Returning to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, I found that three days of intermittent heavy rain had revived the refuge, at least with regard to its appearance. Shallow water covered most of the channels and sloughs and broad pools filled depressions in the fields. For the first time in several months, this floodplain preserve looked and smelled like a wetland.
Unfortunately, I cannot report that the avian population has been revived as well. Canada geese were the only waterfowl observed, less than a dozen shorebirds foraged along the shallows and turkey vultures remained the most conspicuous species; waders were limited to six great blue herons and one great egret. I did encounter a lone, immature bald eagle and saw my first spotted sandpiper of the year.
Unless storms arrive on a regular schedule, I suspect the refuge will dry out once again. Hopefully, by the autumn migration, whatever policies have created the desolation will have been reversed.
