Ecological reserve Warden’s report for Trout Creek March, 2015

Laurie Rockwell provided this warden’s report for Trout Creek ER for March 2015.

• the first tour of the year was very quiet and mild at 5c with a periodic breeze and some sun breaking through the cloud cover. It was one of those rare years where there was no snow anywhere and no frost.
• I saw or heard 9 species of birds including all 3 nuthatches: Pygmy, Red and White-breasted. I was delighted to hear a hooting Dusky Grouse and a calling Mourning Dove.
• in leaf were Sagebrush Buttercup( Ranunculus glabberimus),Meadow Death Camus (Zigadensus venenosus),Dalmatian Toadflax (Linaria genistifolia),Tarragon( Artemesia dranunculus),Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva), Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata), Hoary False Yarrow (Chaenactis douglasii). The lichen Pixie Cup (Cladonia pyxidata) as well as the forb Rusty Steppe Moss (Tortula ruralis) were outstanding in their field.
• no mammals or insects were seen.
• all grasses were visibly flattened by the heavy early February snow.
• fence repairs are needed as the untreated wood posts and supports weather.

Cheers….Laurie