Spring migration has finally started and several birds have arrived, including Turkey Vulture, Killdeer, Song Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Rusty Blackbird, and Common Grackle. The long awaited songs of Red-winged Blackbirds can now be commonly heard. Several waterbird species have arrived (see below). A pulse of migrant Bald Eagles has arrived at the refuge, with 26 being counted this week. An immature Golden Eagle has been seen at the refuge this week as well. Tree Swallow is perhaps the most surprising spring arrival so far. One of these primarily insectivorous species was seen flying among the snowflakes on Tuesday. The Weekly Waterbird Count has resumed. Results include: 

Snow Goose - 2, Canada Goose - 3969, Trumpeter Swan - 4, Tundra Swan - 1, Wood Duck - 23, American Black Duck - 13, Mallard - 122, Northern Pintail - 5, Green-winged Teal - 2, Canvasback - 1, Ring-necked Duck - 12, Greater Scaup - 4, Bufflehead - 1, Hooded Merganser - 2, Common Merganser - 24, Red-breasted Merganser - 6, Great Blue Heron - 8, Sandhill Crane - 43. 

The forecast for Saturday and Sunday includes sun and temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Why don't you start planning a weekend visit to the refuge now? We'd love to hear what you're seeing!  Go to https://www.facebook.com/ShiawasseeNWR> if you would like to see a great photo of the immature Golden eagle that is being seen along Ferguson Bayou Trail. Like us there to keep most up to date on refuge happenings.

Steven F. Kahl
Refuge Manager
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48601-9783
P (989) 777-5930 ext 16
http://www.fws.gov/midwest/shiawassee/
Find Us On Facebook! <http://www.facebook.com/ShiawasseeNWR>

Tuesday MARCH 25     
Waterbird  Management Program at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge

Eric Dunton, a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will present information on Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge’s involvement in the Integrated Waterbird Management and Monitoring (IWMM) Program that is being developed in the Atlantic and Mississippi Flyways.   Eric will present information on what the IWMM program includes, how the data is being collected at Shiawassee NWR, and how it is being incorporated into wetland management for migratory waterfowl at the local level.

This meeting of the Saginaw Valley Audubon Society will be at 7:00pm  at Green Point Environmental Learning Center, 3010 Maple Street, in Saginaw.  For More Information contact Larry Abraham at  larrysvas@yahoo.com  or call 989-777-7787. 

The meeting is open to the public.

Shiawassee NWR is proud to announce we will be hosting a Youth Conservation Corps Crew in the summer of 2014.  This is a paid internship offered to students ranging 15-18 years of age.  We have attached the flyer and YCC application that must be received by Tuesday, April 15th, 2014. 

Workers can look to:
·         Restore and improve the habitat that animals need.
·         Upgrade trails and other areas that visitors use.
·         Spend time with people who work with wildlife everyday.
·         Visit other areas to learn about programs and careers.

Students may mail applications to: 

Shiawassee NWR
ATTN: YCC
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601

We look forward to a summer filled with efforts to protect and enhance the wonderful state of Michigan!!  

Click here for the application.