Sandhills preening

 Ever wonder why Sandhills are gray when they leave here in the fall and are rusty brown when they return? 






When Sandhills leave this area in the fall their feathers are gray. As they begin their migration back in the spring their gray feathers slowly change to a rusty brown. They preen themselves with daubs of mud and the mineral content in the mud, such as iron, stains their feathers. This is thought to be their way of camouflaging themselves while nesting.

Kathy J.

Salamanders on the Move

During the last week I have seen tiger salamanders, Blandings turtles, and this guy on the move; a big difference from the foot of snow on the ground a year ago at this time.

Spring Peepers

I'm finally convinced spring has arrived after watching it slowly advance but still anticipating one last snow storm. Hundreds of these guys were calling in a small pond so I decided to find was was making all the noise. Despite the loud, raucous calling notice the size of the frog compared to a catkin.

Thin Ice

This was yesterday morning's scene, today there is even less ice. The spring sounds and early migrants are everywhere. Phantom and Grettum still have ice, most of the other flowages are open.

Getting Closer

Birds are getting more active with the warm up and melting ice. Music is returning to Crex. The downside is a little mud but who cares, it's a small price to pay for the beauty of early spring.

Returning Swans

It was almost 50 degrees yesterday and this morning the temp started at 44, open water will follow soon. Several pairs of swans were on the flowages yesterday with territorial disputes taking place on North Fork flowage. The roads are developing their spring character but most are drivable with a the road on the south edge of Phantom being a notable exception.

Hoarfrost

I have been gone for a couple weeks and it was quite a surprise to find 15 inches of snow when I returned. This week the temperatures should be well above freezing during the day and drop below it at night making for some great hoarfrost opportunities. Maybe the ice will open some and we can find an otter or two. A couple swan pairs are anxious to start the season and the horned larks are arriving, otherwise still quiet.