We had 7 attendees brave the rain for this Wetland Wander on January 12th. Although wet and stormy that morning, we saw an amazing diversity of wetland animals including 3 river otters, Canada and Cackling geese, Nutria, evidence of Coyotes, Pied-billed Grebe, a Great Egret, a group of Bushtits, Red-winged Blackbirds, and several other bird species. With the guidance of City of Eugene Ecologist, Lauri Holts, we found remnants of Western Pond Turtle nests as well as egg shells from the invasive Red-eared Slider turtle. Lauri talked about the history of Golden Gardens Park, Western Pond Turtle ecology, the invasive aquatic plant, Ludwigia, and much more. Tracker and Expert Naturalist, David Walp was able to point out several Nutria "highways", a devoured carp, and coyote scat with Nutria fur, bones, and even a Nutria claw!
We hope you'll join us for our next Wetland Wander at Meadowlark Prairie on February 9th, 9am-11am.
Nutria toenail found in Coyote Scat
