Erie National Wildlife Refuge Photo Contest
Autumn colors... Erie National Wildlife Refuge
The morning of October 11th was a bit frosty with low lying fog blanketing the valleys as Michele and I drove to the Erie National Wildlife Refuge at Guys Mills, PA in Crawford County. I have to admit this was my first time at this section of the refuge which is the Sugar Lake Division. My husband and I have been to the Seneca Division near Cambridge Springs. I was along for the ride as a back up judge for Michele, Larry Brown and Dennis Burchard for the 12th biennial ENWR Nature Photography Contest. We arrived at 8 AM to smiling and delightful refuge manager, Patty, and Friends of the ENWR, Bertie, offering us coffee and donuts.
Patty, ENWR manager.
Bertie, Friends of the ENWR
The morning went smoothly as all three judges set about the task choosing the contest winners. After lunch Michele and I had time to walk part of the trails before the afternoon reception. The trails are well marked and take you through woodlands and wetlands which on a good birding day would give you diversity in your sightings.
Here are some of the highlights taken from the ENWR web site.
- Only Refuge in the nation protecting endangered Northern riffleshell and clubshell mussels. French Creek, the most biologically diverse stream in Pennsylvania, flows through the Refuge where over 80 species of native fish are found.
- Designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. Attracts 237 species of birds.
- Three distinct habitats, forests, fields and water’s edge, found within the Refuge support 47 species of mammals.
- A diversity of habitats provides homes for 37 amphibians and reptiles. Many of them overlooked because they are secretive or nocturnal.
- Numerous wildflowers can be seen throughout the Refuge during spring, summer and fall along all the Refuge trails.
At the reception we were greeted by the contestants and Michele had a chance to answer questions and chat with some of the photographers. Mary Birdsong, president of the Presque Isle Audubon Society, and Rich Eakin, President of the Friends of Erie National Wildlife Refuge presented the awards. There is still time to view the photos since they are on display till November 13th. Please call before visiting the Refuge at 814-789-3585 to make sure the office is open for visitors. For more photos of the contest go here.
Congratulations to all!
WILDLIFE:
1st place – Bill Kueczynski
2nd place – Tim Lyons
3rd place – Joseph Kostansek
Honorable Mention: Chuck Gehringer (3); Holly Walsh; Jack Foltyn (2); Traci Stewart; Mary Mulligan-Hanes
LANDSCAPE:
1st place – Joseph Kostansek
2nd place – Greg Palmer
3rd place – Mary Thall
Honorable Mention: Ruth Swaney; Ron Leberman; Joe Kostanek; Greg Palmer
PLANT LIFE:
1st place – Joseph Kostansek
2nd place – Mary Thall
3rd place – Joseph Kostansek
Honorable Mention: Carol Mullen; Greg Palmer; Mary Mulligan-Hanes
BEST PHOTO TAKEN ON REFUGE: Judith Oakes.
BEST YOUTH PHOTO: Chris Foltyn.
Chris, youth winner
Mary Birdsong and Rick Eakin
Sue, Mary, Ruth and Toni
Michele pondering which way to go, left or right. 
Part of the beautiful wetlands.
There were wildflowers still blooming.
