tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58719282331256546832024-02-07T15:28:52.848-06:00Crex MeadowsCrex Meadows Lovershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934981456920840983noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-13420045211501575082012-11-26T10:26:00.002-06:002012-11-26T12:26:24.687-06:00Trumpeter Swan Restoration in Wisconsin<span id="goog_427498732"></span><span id="goog_427498733"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span style="font-size: large;">I happened to see this interesting article and thought I would share it with you as Crex Meadows and the surrounding areas played an important part in the Trumpeter Swan reintroduction program in Wisconsin.</span><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/trumpeter-swan-restoration-ends-in-success-2m7oul9-180709761.html">Click here to read the article</a> </b></span></u></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KWHAJFUKB3B4ujAXP8htGQ4XaS18p8gzYkbM8mpuQ-b1jPp7bASxQ-SKUxBefwy0L8AgMZP-vtxtvMRhvbSvj4iESAeI1bq3xT0rCH3bP806d-WBbOIl3KrI_jwFxGfH5pHII7TV4jo/s1600/DSC_8086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KWHAJFUKB3B4ujAXP8htGQ4XaS18p8gzYkbM8mpuQ-b1jPp7bASxQ-SKUxBefwy0L8AgMZP-vtxtvMRhvbSvj4iESAeI1bq3xT0rCH3bP806d-WBbOIl3KrI_jwFxGfH5pHII7TV4jo/s640/DSC_8086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_427498727">Kathy J. </span><span id="goog_427498728"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Crex Meadows Lovershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934981456920840983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-17835269381108663732012-11-11T16:02:00.000-06:002012-11-11T16:03:41.245-06:00November Crex Photo Club (photos submitted by Bob Irish)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfB0fhn2hXu5B9s8Yz6_3DeUhyphenhyphenIegAXDsuqm2tNFoKGi1k_PbsQs0nlOVy0oXFkXZ8U-H745Sw5BbfCRyhj60cFQHP_-WTdGvKvdE5gb84pGzMOB_WHrIf_CaFBwLqBYBZxxymhFGHSPg/s1600/0211RRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span id="goog_173158250"></span><span id="goog_173158251"></span><img border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfB0fhn2hXu5B9s8Yz6_3DeUhyphenhyphenIegAXDsuqm2tNFoKGi1k_PbsQs0nlOVy0oXFkXZ8U-H745Sw5BbfCRyhj60cFQHP_-WTdGvKvdE5gb84pGzMOB_WHrIf_CaFBwLqBYBZxxymhFGHSPg/s640/0211RRI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Trumpeter Swans take off into the mist, from
the south end of Phantom Lake, passing over a small raft of American
Coots.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d-p2rU3yzglFFrn-J0DmpFS_lA9vUn2BkUne8q8HrKcXxc10BC98AW_2YJdvr9jE0DHytEfo2tNvvtPDigRUIrXpL1X-WpXSImUsh4TZkNOT-_G10DLUiOVDxECHpbkGM2_lJzhFIHU/s1600/0311aRRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2d-p2rU3yzglFFrn-J0DmpFS_lA9vUn2BkUne8q8HrKcXxc10BC98AW_2YJdvr9jE0DHytEfo2tNvvtPDigRUIrXpL1X-WpXSImUsh4TZkNOT-_G10DLUiOVDxECHpbkGM2_lJzhFIHU/s640/0311aRRI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">A thick fog obscures these three Sandhill Cranes,
as they begin to take off to join the rest of the flocks in the farm fields
surrounding Crex Meadows.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp-M5PhyphenhyphenumkzIYwS_r8fNfVItwkh1M2RqK6SJrlyftYZ-0XUUDafW3YrIE7jovT-Jqq8EsF_YoAB6zRzfegTc_3b4jIUm7pdXlKk71RfkL_Du2tMHxJKgoP5U7sIVhk3cqTvQn_t55Bw/s1600/0311bRRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFp-M5PhyphenhyphenumkzIYwS_r8fNfVItwkh1M2RqK6SJrlyftYZ-0XUUDafW3YrIE7jovT-Jqq8EsF_YoAB6zRzfegTc_3b4jIUm7pdXlKk71RfkL_Du2tMHxJKgoP5U7sIVhk3cqTvQn_t55Bw/s640/0311bRRI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">A conversion to black and white, and a bit more
"tweaking" in Photoshop, and more detail is revealed of the "Foggy
Cranes".</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuGXRScH2bniWBhdS5uYJC4jqSle_Hns3a2xF5nbpuqSGnOSnbRtmThzq1lXOKUI2iIRwUrDdLZOYTzqO3_jc42zRV1asiiFaHe1cRughCxS6u7Al-JsJ9XA__6lZk2WDL9Tf2VCgctk/s1600/0111RRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuGXRScH2bniWBhdS5uYJC4jqSle_Hns3a2xF5nbpuqSGnOSnbRtmThzq1lXOKUI2iIRwUrDdLZOYTzqO3_jc42zRV1asiiFaHe1cRughCxS6u7Al-JsJ9XA__6lZk2WDL9Tf2VCgctk/s640/0111RRI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">A thick fog blankets Crex Meadows and leaves it's
traces as frost on the grasses.</span> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z6UOL9U8nidwNCcqNLUMphEcgRoY5EqYI2kbVQ1mNPUsxweskCVlaloVo8QMuiC7zN9OTlNZbkeuyAt5M5E8nkL52DzqfpvPkT3Nkc2lgc7BecQUw2TFN6FZUutuPSvvVobkzUty7hY/s1600/0411RRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Z6UOL9U8nidwNCcqNLUMphEcgRoY5EqYI2kbVQ1mNPUsxweskCVlaloVo8QMuiC7zN9OTlNZbkeuyAt5M5E8nkL52DzqfpvPkT3Nkc2lgc7BecQUw2TFN6FZUutuPSvvVobkzUty7hY/s640/0411RRI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">A pair of Sandhill Cranes stand near the
road, offering the photographer a striking pose</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="http://crexmeadows.org/PhotoClub.html" style="color: white;">Cllck here for more information on the Crex Photo Club</a><span style="color: white;"> </span></span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuGXRScH2bniWBhdS5uYJC4jqSle_Hns3a2xF5nbpuqSGnOSnbRtmThzq1lXOKUI2iIRwUrDdLZOYTzqO3_jc42zRV1asiiFaHe1cRughCxS6u7Al-JsJ9XA__6lZk2WDL9Tf2VCgctk/s1600/0111RRI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<br />Crex Meadows Lovershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934981456920840983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-10170511285046874242012-11-10T19:14:00.002-06:002012-11-11T16:05:42.594-06:00An Evening at Crex<span style="font-size: large;">As I have said before, I am probably the world's worst writer so I will let this video I made do the talking for me. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did being there to witness this incredible experience in person.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V08bO7jQ2_s">Click here to watch "An Evening at Crex"</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Kathy J.</span>Crex Meadows Lovershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934981456920840983noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-15095741141848654752012-07-20T21:02:00.002-05:002012-07-20T21:06:08.510-05:00Caught in the act...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV6dfK1ELA5qwHFxkcnaM-4KzrnbUlhom_9WPQzHnuF__cXyrtSk0W44w9FZdD086jZiLtGb1lKYrALgvW6Rwd8QK81EBzB22zJj8UU5bm9UYQ6XKxG8cSwk634TK_f1J25gIN5LeJXI/s1600/DSC_8629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxV6dfK1ELA5qwHFxkcnaM-4KzrnbUlhom_9WPQzHnuF__cXyrtSk0W44w9FZdD086jZiLtGb1lKYrALgvW6Rwd8QK81EBzB22zJj8UU5bm9UYQ6XKxG8cSwk634TK_f1J25gIN5LeJXI/s400/DSC_8629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A macro lens can get you up close and sometimes a little too personal as in this photo of 2 Banded Flower Longhorn Beetles ensuring the future of their species. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kathy J. </span></span>Crex Meadows Lovershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07934981456920840983noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-69834557621723683712012-07-07T07:33:00.001-05:002012-07-07T07:33:37.800-05:00Peaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyDnG5Qbzw2ksSjxA7wXTYgvCBAmAZuh6dYcNril2aR6ooRoZB3VsCIQJPcM2lrelphM9OvhBi6fV9XNW6A5BsdjgaxrbE0yTWfwrYT1c0wGt95yAzMv3-2EIuNgWrQeZywJuhmfzsDc/s1600/July_01-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnyDnG5Qbzw2ksSjxA7wXTYgvCBAmAZuh6dYcNril2aR6ooRoZB3VsCIQJPcM2lrelphM9OvhBi6fV9XNW6A5BsdjgaxrbE0yTWfwrYT1c0wGt95yAzMv3-2EIuNgWrQeZywJuhmfzsDc/s320/July_01-4.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I'm always intrigued by plant and insect interaction. The pollination of plants by insects is just one component of this. Frequently insect predators lurk on the flower as well. The whole food chain on a 2 inch flower.</div>
<br />Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-44968778693412757222012-06-30T10:13:00.000-05:002012-06-30T10:13:53.037-05:00Milkweed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwC3aOL9TNTE2dlwzAIf-9MLlsKwsnCav_rW80efqO-B0aZDfnfwbCtoBBqo6TaUBikC3Pg3_6wkt04EJQ0Tw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I was intrigued by this insect's legs and the "sap" on them. This link explains what it is and how it got there. It also gives more information than you might want to know about milkweed plants.</div>
<a href="http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/indexmag.html?http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artfeb05/bjmilkweed.html">Milkweed Details</a>Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-28416780592607217322012-06-24T07:50:00.000-05:002012-06-24T07:50:09.147-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_wYCQZx-G_rdG9xfA2yOQCZXwEaYh4NpklsaFz9DJFMhEocWqFGhyphenhyphenh8SwQoi7RcwUNQbIcF2U5SDMQqjgkgaFbwZgrWP1LyvpQGPXg1DFsxrdhi5sZXO68RDmYNzvq9X1YNk30ea-io/s1600/June_01-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_wYCQZx-G_rdG9xfA2yOQCZXwEaYh4NpklsaFz9DJFMhEocWqFGhyphenhyphenh8SwQoi7RcwUNQbIcF2U5SDMQqjgkgaFbwZgrWP1LyvpQGPXg1DFsxrdhi5sZXO68RDmYNzvq9X1YNk30ea-io/s320/June_01-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This young guy was a backyard visitor last week. It was constantly on the move avoiding flies and exploring. The milkweed gives a sense of size.</div>
<br />Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-43714714262033259422012-06-18T08:51:00.000-05:002012-06-18T08:51:07.632-05:00Staying Clean<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/lsDGIcf_JAA/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lsDGIcf_JAA?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" />
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This spring was fantastic for some common warblers. The birders may have seen some of the uncommon ones as well. In addition to singing I'm fascinated by their daily activities.<br />
DaleDale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-64460972688140124842012-06-12T10:36:00.000-05:002012-06-12T10:36:05.688-05:00Water Shrew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyJp4dH4M1FkHjD9kO3WhHsUOQCiO2jspmwtFarULJC0m2Va2vKvXd3xPKsGP8WohtkqFdLLIlJ8gevHW1mPg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
Crex has a variety of unique wildlife and this is another one, not rare but rarely seen. The water shrew spends most of its time under water or along creek edges. This video is slowed to 1/10th the original speed to show how the shrew swims and get a better look than the original 1/10 second view. Captured while filming minnows for an assignment.
DaleDale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-15786109863571043352012-04-17T09:24:00.003-05:002012-04-17T11:51:52.183-05:00Prairie Magic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_Tfu2bMW8rDij8I-QgULjWRyTrGHdCR8jSW8EBTR3ftykfh1oKjF7MAd72qs7MGFrQhd9mrNiIYe6XaBKu7F34zcQSqyv5vmLwwhgo8dPWA1SA5TICehp8SWnAWO9T92OzUtq_obEE8/s1600/2011_04_1-3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_Tfu2bMW8rDij8I-QgULjWRyTrGHdCR8jSW8EBTR3ftykfh1oKjF7MAd72qs7MGFrQhd9mrNiIYe6XaBKu7F34zcQSqyv5vmLwwhgo8dPWA1SA5TICehp8SWnAWO9T92OzUtq_obEE8/s400/2011_04_1-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5732375482999608162" /></a><br />Snow yesterday and 18 degrees today, it is the middle of April isn't it? The prairie light was magical after sunrise this morning. The rainbow of color rarely happens and is usually in the dead of winter. The challenge is to get the camera position and aperture aligned to show this effect. A beautiful day to be alive.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-17184514268582270562012-04-15T07:51:00.003-05:002012-04-15T07:57:25.508-05:00Crane Count Sunrise<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjkeGqUpXQVdPbi9F3BlvgdmqtKhcHdFV2D-I90UMqp2TtlBg48EVO1iiQWBLe640C1cQRVBvbqgdI5PJzLedDInIjJs6W_4XqkOELw_NpCP2oKkBLZxtJVFWb9BZZBc1Q6OcKBWo2P0/s1600/2012-01-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjkeGqUpXQVdPbi9F3BlvgdmqtKhcHdFV2D-I90UMqp2TtlBg48EVO1iiQWBLe640C1cQRVBvbqgdI5PJzLedDInIjJs6W_4XqkOELw_NpCP2oKkBLZxtJVFWb9BZZBc1Q6OcKBWo2P0/s400/2012-01-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5731609427736710402" /></a><br />This year we had a calm, clear morning to count cranes. It started with a song sparrow, woodcock, and bittern leading the early morning chorus. Our area had a single pair of cranes that called frequently, reminding us of our real purpose for being out. While walking the perimeter of the assigned area we came across fresh bear tracks and this beautiful sunrise.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-44242432790180261112012-04-07T06:54:00.004-05:002012-04-07T07:07:18.060-05:00Wings of Spring<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEkNL3dIVrg-jsPzNn9TWFg2BNtQfh0m2j8bjFCC_Ek9rE7zvB9HBTtWVQcc9YCkhU_5IFU6Qs9varRpZcD_Gf9tPNCj4qpTndn4-xVw3B2OD4gs2YqojufxZ8aEwtX7tkgGLXFubshs/s1600/2012-01-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijEkNL3dIVrg-jsPzNn9TWFg2BNtQfh0m2j8bjFCC_Ek9rE7zvB9HBTtWVQcc9YCkhU_5IFU6Qs9varRpZcD_Gf9tPNCj4qpTndn4-xVw3B2OD4gs2YqojufxZ8aEwtX7tkgGLXFubshs/s400/2012-01-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728627369296503906" /></a><br />Most of us think of spring with returning swans and sandhills. More colorful wings are also silently floating around Crex. The overwintering butterflies are now active in the woodland areas. This mourning cloak was feeding on aspen sap earlier in the week.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtbeZv6fo8qgEclxedCjgF22r33uPZ9mKi1U9FUTp3uNoG0ClFhuiLoUUal5NOSKcUSajLOUq_w4bbCCXc3Tr35maYKNHYP6no4tI2VOwuZ6lLN7Qik6UTdi6fDzjnhCUWGrLwAKkqTk/s1600/2012-01-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtbeZv6fo8qgEclxedCjgF22r33uPZ9mKi1U9FUTp3uNoG0ClFhuiLoUUal5NOSKcUSajLOUq_w4bbCCXc3Tr35maYKNHYP6no4tI2VOwuZ6lLN7Qik6UTdi6fDzjnhCUWGrLwAKkqTk/s400/2012-01-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728628501589463986" /></a><br />A couple orange butterflies are also out like this gray comma sunning itself.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-51928192861605324322012-04-03T10:02:00.003-05:002012-04-03T10:08:21.795-05:00Eye to Eye<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2984AAnLy_qFnoXnfxfSKtHTiAypR-a8ZoeAyx6v-Qxa3efJ6FsZgf0gNiv-RnGKyxpAu9JcZmibxeWRygt6Vnoij-PqKueOi-Lx1TnL762YGHOPBPNwRCMo5Wgu9QajLXNk3ZDzWouc/s1600/2012-01-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2984AAnLy_qFnoXnfxfSKtHTiAypR-a8ZoeAyx6v-Qxa3efJ6FsZgf0gNiv-RnGKyxpAu9JcZmibxeWRygt6Vnoij-PqKueOi-Lx1TnL762YGHOPBPNwRCMo5Wgu9QajLXNk3ZDzWouc/s400/2012-01-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727191129318886706" /></a><br />I have been noticing our cold blood friends recently, perhaps because it's so unusual to see them in March and now in early April. On many days their movement seems dependent on clouds moving through the sunlight. This one didn't have the energy to even move its tongue.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-64849602981213828662012-03-28T22:46:00.006-05:002012-03-29T15:12:40.295-05:00Sandhills preening<span style="font-size: large;"> Ever wonder why Sandhills are gray when they leave here in the fall and are rusty brown when they return? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
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Kathy J.Kathy Jhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02091034811211337311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-27168238706304025682012-03-25T08:42:00.004-05:002012-03-25T08:46:35.389-05:00Salamanders on the Move<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wbTrGq7LnkHVjhw8oTIZbTHCxDwShc_6JnwlF-Ua1ZG7zM_SaeKJww39rIp1-aDQMAK7w-2XEusAu5AHoTrIAtlKy2vDThRQUklfGksOiTrAv__hNMcYuMoWmbxsbZc5712EpgWFJ1g/s1600/2012-01-9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wbTrGq7LnkHVjhw8oTIZbTHCxDwShc_6JnwlF-Ua1ZG7zM_SaeKJww39rIp1-aDQMAK7w-2XEusAu5AHoTrIAtlKy2vDThRQUklfGksOiTrAv__hNMcYuMoWmbxsbZc5712EpgWFJ1g/s400/2012-01-9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5723829920475783858" /></a><br />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.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-65315346935000162472012-03-21T07:26:00.002-05:002012-03-21T07:31:56.711-05:00Spring Peepers<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3TtfvNyLwHw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />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.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-31770142765741419492012-03-17T11:02:00.002-05:002012-03-17T11:07:58.767-05:00Thin Ice<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.zenfolio.com/zf/core/embedvideo.aspx?p=0153c488.10" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /> 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.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-82338131674886028362012-03-12T07:38:00.003-05:002012-03-12T07:44:29.370-05:00Getting Closer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7rrVkb2zcJS81N2FAr9OB4yjHr9_pO0c8sLnEz8cTYPt42JylfS5TGTr65DSN-LrSINu0xFnvjuiidb1nNt2A7fWaRsto4_Vvtmo9tpK01tJRIPIvqWX0_v36tgKFBRGNzFqbBi6SAE/s1600/2012-01-8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7rrVkb2zcJS81N2FAr9OB4yjHr9_pO0c8sLnEz8cTYPt42JylfS5TGTr65DSN-LrSINu0xFnvjuiidb1nNt2A7fWaRsto4_Vvtmo9tpK01tJRIPIvqWX0_v36tgKFBRGNzFqbBi6SAE/s400/2012-01-8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718989983904500690" /></a><br />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.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-57583831634077421392012-03-07T06:27:00.003-06:002012-03-07T06:35:01.320-06:00Returning Swans<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfxaxV0DPQ1teZ2prIj9Kd5X6PPfD2vB3509c01mgU0ikxOU544tCX0I3x9p-3-Vaw-2S_CqRK40D2lr2Huq9sv3bfZkSR16Bw_s3C3LOB2zScHz0owxd3b1QfV39NVJUHqZNVR-5qtY/s1600/2012-01-7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDfxaxV0DPQ1teZ2prIj9Kd5X6PPfD2vB3509c01mgU0ikxOU544tCX0I3x9p-3-Vaw-2S_CqRK40D2lr2Huq9sv3bfZkSR16Bw_s3C3LOB2zScHz0owxd3b1QfV39NVJUHqZNVR-5qtY/s400/2012-01-7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717131092128850674" /></a><br />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.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-83720767265528704062012-03-05T07:48:00.003-06:002012-03-05T07:53:27.085-06:00Hoarfrost<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOrK-GXySV51G3PBgZ_GgssjVDwfhHs7kLxCABQmbSEP2dHMSlx4wWXDHvOHNKc1X2Y3iCWZKCWzVGV-BCEuDph9eHA_YSPxUQSpcF4nt0Gn-E8IG2SoXeiMTb4MvUymcodrvLy8gBBY/s1600/2012-01-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOrK-GXySV51G3PBgZ_GgssjVDwfhHs7kLxCABQmbSEP2dHMSlx4wWXDHvOHNKc1X2Y3iCWZKCWzVGV-BCEuDph9eHA_YSPxUQSpcF4nt0Gn-E8IG2SoXeiMTb4MvUymcodrvLy8gBBY/s400/2012-01-6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5716409712070245922" /></a><br /><br />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.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-44003584303080428642012-02-15T08:07:00.003-06:002012-02-15T08:11:38.696-06:00Winter Color<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRnqAUWLgGokuS5rJ9TklmY7wts17BjY3R0jkyfnPuf_8-dmJPP516jumVlKfRLgQVzQ6dD6fhnsbhHXnaGioS7bA5vqaX3o5LzC74lf2T5qA590Lib9lZJ-IQ1qKe5DFkubSKvbzcvI/s1600/2011_02_1-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRnqAUWLgGokuS5rJ9TklmY7wts17BjY3R0jkyfnPuf_8-dmJPP516jumVlKfRLgQVzQ6dD6fhnsbhHXnaGioS7bA5vqaX3o5LzC74lf2T5qA590Lib9lZJ-IQ1qKe5DFkubSKvbzcvI/s400/2011_02_1-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709364048295326258" /></a><br />Winter is usually a time for pastel colors with beautiful pinks and blues. The color this winter has been intense at sunrise and sunset. Day colors are not much to talk about but getting out for a late afternoon walk has been great on several occasions. This was taken along Stolte Rd one day last week.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-23357739547080449532012-02-07T07:09:00.002-06:002012-02-07T07:18:42.936-06:00Common Redpolls<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dic8NgXWt_I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />Lots of redpolls coming into the feeder at the cabin. There are two active feeders at Crex. The busiest is at the West Marshland garage just off Cty Rd F. It's tucked the short drive to the Crex parking lot. Another active feeder is on the drive behind the visitor center. Both locations offer photography from the comfort of your car. Bird seed is donated and feeders are maintained by volunteers. We are looking into year around feeders.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-24368656204004598712012-02-02T08:59:00.003-06:002012-02-02T09:03:30.910-06:00Trumpeters in the Air<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClJmZkQLuitXTliVO3SXLVTC5z2zJNX7c40Qq2TEjWTqdf4NiBiVa9Hd-mHaiHIihHBbPbSREqWZSPvxWjoSlSfXBJyXhhuNds3Hn_x4oC2tQbkZn9c8lB-seJ2wmPFF3yy43pa7kERk/s1600/2012_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClJmZkQLuitXTliVO3SXLVTC5z2zJNX7c40Qq2TEjWTqdf4NiBiVa9Hd-mHaiHIihHBbPbSREqWZSPvxWjoSlSfXBJyXhhuNds3Hn_x4oC2tQbkZn9c8lB-seJ2wmPFF3yy43pa7kERk/s400/2012_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704553231860264738" /></a><br />I heard the familiar call of trumpeters flying over the refuge extension this week. A trumpeter family and a flock of geese has been spending the winter on the open water of Trade L. just waiting to get the first shot at open water at Crex. This photo was taken last March.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-63430294149832496162012-01-28T08:42:00.003-06:002012-01-28T08:52:46.349-06:00Still Waiting<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMrS_Zt39Zwv0l_zoMNk-hmXmAgculB8gCGXJtD08fTTPHTZ2IQPDjCyc610fq8dTL33gbIVTXEqI0h5fdRzoxTrEpwvKND0WnGRpSc7uGYUJUIcJ59GY6L5m148cxDz9z6xXZ9ELG_0/s1600/2011_07_1-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMrS_Zt39Zwv0l_zoMNk-hmXmAgculB8gCGXJtD08fTTPHTZ2IQPDjCyc610fq8dTL33gbIVTXEqI0h5fdRzoxTrEpwvKND0WnGRpSc7uGYUJUIcJ59GY6L5m148cxDz9z6xXZ9ELG_0/s400/2011_07_1-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5702693560545331362" /></a><br />Snow cover is still minimal but deep enough to follow some tracks. With the warm weather normally sleepy wildlife has been active. A porcupine walked over a mile on N. Refuge Rd this week. I followed what looked like possum tracks the other day. Wolves are on the hunt day and night trying to find a winter stressed deer. Single wolf tracks are being seen wherever there are deer tracks.Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5871928233125654683.post-82693157662162192512012-01-20T08:47:00.004-06:002012-01-20T09:03:31.166-06:00A DenAnother afternoon was spent exploring, this time around Grettum Pines. I was hiking with a college student from Chattanooga, TN and we were looking for tracks and other wildlife signs. On one of our track explorations we came across this den.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF9vbYNwb32ROrfqVfvoAD7RYzJnfhrQiXgjdyE1Kz1e418yv1vIb3u2cql08dXnbVN7QicuZeOT37hDQzcEOgvP1AYBRhrlkZgU8sRPgbcYTh7f-3MpAemwW8JInoz3H0x7YmZnK_Z8/s1600/2011_01_1-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFF9vbYNwb32ROrfqVfvoAD7RYzJnfhrQiXgjdyE1Kz1e418yv1vIb3u2cql08dXnbVN7QicuZeOT37hDQzcEOgvP1AYBRhrlkZgU8sRPgbcYTh7f-3MpAemwW8JInoz3H0x7YmZnK_Z8/s400/2011_01_1-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699726649209824914" /></a><br />"Who is going to be the first to look in it?" I asked. Getting closer eliminated any mystery of its owner, not a bear, wolf, or bobcat, just a common porcupine. Porcupines live in their excrement. Is it possible that their droppings make good insulation for them. The floor of the den was covered with these droppings, definitely not the best housekeepers in the animal world.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihylc9Ru9wA8c3ROZ4dAa_Rlam0TnLlf30ngd83QV70us68388u1wgPlOaicETgHLpsequ-AQhVgJFNIHQ4uI3d9I6yoh03TdlEqh3iN8A0hZig94uftw4_mCvIwVj0agRhhXAfGeLZ80/s1600/2011_01_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihylc9Ru9wA8c3ROZ4dAa_Rlam0TnLlf30ngd83QV70us68388u1wgPlOaicETgHLpsequ-AQhVgJFNIHQ4uI3d9I6yoh03TdlEqh3iN8A0hZig94uftw4_mCvIwVj0agRhhXAfGeLZ80/s400/2011_01_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5699727928126340562" /></a>Dale Bohlkehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03417980603023972304noreply@blogger.com0