October 2011
The Birds are Back!!!
We began filling the impoundments last week and the wading birds have taken notice. Pool 1 already has a nice assortment of feeding wading birds. The Pond 2 levee reconstruction project is coming along nicely and is still on track for completion by the end of this month. Installation of the water control structures was completed last week. With the return of cooler weather and rising water levels, we anticipate a steady increase in both the number and diversity of birds over the next few months. Moderate to heavy dabbling duck use of Pond 3 is possible when the weather turns colder up north. There is an abundance of food in Pond 3 (particularly barnyard grass and smartweed) thanks to the "sweat equity" invested by Equipment Operator Wes Allie and Student Intern Wyatt Brouillard using the tracked Marsh Master over the summer.
Hunting Season Info:
The refuge wrapped up the first archery hunt on Sunday. Several deer were harvested from the Jones Island Unit, East-side Unit, and Volusia Tracts. One lucky hunter checked in an impressive 6-point, 173-pound buck at the office check station last week. The second archery hunt runs from Oct. 8 through Oct. 16. The Eastside Unit and Volusia Tract will be closed except to permitted hunters during the archery hunt. The first primitive gun hunt runs from Oct. 29 through Oct. 31, and the second primitive gun hunt runs from Nov. 5 through Nov. 7.
Other Info:
The refuge is planning an intensive survey of our pine-palmetto upland habitats for gopher tortoises in the near future. The refuge is teaming up with the University of Florida's "Florida Natural Inventories Program" to census suitable habitats and determine population size and distribution. We're also planning a longleaf pine planting event for the Headquarters Unit in November. We could use help with both projects so please let us know if you'd like to get involved.

In any event, make sure to get outside and enjoy the cooler weather on YOUR National Wildlife Refuge!