|
Wildlife
Carey Lake provides a diverse habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. Waterfowl and shorebirds are found throughout the lake and wetlands from spring through fall. The largest numbers occur during spring migrations on and around the WMA. Canada geese, mallards, northern pintail, green-winged and cinnamon teal are some of the primary waterfowl species that nest on the WMA are easily observed throughout the nesting season. Shorebirds commonly seen from spring to fall are sandhill cranes, long-billed curlews, American avocet, pied-billed and western grebe and spotted sandpiper. Songbirds are present throughout the spring and early summer, most common are red-winged blackbirds, yellow-headed blackbirds and western meadowlarks.
Mule deer are the most abundant big game animal and will be found on the WMA throughout the year. Pronghorn antelope will occasionally come onto the WMA are often seen on the private agricultural lands surrounding Carey Lake. Approximately 500 elk summer north of the WMA in the mountains and winter in the nearby foothills. Coyote, red fox, badger, striped skunk and numerous rodents are found through the WMA and the surrounding farmland.
Upland species can be found on the WMA but more commonly use the different habitat types surrounding Carey Lake WMA. Mourning doves frequent the WMA are quite numerous on the private farmlands around Carey Lake. Sage grouse, gray partridge, white-tailed jackrabbit and cottontail can infrequently be found on the WMA and are more often found on the rangelands nearby.
Fisheries
Carey Lake has a varied depth from less than 3 feet in many areas to 12 feet in some of the deepwater channels. Largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, brown bullhead and channel catfish are the most abundant fish in the lake. Populations of these species will vary from year to year as the level of the lake changes due to precipitation amounts for the year.
|