This morning was wildlife survey Tuesday, the weather was damp, cold, and ice on the river's backwater and shallow areas of the wetlands. Cloudy. The majority of Sandhill Cranes have headed North...instead of thousands upon thousands we are now have only hundreds remaining for a week or two. The Whooping Cranes are still in the area. Most of the closed areas where the gates are seasonally opened are now open for easier observation trips. There is still a marginally good population of waterfowl with a good variety of species. COLD, WET, LIMITED SUNLIGHT for photography just add to the challenge of documenting the daily existence of our wildlife at WNWR. Of course for the general public there is always the climate controlled Observation Building to observe nature without these restrictions we encountered today. For those local folks, the Visitor Center will be hoisting a great program on March 8 as described in the activity schedule on the main WNWR gallery page.