Simonton Lake Wildlife


WILDLIFE IN OUR BACKYARD
Lakes in Elkhart County
The state of Indiana claims there are 16 lakes in Elkhart County. According to the state, "a lake covers an area of at least 5 acres within the shoreline or water line including bays and coves". We will identify these lakes in alphabetical order in Simonton Says, one each month for fifteen months, unless it keeps raining the way it has been lately. We may have to add more lakes. Follow our series on the lakes in Elkhart County. In the July 2010 issue - Boot Lake For more information and trail map: http://www.elkhartindiana.org/department/division.asp?fDD=39-160
Crested Ducks Seen on Simonton
With the powder-puff of feathers on its head, the Crested Duck is truly striking. It is a domestic breed developed from the common mallard. It is a medium-sized duck with a plump body, short legs, and a flat, rounded bill. Coloring can vary, and some crested ducks have a large crest on the top of the head. They weigh 4-6 pounds. The Crested Duck’s crest was probably produced by chance, and breeders now choose birds whose young are expected to have the largest crests. The crest is essentially a mutation associated with skull deformities. It is formed from a mass of fatty tissue that emerges through a gap in the skull. From this, feathers grow. Crests vary from centrally placed, full crests, rather like powder puffs, to knobbly protuberances with just a few feathers; or the occasional earring when it has 'slipped'. Only about 1/2 of the offspring from crested parents will also have crests. About 1/4 will be non-crested, and the last 1/4 will not survive to hatching, due to deformities of the skull. Crested ducks have not been bred extensively, partly due to the large numbers of non-crested offspring produced by pairs of crested parents.
	These pictures were taken on Simonton Lake... More information: http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Ducks/Crest/BRKCrestedDucks.html http://www.garden-city.org/zoo/animalinfo/birds/crested_duck.htm http://www.domestic-waterfowl.co.uk/crested.htm
American Bald Eagle
Bald eagles have been seen on Simonton Lake. See a pair of American Bald Eagles that have built a nest in the Norfolk Botanical Garden. Visitors can get a good view of the nest and its inhabitants. Also see photos from the eaglet banding, April 22nd, 2009.		Find out more about the American Eagle Foundation What does it say about a nation when its national bird is threatened? Luckily, the bald eagle's story is one of recovery.
Other Widlife and Evnironmental Issues

	Helping Wildlife in Trouble Lake Environment Committee Update - consideration of Lake Diagnostic Study Common Loons - more info Watermilfoil Mute Swans


	Common Loon Links http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Loon http://www.ulib.iupui.edu/collections/birds/bird001_3.html http://bna.birds.cornell.edu/bna/species/313/articles/introduction http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Common_Loon.html

	Watermilfoil Information Links Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Search for Milfoil to read more...) Demonstration Project Weevil Use Factors Affecting and Estimated Cost of Aquatic Plant Control in Indiana Lakes Eurasion Watermilfoil Managing Aquatic Plants in Indiana Lakes Notre Dame study examines the role vendors play in spread of invasive species Simonton Lake Elkhart County 2007 Fish Management Report

	The Mute Swan in Indiana There are three swan species in Indiana, two of which are native. The mute swan, an alien species introduced from Europe, is now a resident in Indiana. Read more... All About the Mute Swan