ROUTING SLIP

BRANCH OF WILDLIFS REFUO&S

NARRATIVE REPORT

DATE October 1 a 195 2

Mro Salyer _____ Mr, Wffltitr

UTrrihwrnm* Miss Baum

Section of Operationst

Mro Ball Dre Morley

Regan

Section of Habitat Igiprovement:

Mr» Griffith Mr. Kubiohek

•fegaasra- Ur. Stiles

Section of Land Management:

l i nn i i i i V h i ' i n i l l ' i 1

Stenographers

in

Crescent Lake and North Platte Nat1! Wildlife Refuges

PERIOD May - August 1952 •

•CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

AND

NORTE PLATTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

REFUGE NARRATIVE REPORT

May, June, July, August

1952

PERSONNEL

**** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ****

* *

Lloyd R. Ramelli, Refuge Manager * *

Patrick J. Kennedy, Maintenance Man * *

Howard D, Woon, Refuge Clerk * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

ELLSWORTH, NEBRASKA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CRESCENT LAKE REFUGE

I General A-Weather Conditions 1 B-Water Conditions 2 C-Fires 2 II Wildlife A-Migratory Birds 2,3,4 5-Upland Game Birds 4,5 C-6ig Game Animals 5,6 D-Fur Animals, Predators, Rodents & Other Mammals# 6 E-Predaceous Birds 7 F-Fish 7 III Refuge Development and Maintenance A-Physical Development 8 B-Plantings 8

IV Economic Use A-Grazing 9 B-Haying 90

V Field Investigations A-Pair Counts and Mapping 9,10,11,12,13 6-6rood Counts •..••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 14,15,16 C-Banding 16 VI Public Relations A-Recreational Use 16 B-Refuge Visitors 17 C-Refuge Participation 17 D-Violations 18 VII Other Items A-Items of Interest 18 B-Photographs 18

NORTH PLATTE REFUGE

I General A-Weather Conditions 1 B-Water Conditions •••• 1

II Wildlife A~Migratory Birds •••• ••••••• 1 B-Upland Game Birds •••••••••. 2 C-Big Game Animals •••••• 2 D-Fur Animals, Predators, and Rodents .•••. 2 E-Fish 2 III Refuge Development and Maintenance ••••• 3 IV Economic Use ••••••••.. 3 V Public Relations 3,4

NR forms at end of each refuge section.

CRESCENT LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Period ending August 31, 1952

I, GENERAL

A. Weather Conditions;

The weather for this period appears to be directly opposite from that of 1951. This year we started out with ample rains in the spring and then hot dry weather overtook us during July and August, whereas last year we had a dry spell until the last of May and continued cool wet weather.

This year with the rains early and a dry July proved to be an even better year for hay production and quality. The grazing lands were given a good start with the early moisture and,altho­ugh in need of rain now, are not going to suffer, as the advent of cooler weather is sure to bring moisture.

The lake levels throughout the refuge suffered very little during the hot dry spell. Water levels were lowered somewhat from last year, but nothing like the drought years,when a number of them went dry. Nesting has proceeded according to schedule, and a favorable number of broods have appeared.

This summer was one of the hottest in the recollection of the "Old-timers".

Following are the records taken from the weather station maintained at refuge headquarters:

Precipitation Max. Temp. Min. Temp. 1951 1952

May 6.02 3.70 87 32 June 2.98 4.54 100 46 July 5.06 0.48 99 46 August 3.25 2.07 97 41

Total 17.31 10.79 Extr. 100 Min. 32

One rather severe hailstorm hit the NW section of the refuge and damaged some of the early hay and beat down a small section of a winter unit. The areas have since recovered sufficiently, so a change in economic use is not expected.

B. Water Conditions;

The test well and lake gauge readings have dropped off some from last summer, but no appreciable damage was done to any of the water areas on the refuge. This is due to the high levels of the lakes during the early spring causing many of them to flood low lying meadows. The hot dry weather did little more than evaporate the surplus#

C. Fires:

No fires occurred during the period on the refuge. A few neighbors had lightning strike hajiOtacks, but only one stack was lost in these cases. The long dry period allowed the vege­tation to dry more slowly this year; and the fire condition after a frost will not be serious, as much of the vegetation i^ dried and will disintegrate before they are all ready to burn.

II. WILDLIFE

A. Migratory Birds Populations and Behavior;

This refuge, as in previous years, had a large concentration of ducks until late April and early May. By the middle of May our pairs have settled down enough to be counted as such; however we still have large concentrations of Shovellers and Ruddys that are non-breeders. They remain in pairs through the nesting season and scatter after most of the broods are hatched.

The nesting this year produced approximately the same numbers as last year in total young, but the species breakdown varied some. This may be due to a larger percentage of unobserved broods of these species-, or they may actually have produced less this year. In any event, the difference was not great enough to believe any of these species are falling off from normal fluctuations. (Further infor­mation and data regarding duck populations are found under Sec.V#)

Geese: Our captive geese experienced a heavy winter kill.,as did some

others in this region. Several attempts were made to capture them, but due to adverse weather conditions we were unable to reach them in time. We did manage to capture one bird, and since then we have received three more mature birds, bringing our flock to four.

Plans are being formulated to transfer more geese to this refuge during the fall in order that we will have another flock to start-the spring breeding season with#

Mourning Doves; The dove population was about the same as last year. A

few less were hatched at headquarters^, but over the refuge as a whole they appeared to be doing very well. We don't have an estimate on the hatch this year other than that it was suc­cessful for the numbers we have. We were successful in band­ing only one dove this period.

Great Blue Herons: The heron rookery in the old willow grove on Island Lake

was re-used again this year to produce a very good hatch with comparatively low mortality. About 63 active nests produced a crop of young that were raised without any undue mishap in the form of hail or wind.

After the herons finish their nesting, the cormorants move in, take over their nests and go to work. They also had a succ­essful year, although they are not present in large numbers.

Long-billed Curlews: Curlews were in abundance again this year over the refuge®

The hailstorm that hit the NW section of the refuge was late enough not to damage any of the young birds this year. They started grouping in the middle of July, and by the middle of August they were on their way to the wintering grounds.

We have no accurate count on the number of young prod­uced this year, but we are safe in saying that there was as many or more than last year.

2. Food and Covert

Food and cover were abundant throughout the period. The high water conditions in the early spring supported a good growth of aquatics? and none of the lakes got low enough to dry up the protecting marsh vegetation fringe.

3. Disease:

An outbreak of botulism in three small areas on Goose Lake was first discovered on July 21. This area had not been inspected for a week or ten days,and the result was the cond­ition had reached its peak before discovery. The areas affected were about 250 yards long,with about 50-yardj> intervals of appar­ently good water between them. They were much used loafing sites and contained a number of loafing birds. The sick birds were picked up and treated at headquarters, and the dead were bur­ied back away from the shore.

Disease (Con't) A total of 26 birds were brought in for treatment, of which

13 died and 13 recovered. Those that recovered were banded and released. They included mallards, pintails, gadwall, green-wing, blue-wing, redhead and shovellers. By the 15th of Aug­ust the area appeared to have cleared, and no sick birds have been seen since. In all, 148 birds were lost in the outbreak.

We believe the high water condition, flooding shallow meadow areas, was the primary cause of this outbreak. As the season progressed^ the water receeded to the normal shoreline.? exposing these flooded areas to air and direct sunlight. As this took place, the disease receeded accordingly.

B. Upland Game Birds: 1. Populations and Behavior:

This year has again made significant advancement in our upland populations. As mentioned in previous reports^the "49 blizzard" reduced the pheasants to practically nothing and ser­iously injured our then small prairie chicken flock. Upland birds have been slowly increasing since that timej however, this year the rate of increase has become more noticeable.

Ring-necked Pheasants: are again in sufficient numbers to become noticeable throughout the refuge area. No accurate counts were made of the populations increase; however the numerous sight records of refuge personnel indicate 25 broods,, averaging 5 young per brood,as compared to 15 broods last year. This bird has never been abundant on the refuge due to our vast expanses of treeless grassland, although on farifi3ands to the south of us they are quite numerous.

Sharp-tailed Grouse; have increased very favorably this past season. While they were well distributed and in quite good numbers last year, they have produced a large number of young this year, making a significant advancement over last season.

We have no actual count on the young produced this year, but a conservative estimate would be 40 broods,with about 5 per brood to maturity.

Prairie Chickens; are still our rarest upland bird, but a few broods were raised again this year. The population doesn't seem to gain very fast; however, some progress was noted in that they have spread south and east on the refuge. Prev­iously the few birds present have been in the NW corner of the refuge. We estimate this year's production as 10 broods of 5 young to maturity.

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2. Food and Cover:

Upland food and cover have been very good throughout the period. As mentioned previously, the pheasant is somewhat re­stricted to numbers by the type of food and cover, but for the sharp-tail,has an excellent probability of becoming very num­erous again. The sandhills region -were at one time very heavily populated with sharp-tails and prairie chickens, but market hunt­ing and natural forces cut these down seriously and in many areas they still haven't recovered.

3. Disease:

No disease was noted among upland game birds. We have the usual predation by hawks, etc., but no evidence of any losses from disease.

Cte-nie Animals: 1. Populations and Behavior:

Mule Deer: have had a very productive season this year, and are frequently seen over the west half of the refuge. Three pairs of twins and several single fawns have been noted in the headquarters area. This may be due in part to the abs­ence of coyotes in this area, as the production this year is the best for some time. Two large bucks have been seen with points on the outside of their racks that are growing straight down. These are referred to by the local people as the "freaks".

Bambi, our pet deer, is in rare form again this year. He has a splendid rack,with 4 points on a side, and he may be the proud papa of the twins born in the enclosure this spring. The doe having the fawns is known to jump the fence during the win­ter, but always manages to return in plenty of time to have her young. It is somewhat of a mystery as to who sires her fawns, but if Bambi feels proud, so be it.

Antelope: are quite scarce and well scattered over the refuge. We have excellent range conditions for them,but they are not multiplying with any great speed. We had a set of twins born on the west side of the refuge this year, but they are all the young we know of. A few are seen on trips over the east end, but they are very wary of observers.

George, our pet in the Gimlet Lake enclosure, has had a good summer. He wants very much for someone to love him, as is plainly seen in his soulful eyes as he peers out of the fence. We do appreciate him, but he is a nuisance to have following you around like a puppy dog.

2. Food and Cover;

Big game food and cover are abundant with respect to population size. Browse types are sufficient to support a still larger herd of mule deer, and the grazing land will support a considerably larger population of antelope than the one present.

3. Disease:

There has- been no losses or indications of disease in our big game animals during the period.

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

/

Muskrat: We have not as yet made an official count of the muskrat

population this year, but a general survey of the situation indicates a favorable production and a good trapping season again this year. Some of the neighbors are predicting a light winter because they haven't seen as many new houses as at this time last year. We will wait until after our aerial census before making any commitments on the weather.

Coyote: The coyote is a thing of the past throughout most of the

county. We had one sight record last year, and this spring only one pup has been seen. No coyote were taken or seen by the share-trappers last winter. 1080 stations have been dis­continued in the refuge area, and no further need for them in the near future is expected. In 1950 the concentrated poison­ing removed about 4,000 from the county, and since that time their effect has been negligible.

Pocket Gophers: These evasive little mammals are still up to their old

tricks. Continued trapping on refuge lawns is only holding its own, and not making any significant progress in extermin­ating them. •

Grazing land is affected in some areas by their whole­sale pushing up sand, but as yet their damage is not serious enough to warrant a time-consuming and expensive trapping pro­gram.

Kangaroo Rats: As is evidenced by the number of holes in the roads and

sandy hillsides, the population of "buckskin mice" is not suffering enough. We have no ideas on how to reduce our bloom­ing populations^but we hope the hawks keep well fed.

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Bullsnakes: The bullsnake,while still present, is no longer the

serious threat to nesting birds as it was in the late 30's and early 40's when Dr. R. Imler was working on them at this station. We are still maintaining a set of traps^ but with little success the past two years. Approximately 20 have been killed by refuge personnel during the period^ and only 2 were caught in traps. The young of the year don't appear until early September^so we may have a somewhat larger population than is anticipated; but in any event they are on the decrease at the present time.

E. Predaceous Birds:

Predaceous birds are of the more beneficial type in this area. Marsh hawks are the major predators, and they are wel­come to all the mice and kangaroo rats they can catch. A few other more dangerous hawks have been seen in the vicinityj but appear to be ranging about and not concentrating on any areas on the refuge.

Crows and magpies are in very small numbers in this area. A few magpies nested on Island lake, but they are no problem at this time.

F. Fish:

There has been no action as yet on our fishing situa­tion. The condition of carp-infested lakes remains the same as in previous reports. Water samples were taken from 5 lakes and analyzed for future use in lake improvement with respect to nesting habitat. As yet we have no information on the significance of the chemical analyses of these samples in respect to aquatic vegetation. The analyses in themselves mean very little to us until we receive further information on the proposed plans of the Fisheries Branch.

Fishing has amounted to practically nothing on the refuge this period. The lakes open to fishing are full of" carp, and this particular species is available, to those interested, in more convenient locations than the refuge.

A large-mouth bass population was discovered in Smith Lake, which is one of the lakes closed to fishing on the refuge. It was not posted as being closed, but according to state regula­tions it was never opened. As a result,we posted it this year. Needless to say, some of the local sportsmen were very unhappy.

Ill REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A.Physical Development;

Our major project this period was working over refuge roads. A culvert was installed at Gimlet Lake, low places filled and graded to make new road beds. Continued grading and filling has kept the roads in good shape this summer.

A sidewalk was layed, a new window cut^and some frozen pipes replaced at quarters ^3.

Signs were made and painted to post Smith Lake to "No Fishing", This area had to be patrolled for a time to in­sure the effectiveness of our posting.

A great deal of time was spent in cutting lawns, raking and irrigating. Several areas had to be reseeded that had been burned out in previous years. Good success was exper­ienced in our new seeding.

The goose pond was repaired, painted and a new system of drainage was installed. The geese are very appreciative of their new bathtub.

An over age and dead willow tree was removed from the horse corral. It was endangering the goose hospital and some of the overhead REA wires, and presented quite a prob­lem of removal without damaging anything. It was accomp­lished without mishap.

Grease traps were constructed for kitchen drainage from quarters 3 and #5, These are to be installed as soon as the required pipe can be obtained.

Thenjof course, counting cattle, patrol and minor repairs on vehicles consumed a great deal of time. We are going to fonn a fraternity of Jeep owners and issue condolence cards sd^Che various brethern can receive a certain amount of com­fort in punching their cards during those infuriating mom­ents •

B. Plantings t

Plantings this period were limited to the following tree seedlings: 50 white willow, 100 sand cherry, 50 buffalo berry, 50 cottonwood, and 100 honeysuckle. These trees were planted over the west end of the refuge and a few at headquarters.

IV, ECONOMIC USE

A. Grazing;

Due to favorable moisture and weather conditions this spring, grazing was begun on May 15th with prospects of a good grass season. While the rains were not abundant dur­ing the summer, they were sufficient to support a good grass crop and provide a good many AUM's.

It seems that by giving the grass sufficient moisture during the early spring and summer, it is better able to re­sist dry weather later in the summer. Last year a very dry spring was countered by a rather wet summer, and while the grass was in sufficient quantityf it did not equal the qual­ity of the earlier grasses this year.

B, Haying:

In contrast to last year, the haying season was almost completely free from rain or hailstorms, allowing a good vol­ume of choice hay to be put up in record time. The volume of hay was estimated to be about 10^ greater than that of last year, due in most part to the amount of hay matured and ready to be put up by the regular haying time. Some hay was not rea­dy, and some was too wet to be put up last year. This year full utilization of the hay crop was accomplished in a minimum am­ount of time.

There were no other economic use activities this period.

V. FIELD INVESTIGATIONS

A. Pair Counts and Mapping;

On May 5-6 Mr. M.C. Hammond, biologist Region III, visit­ed this station and set up the following plan for recording data relative to future use in habitat improvement. Mr. Hamm­ond has done some work along this line in previous years at this station; however, more data wts^necessary for the contin­uance of the study, hence our work this year.

The procedure this year was to select five lakes with varying shoreline types to be used as a representative sam­ple of our water areas. These lakes were paced off and the differing shoreline types recorded on a map of the lake as to length and character. The classification of shoreline types (Fig, l) was devised by Mr. Hammond and will be kept standard for collecting future data.

Fig

Shoreline Classification Key for Larger Water Bodies

Character of the vegetation

I Broken marsh (give width in feet). II Overgrown or solid marsh (give width). Ill Open water.

•«t v e r y de n s e Density 11 moderate

' sparse

x adequate Loafing sites - inadequate ' ' 1

Type of water area

A Fairly regular shore, lake, impoundment or marsh. B Cove or Bay. C Point, island, or semi-island. D Dike, dam, or roadside, water on one side. E Channels ( indicate width and data for each shore). F Double Channel, as a road borrow pit ( indicate width

and data for each). G Flooded field ( grain or plowing, indicate which). H Flooded hay meadow. I Flooded weeds or mixed weed-grass, etc.

Type of shore

1. Grass and marsh vegetation a short grass b tall grass, sedge, cattails, bulrush, etc. ( indicate dominant species in notes).

E. Brush and tree fringe. 3. Mud flat. 4. Gravel or sand beach. 5. Sharp bluff, cut or ridge ( indicate height).

Examples 1(100)•'x Alb, Il(50east)' "-Ela, IIIxA4

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Pa^ counts and mappingt (Con't)

In conjunction with the mapping of shoreline types^a pair count was made and the relative position of the pairs indicated on the map by dots (Fig, II). By this means a rapid survey of the map indicates the concentrations of pairs and in which unit of shoreline type they exist.

These maps and pair counts were made May 15-20 and the results tabulated in the following table(Fig, III, page 13),

This information has limiting factors and also a number of known sources of error which must be standardized before any analysis of the data can be attempted.

Following is a tentative list of these factorss

(A) The weather may have a pronounced effect on preference of habitat. This factor must be taken into consideration in subsequent recordings so as to observe variations.

(B) The preference of the birds for type of shoreline may vary according to time of day and period of season. This will be determined in later studies by collecting data at different periods as well as at the same periods in order to observe differences.

(C) Then,of course,some care must be taken in selecting the water areas to be observed. Some lakes present quite a prob­lem by having large areas of hardstem and heavy marsh which limit greatly the observer's vision. No method has yet been devised to approximate the percentage of unobserved birds. This factor entered into this years data, but will be avoid­ed as much as possible in the future.

Summary:

A summary of this data at the present time can only con­sist of a list of the shoreline types in the order of their im portance or apparent preference (Fig. TV, page 14). No conclu sions will be made until the previously-mentioned factors have been taken into consideration and properly accounted for, and until at least three more comparative sots of data have been collected.

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Fig. II

nso

I- X'xAtb

1L- I'xAla.

M- x"xA I b

JZ- hlxa I b

31- JII-A IA

X- Bu/lruth *• d'hf'AI I

Pairs: ffMallard # Blue-wing 0 Shovellers • Redheads

This map is a representative of the maps used in the study#

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PAIRS IN RELATION TO SHORELINE TYPE

Shoreline type IIAlb IIIA5 IIAla LAlb IIIAla I IIAlb LAla • • * *

GIMLET LAKE pairs: 13 * - - 42 - • - * *

prs. per miles 15.8 * - - 21.1 - • - * • * • *

* * * •

SMITH LAKE pairss - • 7 - 44 24 • - * *

prs• per mile s: - • 13.4 - 24.1 24.8 * - * * * * *

* * *

CRANE LAKE pairs: - * - - 5 4 * 0 * 7 * prs. per mile s - * - - 7.2 9.8. * 0 * 17.9 •

* • *

* * • ROUNDUP LAKE pairs: - * - - 33 10 * - * 28 *

prs. per mile: - * - - 25.9 33.9 * - • 35.7 * * * • * • •

GOOSE LAKE pairs: - * - 30 81 14 * 27 * *

prs. per mile: - * - 35.9 39.4 32.4 * 33.6 * *

- * * *

* * *

Average pairs per miles 15.8 * 13.4 35.9 23.6 25.3 • 33.6 • 26.8 • * * *

(Figures were carried out to the 2nd place and rounded off.)

(Fig. IV)

The following is an over-all average for the types:

No. of Ex. 1 Overgrown or solid marsh- fairly regular shore-

Grass & marsh vegetation- short grass, IIAla — 35.9 prs. per mile

1 Open water- fairly regular shore-Grass & marsh vegetation- tall grass, sedge IIIAlb, 33.6 prs. per mi

2 Broken marsh- fairly regular shore-Grass & marsh vegetation- short grass, lAla — 26.8 prs. per mile

4 Open water- fairly regular shore-Grass & marsh vegetation- short grass, IIIAla - 25.3 prs. per mile

5 Broken marsh- fairly regular shore-Grass & marsh vegetation- tall grass, lAlb — 23.5 pers. per mile

1 Over grown or solid marsh- fairly regular shore-Grass & marsh vegetation- tall grasses, IIAlb - 15.8 prs. per mile

1 Open water- fairly regular shore-Grass Se marsh vegetation- ridge 0-4 ft., IIIA6 - 13.5 prs. per mile

The value of this table is, of course, undetermined, as the number of examples of each type is too small to be valid in any analysis. This being an over-all average^the size or extent of each individual sample is not taken into consideration and may have a considerable effect.

B. Brood Counts:

Three brood counts were also made over these five lakes so as to determine the amount of nesting and production as compar­ed to the number of pairs, and also to be used as a basis for estimating total production for the fifteen other water areas on the refuge. These 5 lakes are approximately one-fourth of the total water area on the refuge. (Fig. V, on the following page is a table showing the refuge production according to the species.)

The errors incurred in time of observations, heavy marsh areas where the observer^ vision is restricted, and broods that are hidden out are compensated for in the 50% factor added. The broods listed as unidentified were beleived to be consistent with the number which would have been unidentified over the total water area, hence their being multiplied by the factor of four and included in the total.

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(Fig, V)

Following is a table showing the number of broods and the total production for the refuge:

Species ^ of broods counted on five lakes.

^ of broods est. on refuge.

total production

Mallard 14 56 365

Gadwall 3 12 85

Baldpate 0 0 0

Pintail 2 8 49

Bluewing 31 124 843

Shoveller 1 4 25

Redhead 2 8 50

Canvasback 1 4 25

Ruddy 5 20 107

Unidentified 8 32 230

Totals 67 Total plus the 50% error listed on

268 previous page

1779 533 2312

Coot 76 ; 304 1176

( all brood sizes from mean average brood sizes 1949-50 R.E. Griffith)

This table is only accurate in the total production and is an approximation of the totals for an individual species. We cannot be sure that by multiplying by four tiaet the broods thr­oughout the refuge would hold the same species pattern. More than likely they would not; thus the value of the table is only completely valuable in the totals.

Following is a table showing the breakdown of the pairs in respect to production on the five lakes taken as a sample:

Lake ^ of prs. ^ of broods ^ of young & 30^ factor Goose 152 29 263 Roundup 71 18 164 Crane 26 3 27 Smith 75 6 55 Gimlet 55 11 99

608

-15'

B. Brood counts: (Con't)

This total of 608 is approximately one-fourth of the total of 2312 as shown in Fig. V. The difference in the totals was incurred because the numbers were rounded off to the nearest whole number.

In summary of the brood information with respect to the pair counts,we find an average ratio of 1 brood to 7 pairs in the birds that were actually counted. This we be]^i)ve to be about true of the situation, in view of the fact that many of the shovellers and ruddys were non-breeders.

C. Bandings

A banding site was selected on Goose Lake and wings for a trap were set out on August 24th. The area was baited un­til August 27th?when the trap was placed and banding operations begun. To the end of the period we have banded 44 birds, of which 42 were pintails and 2 were mallards. A sudden change in the weather on the 31st resulted in no birds being taken on that date. The early flight of pintails we hit at first were disappointed by the cold rainy weather and decided not to feed on our grain for a while. While writing this report, the takes have improved againj so we expect a good season of banding.

No banding has been done at this station since 1945, when Ralph Imler did some banding in this area. We hope to continue trapping and banding operations at this station7as we have a good^, and much needed location for observations and data.

VI PUBLIC RELATIONS

A. Recreational Uses:

The picnickers outnumbered the fishermen this period, and neither of them were very numerous. Our fishing lakes being restricted to mainly carp, and the relative accessibility of the refuge keeps our fishing pressure to a minimum.

An occasional group stops at headquarters and makes use of our picnic grounds. About 40 people used the picnic faci-lities^and some 10 fishermen tried their luck during the per­iod. A few people out sight-seeing stop and look at "George," our pet antelope, and of course, exclaim "my what an odd lock­ing goat", or something on that order, but the roads being what they are keep these people to a minimum.

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B, Refuge Visitors:

In addition to neighbors and permittees who dropped in frequently for business, is the following list of official visitors•

May 5-6-7 Mr. M. Hammond, Region III Biologist- waterfowl studies

May 13 Messrs. Turner and Pullen, FWS, Pred. Rodent Control-coyote trapping.

May 17 Mr. F.C. Gillett, Reg. Refuge Supervisor - Inspection tour Dr. Cottam, FWS Central Office 11 "

June 16 Mr. Wm. Main, County Agent- inspect range grasses.

July 8 Mr. H. Sather, State Muskrat Biologist- collect muskrat data.

July 8 Mr. K. Krumm, Refuge Mgr., LaCreek- pick up boat.

July 18 Mr. Christiansen, Irrigation Dist.,Bridgeport, Nebr. checking on water levels.

July 21-22 Mr. M. Hammond, Biologist Region III- waterfowl studies.

July 24 Mr. Eckdahl, SCS, Oshkosh, Nebr.- check aerial maps.

August 4 P. N. Nicksich, WB, Lincoln, Nebr.- check weather station.

August 20 Mr. D. Jansen, Reg. Director, Inspection North Platte refuge.

August 26 Messers. Mohler, Sather, Miller, Schildman, Agee, from Nebraska Game Commission- routine visit.

C. Refuge Participation:

Following are the various meetings attended during the period and participation by the refuge manager.

May 16 Nebraska Council of Sportsmens Clubs- North Platte, Nebr.

July 7 Oshkosh Rotary- show personally owned kodachrome slides.

July 17 Alliance Camera and Civic Club- show personally owned kodachrome slides on Crescent Lake Refuge.

In addition,the Oshkosh Rotary meetings were attended weekly. A meeting of the Sandhills Telephone Directors and Donsummers, and the Garden County Sportsmens Club were also attended during the period.

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D. Violations:

No violators were apprehended during the period.

VI OTHER ITEMS

A. Items of Interest:

Some of the neighbors adjoining the refuge on the west and north have been host to oil drilling crews. The results are kept pretty much secret^but there are good indications of some small wells being opened. As far as we are concerned^ they have managed to dig up our already poor sand trail to the north7making it impassable.

B. Photographs:

The enclosed photographs were taken by the manager with his equipment during the course of refuge activities.

The field investigations and the writing and preparing of this report were done by Mr. Woon, Refuge Clerk.

Respectfully submitted.

. 0(Jscry Howard D. Woon Refuge Clerk

Appr ove d:

Acting Regional Director

-18-

mTERFCWL

Refuge Crwent Lake Months of May to September 196!

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species first Seen Peak Concentration last s een Young Produced Total

Broods Estimated Estimated Common Kame Wumber Date IfaBber Date Number Date Seen Total for period

I. Smnsg Whistling swan

II. C5eesej Canada goose Cackling goose Brant White-fronted goose Snow goose Blue goose

III. Ducks: Bod of Mallard 1400 sA 1600 8/1 800 period 86 568 1760 Black duck

sA 8/1 period

Gadwall 800 sA 500 SA 50 • 12 85 800 Baldpate

sA SA Pintail 180 sA 160 6/1 20 it 8 40 180 Green-winged teal 100 •A 100 BA 80 11 0 0 150 Blue-winged teal 1100 sA 1100 8/1 000 11 124 845 2000 Cinnamon teal

1100 sA 8/1

Shcveller 4000 j «A 4000 8/1 160 it 4 28 4000 Wood duck

j «A 8/1

Redhead 380 sA 380 BA 100 11 8 80 800 Ring-necked duck 80 sA 60 8/1 10 e/ao 0 0 78 Canvas-back 100 8/1 100 eA 2 6/e 4 25 100 Scaup 200 8/1 200 . 8/1 80 End" of 0 0 280 Golden-eye

8/1 8/1 period

Buffi e-head 20 sA 20 6/1 £0 8/1 0 0 20 Ruddy duck 600 8/1 600 8/1 400 End of 20 107 800 8/1 8/1

period

IV. Coot: 3800 SA 3800 6/1 3800 « 504 1176 5 3500

3-1750 (Sept.1950) Interior Duplicating

(over) Section, Washington, D#C. 82 49

Form NR-1

SUMMARIES

Dates naterfoirl counts made

Percent of naterfoirl area covered

Dates brood counts made

Total naterfonl usage during period

Peak naterfowl numbers 11 970

auBis

Percent of area covered in brood counts

Total production!

Geese (Q)

Ducks

Coots mi

Areas used by concentrations laks areas west and

Principal nesting areas this season Lakaa k pot ho las

Reported

INSTRUCTIONS •oyty Ramelll, Rafuga hanagar.

(1) Species!

(2) First seens

(3)

(4) Last seen:

(5 ) Toung produced i

(6) Totalj

Peak concen­trations

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*

The first refuge record for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period, and the number seen* This column does not apply to resident species*

The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time*

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period.

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 1C$ of the breeding habitat* Estimates having no basis in fact should be omitted*

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the nature of the migrational movement.

Notej Only columns applicable to the reoorting period should be used* Tt is desirable that the Summaries receive careful attention since 3se data are necessarily based an analysis of the rest of the form*

3-1751 Form NR-1A ' MIGRATORY BIRDS (Nov. 1945) (other than waterfowl)

Refuge.... Cr««o«at. Uk« Months of to... S«i>t9mbor 195.1...

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Species First Seen Peak Numbers Last Seen Production Total

Number Total # 1 Total Estimated Common Name Number Date Numbe r Date Number Date Colonies Nests | Youne; Number

I. Water and Marsh Birds: Prer. End of

I. Water and Marsh Birds: Prer. End of

£ar«d Gr«b« 200 period 200 6/8 200 period 60 250 Western Grebe 200 « 200 6/1 100 9 60 300 White Pelioan 260 e 250 6/10 60 « 0 250 Double-crested Cormorant 25 6/10 200 5/SO 100 e 1 25 50 300 Blaok-orowned night hero] I S 8/6 100 6/16 100 e 100 Great Blue Heron 150 pr» per. 200 perioti 100 9 1 63 120 250 American Bittern 40 • 50 • 60 9 50

II. Shorebirds, Gulls and

•

Terns: Prev. End of

Killdeer 1600 period 1500 period 60 period 1500 Long-billed Curlew 1000 • 1600 7/1 6 8/8 2000 Western Willet 100 e 150 T/l 100 E. of pei 200 Areoet 300 » 350 7/15 20 M 400 Ring-billed Gull 500 » 600 period 200 e 760 Foretere Tern 100 9 200 « 100 e 600 Black Tern 100 » 400 « 400 • 600

A v (over)

m III. Doves and Pigeons:

Mourning dove White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle Duck hawk Horned owl Magpie Raven Crow Am* rough-l«gg6d hawk Marsh Hawk

( 2 ) 131

800

25 50

Pr«v« period 1500

» 40 * 76

5/6

7/20 7/20

50

26 50

End of ported

(5)

Reported by a

500

10 20

( 6 )

2500

50 100

1) Species:

(2) First Seen:

(3) Peak Numbers

(4) Last Seen:

(5) Production:

Lloyd K. Ramelll, Refuge Manager INSTRUCTIONS

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 appro­priate 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 Passeriformes)

The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: INT.-DUP. SEC., WASH., D.C.

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned. 9870

Form 11R-2 4 B UPLAND GAME BIRDS

Refuge Crgsoent Lake Months of May to September i 194. 52

(1) Species .

(2) Density-

(3) Young

Produced

(4) Sex Ratio

(5) Removals

(6) Total

(7) Remarks

Common Name Cover types, total acreage of habitat

Acres per Bird

• TJ

© 'S > n O —

ss ,0 o

T> ©

1H

& & Percentage

gf •H

i S Ss!

plH ©

A

© U m P 3 (ti

Estimated number using Refuge

Pertinent information not specifioally requested. List introductions here.

Ring-necked Pheasant 40,000 25 125 275

/

Sharptailed Grouse 40,000 40 200 1000

Prairie Chicken 40,000 xo 50 200

INSTRUCTIONS

Form NR-2 - UPLAND GAME BIRDS.*

(1) SPECIES J

(2) DENSITYs

Use correct common name.

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 swamp, 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. Survey method used and size of sample area or areas should be indicated under Remarks.

(3) YOUNG PRODUCED: Estimated number of young produced, based upon observations and actual counts in representative breeding habitat.

U) SEX RATIO:

(5) REMOVALS:

(6) TOTAL:

(7) REMARKS:

This column applies primarily to wild turkey, pheasants, etc. Include data on other species if available.

Indicate total number in each category removed during the report period.

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

Indicate method used to determine population and area covered in survey, include other pertinent information not specifically requested.

Also

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

1613

3-1570 NR-8a

)

REFUGE GRAIN REPORT %

Refuge Cr««cent jAke Months of thru-.Attguft .194.. 6g

(1) (2) ON HAND

(3) RECEIVED

(4) I GRAIN Dl

(5) [SPOSED OF

(6) ON HAND

(7) PROPOSED USE

VARIETY BEGINNING OF PERIOD

DURING PERIOD TOTAL

TRANS­FERRED SEEDED FED TOTAL

END OF PERIOD SEED FEED SURP.

Com

i

T

r

0 7 0 0 7 7 0 m •• «.

Wheat 18 0 18 0 0 5 5 15 O 15 0

Barley 54 0 54 0 0 50 50 4 0

i

4 0

0

-

(8) Indicate shipping or collection points

(9) Grain is stored at

(10) Remarks

NR-8a REFUGE GRAIN REPORT

This report should cover all grain on hand, received, or disposed of, during the period covered by this narrative report.

Report all grain in bushels. For the purpose of this report the following approximate weights of grain shall be considered equivalent to a bushel: Corn (shelled)—55 lbs.. Corn (ear)—70 lbs.. Wheat—-60 lbs.. Barley—50 lbs.. Rye—55 lbs., Oats—30 lbs.. Soy Beans—60 lbs., Millet—50 lbs., Cowpeas—60 lbs., and Mixed—50 lbs. In computing volume of granaries, multiply the cubic contents (cu. ft.) by 0.8 bushels.

(1) List each type of grain separately: Corn, wheat, proso millet, etc. Include only domestic grains; aquatic and other seeds will be listed on NR-9.

(3) Report all grain received during period from all sources, such as transfer, share-cropping, or harvest from food patches.

(4) A total of Columns 2 and 3.

(6) Column 4 less Column 5.

(7) This is a proposed breakdown by varieties of grain listed in Column 6.

(8) Nearest railroad station for shipping and receiving.

(9) Where stored on refuge: "Headquarters grainary", etc.

(10) Indicate here the source of grain shipped in, destination of grain transferred, data on condition of grain, unusual uses proposed.

NORTH PLiiTTE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

REFUGE NARRATIVE REPORT

Period ending August 31, 1952

I. GENERAL

A. Weather Conditions:

In keeping with the general weather conditions of the panhandle of Nebraska, this area was unusually hot and dry during the period. An average amount of precipitation fell during the month of May? with very little rainfall being re­corded after the first of June.

B. Water Conditionst

Water levels are regulated by the Pathfinder Irrigation District to suit the needs of irrigated farm lands.

Owing to the hot dry summer, this reservoir was pulled down to the lowest level in the past twelve years. Only twice in the history of the project has the acreage of water been reduced to the level of this year.

Water levels are not such to cause undue concern for fish or waterfowl populations.

II. WILDLIFE

A. Migratory Birds; 1. Populations and Behavior;

The summer resident population was comprised of fifty ducks. Higher populations were in evidence during the first two weeks of May and the last week of August^when the first of the migrants began to affect population numbers.

The bulk of these birds were found along the irrigation canals; the broad sandy beaches attracted comparatively few birds. Mallards were most common,with blue-wing teal second of the birds observed.

2. Food and Cover:

Food and cover were lacking^as common to reservoirs with a high fluctuation of water levels. The value of the refuge lies in its resting facilities only.

3, Disease:

There were no evidences of sickness or disease on this refuge during the period.

B. Upland Game Birds; 1. Populations and Behavior:

The ring-necked pheasant was the only upland game bird noted during patrols of the refuge and adjacent areas.

Populations are higher than those of a year ago. We have now an| estimated 75 birds, as compared to a census of 50 dur­ing the comparable period last year.

2. Food and Cover:

Natural food and cover are abundant. There are no farm­ing activities on the refuge to provide small grains that pheasants are partial to.

C. Big Game Animals:

Rocky mountain mule deer were noted on several patrols? and tracks evidenced a growing use of the refuge by these animals. At least one doe reared twins on the refuge.

^ur Animals, Predators, and Rodents.

Occassional signs of raccoon were noted along the sandy beaches and on the canal trails. Due to the small nesting population and few summer residents, there is little damage from this source.

Fur animals are represented by an occassional muskrat. Their activities are noted only along canals and ditches.

The rodent population consists of the usual more or less harmless little creatures that have no apparent effect on waterfowl or populations.

E. Fish:

The fish on this refuge have been a controversial topic during the period. During carp seining operations by the state last winter, numerous trout and wall-eyed pike were cau­ght and returned to the lake, establishing the fact that con­siderable populations exist in the lakes.

-2

E, Fishi (Con't)

This has not been bornftout by anglers; luck9as only an occassional wall-eye or trout is taken. Much effort is put forth by these enthusiasts to prove their belief of the pres­ence of these species.

Carp are still the most numerous fish in the lakeside-spite the seining efforts of the state. In fact, it appears that those removed merely reduced the populations enough to allow for bigger and better carp.

III. REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE

A. Physical Development:

Work on this refuge consisted of replacing an occassional sign and cleaning up some of the more obnoxious leavings by recreationists•

TV. ECONOMIC USE

We do not have jurisdiction over this activity. This is a responsibility of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Pathfinder Irrigation District.

V. PUBLIC RELATIONS

Recreational use of the refuge was intensive on Lake Minatare. This lake received approximately 95% of the 18,000 estimated visitors on the refuge during the period. Recreational uses most commonly indulged in are boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking.

Refuge Visitors;

Mr. Janzen, Regional Director, made an inspection of this refuge and the Box Butte Refuge on August 20th.

Refuge personnel made six patrols during the period observing wildlife, recreational use,and water conditions.

-3-

C. Fishing s

I believe we can claim the most opt.toiistic fishermen# Rain or shine there are always fishermen trying their luck and^from my observations and information, with poor success. Of all the bags I have checked to the present, the total take remains at 0 for the season. An occassional trout or Wall­eye seem to be sufficient to keep all of the fishermen com­ing back for more.

D. Violations:

There were no violators apprehended during the period at this refuge.

-4

WATERFCWL ;:er >0 , . rnnfjSL pggeq, , 913 ***+ ox

Refuge Morth Piatt• Months of to. S«ptember 19 82

(1) (2) (3) (A) (5) Species First Seen Peak Concentration last Seen Young Produced Total

Broods Esti.mated Estimated Common Kame Wunfcer Date Number Date Number Date Seen Total for period

I. Seans? '' ?

'

Whistling smn I 1

II. Geese: i Canada goose \ •

Cackling goose Brant White-fronted goose RM0X ox | 1 m1 Snow goose Blue goose UBQlQfatJp ibeciea*

asieeujeq | 9 ppe LSfcOM III. Ducks:

Mallard previous period 30 5/1 2 8 30 Black duck

previous 5/1 sotst errs «

Qadwall Baldpate Pintail « • 5 6/1 3 Green-winged teal

6/1

Blue-wLnged teal « • IB «A 40 Cinnamon teal

«A

Shoveller Wood duck Redhead « 9 3 •A 10 Ring-necked duck

•A Canvas-back r« wwewi 1

Scaup Golden-eye Buffi ©-head Ruddy duck

IV. Coot: | m 23 8A X 4 20

3-1750 (over) (Sept.1950) Interior - Duplicating Section, Washington, D.C. 82 49

Form NR-1

SUMMA-RIES

Dates naterfowl counts made

Percent of naterfonrl area covered

Dates brood counts made

Total naterfowL usage during period

Peak eaterfowl numbers 188

Percent of area covered in brood counts

Total production!

Geese

Ducks

Coots

Areas used by concentrations

Lake Mlnatare

Principal nesting areas this season

80

20 Reported

INSTRUCTIONS

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.

The first refuge record for the species during, the season concerned in the reporting period, and the number seen. This column does not apply to resident species.

The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned in the reporting period.

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.

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period. This figure may or may not be more than that used for peak concentrations, depending upon the nature of the migrational movement.

(1) Speciess

(2) First seent

(3) Peak concen­trations

(4) Last seens

(5 ) Toung produced %

(6) Total:

Note: Only columns applicable to the renorting period should be used. Tt is desirable that the Summaries receive careful attention since ase data are necessarily based an analysis of the rest of the form

3-1751 Form NR-1A (Nov. 1945)

Refuge. Morth Platte

MIGRATORY BIRDS (other than waterfowl)

Months of...M. .to September ....195.*

( 1 ) Species

Common Name

I. Water and Marsh Birds:

Western Grebe Double-cresoted cormorant BXaok*orowned night herof, Great Blue heron

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns:

Ring-billed Gull Foretere Tern Black T rn

( 2 ) First Seen

Number

Prerloue «

4000

Date

period

*

N

a/zo

(3) Peak Numbers

Number

SO 29

4000 500 500

Date

Through

(4) Last Seen

Number

out the » e

ferlod

8/20 Througiout peridd

Date

(5) Production

Number Colonies

Total # Nests

Total Young

(6) Total

Estimated Number

79 40 40 40

5000 750 760

(over)

INSTRUCTIONS 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 appro­priate 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

Passeriformes) The first refuge record for the species for the season concerned.

The greatest number of the species present in a limited interval of time.

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(1) Species:

(2) First Seen:

(3) Peak Numbers

(4) Last Seen:

(5) Production:

(6) Total: INT.-DUP. SEC.. WASH., D.C.

Estimated total number of the species using the refuge during the period concerned.

v 9870

3-1751 Form NR-ffic f (Aug. 1952)

Refuge JHarth. Xl&ttJL.

Upland Gam© Birds (Other than Waterfowl)

Months of....May- to.-Saptembap 195$-.

( 1 ) Species

Common Name

I. Water and Marsh Birds

Ring-necked Pheasants

II. Shorebirds. Gulls and Terns:

( 2 ) First Seen

(3) Peak Concentration

Number Date

TEIS

Number

IS BE mo

Inclusive Dates

(4) Last Seen

(5) Production

USED IN P ACE OP *1-2 DUE VO A SHORTAGE OF PC RMS

Numbe r Date Number Colonies

Total # Nests

Total Young

(6) Total

Estimated Use

4 broods 35 young T6

(over)

(1) 131 141 151 161

III. Doves and Pigeons Mourning dove White-winged dove

IV. Predaceous Birds: Golden eagle Duck hawk Horned owl Magpie Raven Crow

Reported by.

(1) Species:

(2) First Seen:

(3) Peak Numbers

(4) Last Seen:

(5) Production:

INSTRUCTIONS (See Sec. 7552. Wildlife Refuges Field Manual) 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 appro­priate 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 (Colurabiformes) IV. Predaceous Birds (Falconiformes, Strigiformes and predaceous

Passeriformes) The first migration record for the species for the reporting period.

Estimated number and inclusive dates when peak population of the species occurred.

The last refuge record for the species during the season concerned.

Estimated number of young produced based on observations and actual counts.

(6) Total: Estimated species days use (average population X no. days present) of refuge during; the reporting period.

Interior—Duplicating Section, Washington, D. C. 26014

Haying operations on Crescent Lake Refuge

A severe hailstorm made shambles of this bed of bulrush on Smith-Martin Lake

These sunflowers stood shoulder high before the storm

A pair of "snake pliers" simplifies disposal of trapped bullsnakes

Kennedy finishing a morning^ catch

Haimnond picking up sick birds