It had been a windy and cloudy day, but as the evening wore on the wind began to die down. We were fishing as the air became still. Eagles were flying overhead and the crappies were biting. The dark clouds were still above but the sun moved below them lighting up the opposite shore. The leaves were full on some of the trees and yet others had only begun to leaf out, filtering the sunlight as it came through the trees. The low light and the calmness created a beautiful reflection of the end of a spring (finally!) day.
Wisconsin
Baltimore oriole
It was a cold and wintry day last Sunday that even included a snowfall. We were inside looking out and not enjoying this winter weather in mid-May. But it seemed to invigorate all the birds in the area as they were coming in and out of the yard, looking for food on the ground and in the feeders. We put some orange slices in a hanging feeder and realized they were a magnet for the birds. This Baltimore oriole became very vigilant in guarding what he saw as “his” oranges. There were a number of Rose-breasted grosbeaks that challenged him, and only occasionally won the challenge. All these birds were a welcome colorful sight on the cold drab day, and a delight to watch.
Tree swallows
As we were exploring the Namekagon Wildlife Barrens in northwestern Wisconsin we saw many bluebird houses distributed throughout the area. Numerous agencies and individuals have worked hard to be sure the birds have access to good nesting areas. At one road junction we stopped and watched this tree swallow as it flitted in and out of the house, flying to the trees nearby, then coming back to the house. He was accompanied by a female which came and went many times too. What a delight to let time stand still and watch their activities and absorb this little bit of spring!
Prescribed wildfire burn
We were exploring at the Namekagon Barrens Wildlife Area this past weekend. Located in Burnett County in northwestern Wisconsin, this is a globally rare landscape of pine and oak with a very sandy soil. It’s quite startling to see the Barrens after driving miles through forested land; all of a sudden the sky opens up and the vista is wide with rolling hills and a prairie-like view. The ground near the road was black where there had been a prescribed burn the day before, and the air had a pronounced smell of smoke. After about 20 minutes, we saw smoke to the east and found they were doing some spot fires to finish what had been started the day before. I’m excited to return to the area in the next week or so — the grass will be turning green with our recent rains, and soon the wildflowers will sprout and bloom.
A drive along Lake Michigan
Last weekend we made a quick trip to Milwaukee. Although it is further south than the Twin Cities, the temperatures were still cool and there was a brisk wind blowing. We spent a few hours at the Milwaukee Art Museum and then drove north along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It was a wonderful drive close by the lake, then through some neighborhoods of large historic mansions and many public parks. The lake was a beautiful almost-turquoise color that contrasted nicely with the clouds. As cool as it was, people were out enjoying the day with its promise of spring.
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