Bird Watching

 We hit the road early this morning and drove down to the Green Island Wildlife Unit to do a little bird watching.


Birds are key indicators of the health of our natural resources and provide significant contributions to our economy through birding, wildlife photography, hunting and other outdoor recreation opportunities.

I had a few that I had hoped to see this morning.  We did pretty well.   Bird of the day was the Northern Shoveler.  Many of the dabbling ducks use their flat bills to strain food items from the water, but the big spatulate bill of the Northern Shoveler is adapted to take this habit to the extreme. 

As we enjoyed our breakfast on the go.





A hot ham and pepper jack cheese on one of Susie's pitas, warmed on the manifold and a fresh cup of Joe.  While we enjoyed the cool morning filled with bird calls.  

We saw lots of Canadians, teal, hooded mergansers and woodies.









And a single sand hill crane.

Mart and I hit Mill creek for a little kayak time

 I love to see the Mill from the water.






Marty is always doing an inspection of the building.   A year or two a go we worked on the windows up on the top floor.

 The fishing was good as always.  It's nice to get out on the water and explore.  The catching?  Not so good.  But, I'm sure it won't be long before the water temperatures warm up some and the fish start to work their way up these little tributaries of the Mississippi.

 We did have some great wild life sightings.

 A squadron of Pelicans flew overhead as well as a Peregrine that was hanging along the bluff chased off a young Bald Eagle 

A Whistle Pig nibbled on some fresh green nettles along the stream bank and we also spotted and otter a little further up stream.

 Back home,
Susie was busy mulching the rhubarb.

 And tending to the lavender bed.










Great day out!  So, I guess I'm ready for a few more weeks of school