They Just Keep a Comin'!

Wood Duck Drake - Visiting the "Mrs."

 

Have I ever been lax!!!  Well, not really, just shirking my blog responsibilities I guess.  It is so easy to get behind on things - especially when Spring arrives with all its distractions and perks!!!

 

They just keep coming!

 

Waterman Creek Great Blue Heron Rookery

 

First it was the Great Blue Herons returning to the Waterman Rookery across the road from us.  I'd fretted all winter about them; they'd had so many set backs here the past two years.  Two Derechos in a 7 month period destroyed 2/3's of the rookery...but nest building has taken place in April...not as many birds but around 30-36 we believe at this point.

 

 

After the rookery grabbed our attention then the other bird travelers got our attention.  This year was a banner year for Trumpeter Swans!  We observed flocks every day here for nearly 2 weeks - so neat to see that here.

 

We only got the front north pasture burned this spring - and it was late for us.  The humidity levels early spring were incredibly low and the fire hazards just would not allow an early burn.  It was curious because the snow load was very heavy this past winter, but by the time the melt was done - it was too dangerous to get the burns we were wanting.

 

And ironically the ground was too frozen to take in moisture - at least not the majority of it...so we are not breaking the 3 year drought as of yet.  April brought just over an inch of rain, but we aren't quite as bad off as this time last year.  Time will tell.

I haven't gotten out and hiked the prairies for Pasque Flowers this spring yet.  I don't know if that will happen now.  I'm having issues that may keep my "hikes" at home...I'm certainly not getting any younger - how does that sneak up so quickly?!

As of today nearly all our spring visitors and summer residents have returned...I believe the Eastern Kingbirds, Bobolinks and Dickcissels are the main characters yet to return, but I know there are others - they just keep a comin'!

 

Enjoy your Spring and be kind to each other - hope to see you on the Tallgrass!

(All images - ©Bruce A. Morrison)