We reached a milestone today with 500 species recorded at Anahauc NWR (502 actually)

Species totals to date:

Birds = 164
Amphibians = 8
Reptiles = 19
Mammals = 11
Fish = 4 species
Spiders = 8
Insects = 95
Plants = 186
Fungi = 4

This is a great season to species to the BioBlitz, shorebirds are great on Shoveler Pond, butterflies are going into their peak, and fall migrants are beginning to come through.

We have passed 200 species now. resident breeding birds are starting to show up and the flood of Neotropical migrants will start soon. Butterflies and dragonflies are increasing in numbers and the numbers of insects recorded continues to grow. The weather for this weekend looks to be good for photography we should expect the first pictures of some refuge breeders like Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Orchard Oriole, and Roseate Skimmer to come in this weekend. Wildflowers are popping out now and remember the Refuge Headquarters up in FM 563 counts towards the BioBlitz. Bring your camera and smart phone and come out this weekend. Here is the current break down

Birds = 78
Amphibians = 2
Reptiles = 6
Mammals = 4
Fish = 4
Spiders = 1
Insects = 56
Plants = 58
Fungi = 2

Warmer temperatures brought out the butterflies, 10 species were reported for the weekend. Dragonflies and damselflies also were out and 5 species were reported. There was an obvious drop in the warterfowl on the refuge as wintering species depart. A few wildflowers are just starting to bloom bring species reported to 45 plants now. Barn Swallows buzzed the Visitor Information Station for an early summer resident return.

Got out finally on my first expedition solely to hunt for species to the BioBlitz. I added 54 observations of 53 species for the day bring the Bioblitz total to 55 total species. We need a major push to get as many wintering birds as possible before they disappear for the season!

Best find of the day was a pair of mating River Otters by the Board Walk on Shoveler Pond.