Deep Fork NWR - Montezuma Creek - Schulter, OK - (May 30, 2009)

May 30th Excursion:

I arrived at the Montezuma Creek area at around 10:00 am. It was a warm day so much of the bird activity had died down by the time I began my hike around the area.

I walked along the south side of the large pond found at the Montezuma Creek area. One can view a rather large (considering its location) Beaver lodge that is found near the south bank of the pond. I have not seen any beaver activity in or around it the two times I have visited the area, but I certainly don't rule out the possibility of live beavers inhabiting it.

The distinctive call of several male Red-winged Blackbirds rose from somewhere around the pond, while the familiar calls of Indigo Buntings could be heard emanating from the forests bordering the trail. Several Turkey Vultures drifted lazily on columns of hot air (called thermals) in search of the scent of a carcass.

I followed the trail east toward the junction with Montezuma Creek. About 200 yards down the path I encountered a thick swath of mosquitoes, which convinced me to spend more time exploring the areas closer to the pond. I turned back and walked 20 yards, found a good spot underneath a large oak tree, and setup my scope.

While watching for birds from under the oak I heard a loud ruckus coming from the undergrowth behind me. I turned quietly and watched a young White-tailed doe wade through the foliage, ultimately standing less than 50 feet from my position. The wind was blowing from the north, so I had the advantageous position of being upwind from the doe, a considerable bonus considering the sensitivity of a deer's sense of smell. I sat motionless for several minutes watching her then slowly reached into my bag to get my camera. The sound and motion of reaching for my camera must have spooked the doe because she bolted back to the east as knelt next my camera bag.

I followed the trail back to the pond, this time opting for the branch that lead north to a small dock found on the east bank of the pond. Here I scanned the pond for any waterfowl or wading birds, but found neither. From deep within the forest I could hear the call of two Red-shouldered Hawks, though I would never actually see the raptors.

With the day nearing noon, I slowly made my way back to my car. I packed up my gear and began the drive back into Tulsa.

Location: Deep Fork NWR - ("Montezuma Creek") - Schulter, OK

Observation date: 5/30/09 Number of species: 8

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura 2

Red-shouldered Hawk - Buteo lineatus 1

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Archilochus colubris 1

American Crow - Corvus brachyrhynchos 2

Carolina Chickadee - Poecile carolinensis 4

Tufted Titmouse - Baeolophus bicolor 2

Indigo Bunting - Passerina cyanea 2

Red-winged Blackbird - Agelaius phoeniceus 2

Photos:

Top: The pond found near the parking area of the Montezuma Creek section (viewable from HWY-75)

Middle: An (as-of-yet) unidentified wildflower.

Bottom: A photo of one of the small sloughs extending from Montezuma Creek into the surrounding forest.

-SPQ 6/4/2009