most surely learned after her date of resignation,

B, Refuge personnel started out in good faith to contribute a face of brush for the 1961 Kansas centennial year. Shortly after the pic tures were taken for this narrative, "Off they came," Hot weather, working men, unhappy wives, and wiskers were just too much,

G, Refuge Safety Meetings were held monthly. All personnel took an active part in the Safety program,

D, Credit goes to Kenneth 1£. George, Foreman III, for compiling Sect ion III of this narrative. 12.

Respectfully submitted,

^ DATS Vobert H, Shields, Refuge Manager

Reviewed by:

>7 / I / 7 Pegionai Director 3-lTbO Form MR-1 (Rev. March 1953) WATERFOWL

REFUGE KIRWIN NATIONAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA MONTHS OF JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30 , 19 61

ra Weeks of reporting period (1) Species I/l-t 1/7! 1/8g I/x| 1/4 1/2^1/22^/28^1/295 62/u!2/I272/188i2/19 82 /25'2/269 Swans: Whistling Trumpeter Geeset Canada 2,900 2,900 1,600 2,600 2,600 2,600 2,000 1,600 2,705 Cackling Brant White-fronted 20 20 20 14 14 40 1,800 1,600 3,200 Snow 3 3 3 Blue M&SX TOTAL 2,920 2,920 1,620 2,614 2,614 2,640 3,803 3,203 5,908 Ducks: Mallard 20,950 20,950 14,800 18,000 21,000 21,000 20,000 20,000 9,275 Black Gadwall 40 Baldpate 15 15 50 100 20 20 150 150 4,025 Pintail 20 20 6,000 4,000 5,300 Green-winged teal Blue-winged teal 10 Cinnamon teal Shoveler Wood Redhead Ring-necked Canvasback Scaup Goldeneye Bufflehead Ruddy 1 C. Merganser 15 200 200 850 TOTAL DUCKS 20,965 20,965 14,865 18,120 21,020 21,040 26,350 24,350 19,501 Coot: Int. Dup. Sec., Wash-. D. CA779uu 3 Cont. NR-1 (Rev. March 19^3) WATERFOWL (Continuation Sheet)

REFUGE KIRWIH NATTHMAT. UTi.m.TffK MAMAr:F.T.rr.-.MT ARK A MONTHS OF JANUARY 1 TO APRIL 30 19 61

T 121 —U)— : —nn— j Weeks of reporting period Estimated Production (1) •3/1^3/1^3/19^/2^3/2^ 4/l| 4/2^ 4/& 4/9^/134/1^/22-4/23,^4/2^ 4/3^ waterfowl :Broods:E stimated Species days use i seen s total Swans: Whistling Trumpeter Geese: Canada 800 875 200 110 435 344 250 250 197,293 Cackling Brant White-fronted 950 320 85 75 60 73 73 73 90,611 Snow 15 15 2 2 2 6 6 8 484 Blue 50 25 10 595 )&&®®rrOTAL GEESE 1,815 1,235 297 187 497 423 329 331 288,983 Ducks: Mallard 11,000 25,000 5,000 1,500 1,350 805 360 360 1,609,240 Black Gadwall 850 75 190 105 105 9,450 Baldpate 4,300 3,000 2,000 200 1,300 305 90 90 176,770 Pintail 7,500 5,500 2,000 500 1,610 45 35 35 320,565 Green-winged teal 50 1,065 45 5 5 8,230 Blue-winged teal 25 23 1,450 165 190 190 13,336 Cinnamon teal Shoveler 10 35 675 210 335 335 9 9190 Wood Redhead Ring-necked 34 238 Canvasback 3 1 7 800 3,100 Golte88" ' 2,000 200 40 40 43,020 Bufflehead 16 15 1 75 20 889 Ruddy 80 70 100 100 1,857 G, Merganser 2,500 200 30 60 12 46,494 TOTAL DUCKS 26,251 33,825 llo023 3,031 10,990 1,877 1,260 1,260 2,239,286

Coot: 50 100 500 800 4,700 3,000 3,000 3,000 88,050 (over) (5) ; —rs) :—rrr Total Days Use Peak Number : Total Production SUMMARY

Swans Principal feeding areas Shallow water areas of Bow Greek

Geese 288,983 8,211 and North Fork Solomon Arms and agricultural lands.

Ducks 2.239,286 44,285 Principal nesting areas

Coots 88,050 4,700 Reported hy Robert H, Shields, Refuge Manager

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sees. 7S31 through 7S3U, Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) ^ - . J (1) Species: In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appropriate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance.

(2) Weeks of Reporting Period: Estimated average refuge populations,

(3) Estimated Waterfowl 13 . * . 3 Days Use: Average weekly populations x number of days present for each species.

(li) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts on representative breeding areas. Brood counts should be made on two or more areas aggregating 10^ of the breeding habitat. Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted,

(5) Total Days Use: A summary of data recorded under (3).

(6) Peak Number: Maximum number of waterfowl present on refuge during any census of reporting period.

(?) Total Production: A summary of data recorded under (U),

Interior Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 1953 3-1751 Form NR-1A MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945) . (other than watery 1 Aprll 30 1Q 61 Refuge Months of to 195

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total Number Total # Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Numbe r Date Number Date Colonies Nests Youne Number

I. Water and Marsh Birds: Eared Grebe 1 4/18 25 4/25 25 4/30 100 Pied-billed Grebe 100 4/11 100 4/11 50 4/30 300 White Pelican 1 3/28 280 4/18 65 4/30 300 Double-crested Cormorant 5 4/5 65 4/27 15 4/30 100 Great Blue Heron 1 3/17 8 4/11 8 4/30 10 Sandhill Crane 32 3/4 2,520 3/7 175 4/7 3,000

i II.^Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns: Snowy Plover 1 4/27 1 4/27 1 4/27 10 Killdeer 10 3/11 500 4/1 400 4/30 1,000 Long-billed Curlew 2 4/26 2 4/26 2 4/26 10 Baird's Sandpiper 200 3/22 700 4/26 700 4/30 1,000 American Avocet 10 4/22 39 4/26 15 4/30 100 Wilson^ Phalarope 45 4/22 800 4/27 100 4/30 1,000 Herring Gull 2 4/11 2 4/11 2 4/11 25 Ring-billed Gull 25 2/28 25 2/28 25 2/28 100 Franklin's Gull 65 4/14 10,000 4/26 3,000 4/30 25,000

(over) ID 121 131 (4) 151 161

III. Doves and Pig;eons Mourning dove 3/17 300 4/15 300 4/30 500 White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle 1/1 3 1/25 3/7 ' 5 Bald Eagle 1/1 4 2/27 3/15 4 5 30 Great Horned owl Resident Magpie Resident 30 fBSTCKK Goshawk 1 3/2 1 only bird seen I 3/29 1 Crow 500 3/26 1,000 4/4 5 4/30 2,000 Sharp-shinned Hawk 10 1/1 10 l/l 10 4/30 10 Red-tailed Hawk 10 1/1 10 1/1 10 4/30 20 Swainson's Hawk 10 3/28 10 3/28 5 4/30 25 Rough-legged Hawk 10 1/1 10 1/1 2 4/30 20 Marsh Hawk 25 1/1 150 4/3 10 4/30 300 Sparrow Hawk 4 3/18 50 4/15 50 4/30 100 Shcrt-eared Cwl 5 1/1 5 1/1 5 4/30 5 Reported

INSTRUCTIONS (1) Species: Use the correct names as found in the A.O.U. Checklist, 1931 Edition, and list group in A.O.U. order. Avoid general terms as "seagull", "tern", etc. In addition to the birds listed on form, other species occurring on refuge during the reporting period should be added in appro priate spaces. Special attention should be given to those species of local and national significance. Groups: I. Water and Marsh Birds (Gaviiformes to Ciconiiformes and Gruiiformes) II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns (Charadriiformes) III. Doves and Pigeons (Columbiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous Passeriforraes) (2) First Seen: The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

(3) Peak Numbers The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

(4) Last Seen: The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

(5) Production: Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated total r. ;er of the species using the r< ge during the period concerned.

INT.-DUP. SEC.. WASH,, D.C. 79858 3-1752 Form NR-2 UPLAND GAME BIRDS (April 1946) Refuge KIRWIN Months of January 1 to April 30 , 19 6J1L

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Species Density- Young Sex Removals Total Remarks Produced Ratio -g nd• i s Xi Estimated % number Pertinent information not Acres 0 T* > 1H •H Cover types, total per n o- •P o

Prairie Chicken Grasslands none Unknown No observations for 4,000 acres. period.

Bob-white Quail Upland, Crop 12.0 none 1:1 500 Quail crop low due to and Grassland severe winter of 1959-60, 6,000 acres.

Ring-necked Upland, Crop 8.5 none 1:2 700 Pheasant and Grassland 6,000 acres. INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name.

(2) DENSITY; Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs (public hunts, etc.). Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This information is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge| once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but not so much as to obscure the general picture. Examples: spruce s-wamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottomland hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc. Standard type symbols listed in Midlife Management Series No, 7 should be used where possible. Figures submitted should be based on actual observations and counts on representative sample "areas. Survey2 method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks. » 1 D 4 < (3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat. non • <; (4) SEX RATIO: This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available. * c

($) REMOVALS: Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

(6) TOTAL: Estimated total number using the refuge during the report period. This may include resident birds plus those migrating into the refuge during certain seasons.

(7) REMARKS: Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey. Also include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

* Only columns applicable to the period covered should be used.

170 59 3-1754 SMALL MAMMALS Form NR-4 (June 1945 Ref-uge_ KIRWIN Year ending April 30. 1961

(1) (2) (3) 00 (5) Species Density Removals Disposition of Firs 1 1

*- *- Total Share Trapping

* Popula

s Shipped Cover Types & Total Acres •H tion Per Permit search stocking For Re- For Re w w Predator Control Fur Common Name Acreage of Habitat Animal 1 Harvest Number share Destroyed Destroyed Furs Donated Furs Donated Furs Furs Furs Shipped Total Refuge Furs Total Refuge Trappers' Share Refuge 1 1 i Opossum 300 acres woodlands 7.5 2 40 Uncommon Striped Skunk 2,000 acres upland 7.0 32 285 Abundant Spotted Skunk 2,000 acres Upland 50.0 1 40 Uncommon Mink 300 acres woodlands 15.0 - 20 Uncommon and streambeds Weasel 300 acres, " 15.0 - 20 Uncommon Beaver 300 U m 5,0 - 60 Common Raccoon 300 " 11 3.0 9 100 Common Badger 3,600 acres, Prairie 36.0 4 100 Common Coyote 3,600 acres. Prairie 144.0 • 25 Common Red Fox 3,600 acres. Prairie 144.0 . 25 Common Black-tailed 3,600 acres, Prairie 6.0 - 600 Common Prairie Dog Black-tailed Jack 6,000 acres. Prairie 4.0 - 1,500 Common Rabbit and Farmlands Cottontail 6,000 " " 4.0 - 1,500 Common Fox Squirrel 300 acres, Woodlands 1.5 200 Common i , r aria ~ ^ • :

• List removals by Predator Animal Huntc:r

RIMARKS: Removals around goose nesting area only; to facilitate waterfowl production. 9 ' 'iff be13 < t s 8 « • •: v f«-. ^ ; f r n;

Robert H, Shields, Refuge Manager Reported "by i INSTHUCTIONS Form NR-U - SMALL MAMMALS (Include data on all species of importance in the management program; i, e., rauskrats, "beaver, coon, mink, coyote. Data on small rodents may be omitted except for estimated total population of each species considered in control operations.)

(1) SPECIES: Use correct common name. Example: Striped skunk, spotted skunk, short- tailed weasel, gray squirrel, fox squirrel, white-tailed Jackrabbit, etc. (Accepted common names in current use are found in the "Field Book of North American Mammals" by H. E. Anthony and the "Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northeastern United States" by David Starr Jordan.)

(2) DENSITY: Applies particularly to those species considered in removal programs. Detailed data may be omitted for species occurring in limited numbers. Density to be expressed in acres per animal by cover types. This informa tion is to be prefaced by a statement from the refuge manager as to the number of acres in each cover type found on the refuge; once submitted, this information need not be repeated except as significant changes occur in the area of cover types. Cover types should be detailed enough to furnish the desired information but-not so much as to obscure the general picture. t!o . Examples: spruce swamp, upland hardwoods, reverting agriculture land, bottom

l- ^ - land hardwoods, short grass prairie, etc.. Standard type symbols listed in midlife Management Series No. 7 should be used where possible. Ffgures sub mitted should be based on actual observations and counts, on representative sample areas. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas^ should be indicated under Remarks. - . ',1':' t «

(3) HBIOVALS; Indicate the total number under each category removed sipce April $0 of the previous year, including any taken on the refuge by Service Predatory Animal Hunter. Also show any removals not falllpg under headingslisted. c - P• f^ ot'fl e fI*^ t ^ • 19 (U) DISPOSITION OF 3UR: On share-trapped furs list the permit number, trappers share, and refuge share. Indicate the number of pelts shipped to market, including furs taken by Service personnel. Total number of pelts of each species destroyed because of unprime- ness or damaged condition, and furs donated to Institutions or other agencies should be shown in the column provided.

(5) TOTAL POPULATION: Estimated total population of each species reported on as of April 30.

REMARKS: Indicate inventory method(s) used, size of sample area(8), introductions, and any other pertinent information not specifically requested. ngoo? This string of 22 largemouth bass weighed in at 65 oound80 Taken late one afternoon and early the next morning.

Refuge Foreman George and his limit of 10 Channel Gat, Taken in less than a 2 hour period. The fish weighed 30 pounds and ran from 2-5 pounds. Two hours Annual Leave well spent, wouldn't you say? The refuge crew with a start towards the Kansas Centennial Whisker growing campaign. Poor photography didii't do justice to the cause.

A buoy designed by Foreman George. The buoy can still be seen over choppy waves and the swiveled flag turns with the wind. The base is composed of old ^ irrigation tubing filled with stryrafoam.