Pelicans at Nelson Lake, Illinois

Since I had to work this past weekend (two balmy spring-like days!), I took my binos and cameras along with me, and had more luck than I do on some actual birding excursions!

En route to my morning calls in Wonder Lake and Island Lake I heard, then observed a small group of Sandhills making their way up North.







Hawks are not an unusual occurrence this time of year....there were plenty of Red-Tails and Cooper's around.

My afternoon calls took me past Churchill Park in Glen Ellyn, where Great Blue Herons are participating in their nesting rituals.

After my last stop in St Charles, I continued on to Batavia to one of the year's highlights for me.....viewing the American White Pelicans that stop over at Lake Nelson on their way North.

Hundreds of them gather for about a three week period. Most of them were some distance out on the lake in fishing "rings". This is an amazingly graceful sight to see!

Closer to shore about 50 pelicans concentrated on preening! What fun they are to watch.

Ahh, spring has officially arrived!

Bald Eagles

This winter was a good one for Snowy Owls and Bald Eagles in the midwest. I personally had poor luck finding any Snowys, but did get a good visit in with the Bald Eagles along the Mississippi in in LeClaire, Iowa.

The local Carpentersville pair of Eagles fly quite regularly over my house and one occasionally sits in a tree visible from the living room, but there's something magical and awesome about seeing 10, 20 or more in a single tree that makes driving the 150 extra miles worthwhile.

Adopt-A-Husky Dogs at Starved Rock

I'm becoming quite the Husky groupie. These dogs are so much fun to watch, and I learn more and more about them each time I visit and photograph them. Nope, this guy isn't basking in the sun, he's giving an "ah-woo" call!





It was a cloudy day at Starved Rock last Sunday. I drove out there with a few things in mind: find some eagles, find a Snowy Owl and visit with the sled dogs. Plans A and B failed, but the nearly three hour trip was well worth it for some time with the Adopt-A-Husky group and their wonderful dogs.





Since the snow was melted, the WORKING DOGS DEMONSTRATION was presented using bikes, scooters, and good old fashioned walking/running.

Starved Rock was a beautiful back-drop for the action, and the lodge provided a comfy setting for an informative presentation about the Iditarod.

In between outdoor runs, the Huskys graciously "sat" for some portraits!

Visit their web site is www.adoptahusky.com and learn how you can help!

Husky Heroes-Morton Arboretum Jan 09

Here I go again, a confirmed cat person photographing dogs!

The annual event, HUSKY HEROES, is presented at the Morton Arboretum by the local Adopt a Husky, Inc group: Siberian Husky Rescue. Visit their website at http://www.adoptahusky.com/

These dogs are so gentle and sweet, yet they work so hard doing what they do!! They are quite amazing. They perform in teams to cover the thoughfully laid out track at the Morton Arboretum for several runs with plenty of rest time in between.

Not running today?? No problem, she's still included!

The dogs work hard, and they seem to enjoy every minute of it!

At the end of the day the trainers stayed around to answer questions and the dogs stayed around to look cute ...

and to get some rest...

What a wonderful day !

Don't forget to visit the website and learn about all that this group does for Huskies!http://www.adoptahusky.com/

Sandhill Cranes at Jasper Pulaski Habitat, IN

A group of friends met at Jasper-Pulaski on Saturday to view the Sandhill Cranes before many of the Sandhills head south for the winter. While small groups of Sandhills are present on this well known patch of grass all day, masses of them congregate there at sunset. A comprehensive article on the Sandhills at Jasper-Pulaski can be found at the link:

http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/fall2006/wejasperpulaski.html

Just before sunset, this small group of Sandhills were seen doing their bonding dance.

As the sun began to set, strings of Sandhills came in from all directions, circling and parachuting in for a landing.

This continued through the sun set and into dusk.

In the morning, the Sandhills make a mass exit from the grassy field, and fly to nearby fields to feed. Just about anywhere you walk or drive within Jasper-Pulaski you will see Sandhills flying or congregating.

On the way home, I took advantage of a missed lane change on the highway to photograph a few downtown Chicago landmarks.

The Wrigley Building

Exploring Door County by Kayak

Greetings!
This fall's visit to Door County was a special one. We "know" the area pretty well now and so decided to do some extensive exploration by kayak.

As I grew up on a small island (http://www.cityislandbirds.com/) and Sheena grew up along the coast of England, Door County is the perfect place to bring back those good memories of spending every day, all day "on the water".

Here I am making my way to Horseshoe Island from Nicolet Bay. (photo by Sheena John)

The official "purpose" of this trip to Door County was to participate in the First Annual Ridges Flea Market. (http://www.ridgesanctuary.org/) To help raise funds for this wonderful organizing was gratifying. To clear some stuff out of the garage was gratifying too! Everyone had a fun and successful day.

Many thanks to M.Lee and a great Organizing Committee!

Getting up early on the days following the Flea Market was easy, as this is the view from the adorable and comfortable cottage that we leased from JRVacation Rentals http://www.jrvacationrentals.com/

More of the sunrise could be viewed from Baileys Harbor, less than a mile from the cottage.

For me, every step outside has something to do with birds...but aside from glimpses of a few warblers and a pileated woodpecker, most viewed birds were of the seagull variety! Here's a juvenile watching me paddle up to his rock perch.

I've always wanted to "park" my kayak and go somewhere interesting, and Door County provided many opportunities to do just that. Here we pulled ashore to the Grafitti Building and visited the Francis Hardy Center for the Arts, able to browse the beautiful collection of Farmscape photos by Paul Lurie.

During the week of picture perfect weather, we paddled Egg Harbor, Nicolet Bay, Ephraim and Fish Creek.

While back on land, we visited some usual favorites including Cana Island, Whitefish Dunes and Cave Point. We even managed to fit in a production of Sherlock Holmes by the Peninsula Players and a couple of new restaurants including a fabulous creperie called Mr. Helsinki's !

So many things couldn't be "fit in" to a short week, but as our delightful cottage neighbor reminded us, "there's always something to come back to" in Door County.

Take a look at a video taken at Cave Point. Don't get seasick!

Dundee Township Dog Days of Summer

A couple of cool, crisp fall nights are bringing the Warblers and other migratory birds our way here in Illinois. However, last week's temperatures were so exceptionally warm that many of us birders planned other activities, expecting little in the way of bird activity this past weekend.

My choice was to spend Saturday at Dundee Township's First Annual Dog Days of Summer, an event featuring games, goodies and a grand time for dogs and their owners.


Now what am I, a CAT person, doing at a DOG event? Well, PHOTOGRAPHING, of course....

...and just enjoying the energy of dog people and their furry friends.

It could not have been a more beautiful day in the idyllic setting of Randall Oaks Park and Farm, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze blowing.

Many dogs were sporting neckerchiefs provided by Dundee Animal Hospital and

Algonquin's ALL PAWS Veterinary Clinic.

ALL PAWS provided complimentary blood testing, while Dundee Animal Hospital , along with "Home Again", a pet recovery service, sponsored free Microchipping.

"I had my blood tested..see my pink bandage?!"

There were dozens of dogs... all shapes, sizes, colors and stages of life. Lots of nose kissing and (other) investigation went on as each new dog entered the park! All of the dogs were very well behaved and having a great time!


Representatives from several Rescue groups were on hand to answer questions and pique interest in adoption. REGAP is a national organization for the adoption of Retired Greyhounds, with an active Illinois chapter.

'Winston' a lucky Greyhound with a great home!

Certified Canine Massage Therapist Carole Lago (carole_lago@att.net) was busy throughout the day, demonstrating her therapeutic techniques, much to the delight of both canines and their companions.

...ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Whether giving Dog Behavior Tips, demonstrating Pet Tricks, or leading a game of "Musical Sit", Robin from The Pet Squad, ( http://www.thepetsquad.com/ ) never had a chance to sit down!

Robin and "Otto" get ready to do a trick.

Otto gives Robin a "high-five"

A serious student practices the hand-shake.

"I'm too short to do a high-five!"


A large group gathered to hear Carpentersville police discuss and demo Police Dog work.

No dog left the party empty-pawwed, as vendors from bakeries such as Felix and Fifi's of Carpentersville, Pet Food stores such as Petpals of Dundee, Groomers including Kathy's Pet Salon in Gilberts (847-428-1701), and Pet Sitting services including Pampered Pets of Dundee, all had treats galore to give away!

"I can't wait till next year's Dog Days!"

Broadening Horizons in the World of Nature

So.... What does a birder do when it's an "in-between-birds" season? Such is summer in Illinois. Oh, backyards will have a few molting cardinals, straggler orioles and lots of plain finches; there might be some interesting Gull activity on the Lakefront; and a paddle down the river will give us looks at plenty of herons, egrets, cormorants and kingfishers, but our walks in the parks and preserves will be almost devoid of exciting birds during July and August. A birder must diversify!

An "in-between-seasons" goldfinch ...

Many birders, and I'm no exception, have discovered other things with wings which will keep them occupied until the Peeps and Warblers flock in during September , and the Migratory ducks begin to make their way a little later on in the Fall. It is then that serious birding resumes!

One of the "Peeps" a Greater Yellowlegs

Butterflies have long been a natural attraction to birdwatchers and bird photographers. They have many of the same characteristics that draw us to birds...colorful, intricate markings, rather predictable, fascinating to watch, and if you're patient, relatively easy to photograph. They are conveniently in abundance during July and August.

Painted Lady on Joe Pye Weed

Dragonflies have caught the attention of some birders the past few years, especially those who enjoy the difficult-to-pronounce scientific names and discerning the subtle distinctions between some of the varieties seen here in Illinois. They call themselves aspiring Odonatologists.

If you can catch dragonflies in between egg-laying sessions, they are fun to watch posing for photographs. Otherwise they are usually too busy trying to mate to be still enough.

A 12-spot Dragonfly

A big interest this year seems to be BUGS, and in particular the Cicada Killer Wasp. Last year we experienced the 17 year Cicadas onslaught, and this year the Cicada Killer Wasp is taking center stage. I was highly intrigued by this species' life cycle and was fascinated watching their behavior. First the nearly 2" long female Wasp diligently and methodically digs a path and a deep hole in a sandy area. In this case it was on a sand volleyball court! There were dozens of these insects swarming around and working their tunnels and they all seemed oblivious to my presence.
Next the Wasp finds her cicada prey, stings it to kill it, and then brings it to the nest. The process of entangling her legs into the dead cicada's body to straddle it so she can "carry" it, is just fascinating. The Wasp drags the cicada uphill and then drops it into the 6-10" deep hole. According to research, the Wasp lays her egg on the Cicada, then the larvae over-winters in the nest, sustained by the Cicada and emerges the following summer.
A more complete synopsis of the life cycle of the Cicada Killer Wasp can be found here:

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2078A.html


Here are some photographs of the Cicada Killer Wasp in action on the

volleyball court in So. Barrington, IL

Here the Cicada Killer Wasp digging it's nest hole by burrowing down and then kicking sand back, repeatedly. I watched one do this for about 15 minutes before it flew off.

Here a Cicada Killer Wasp is attempting to straddle the cicada's underside. This takes some time, as she actually weaves her legs thru the body of the cicada. It was fascinating to watch this part in particular. Look closely, she seems to be grimacing.

Now firmly attached to the cicada, she starts the climb up the sand mound which leads to the path toward her nest

Climbing (and hoisting) higher...

...and higher

And finally she flies out of the nest, having dropped the Cicada in!

A new generation of bugs will emerge next July-August!

Fox River, Algonquin, IL

I went out on a Kingfisher mission last evening. I'm lucky that I can "put in" my kayak in front of my house. Getting back upstream is not as easy, but is do-able this time of year.

The kingfishers are noisy right now...mating perhaps. and feeding, for sure! It was fun to watch them dive and swoop up with a catch, tho I admit I'm not quite coordinated enough to keep the boat still and capture that kind of shot.

There are a few peeps around, mostly kildeer and solitary sandpipers. At times I've seen more exotic species along this little stretch between Algonquin and Carpentersville. Here is a Solitary.

There are many egrets around. I've seen as many as 8 at once up in a tree. They are more relaxed than the great blue herons are. This egret stood around for a good while, posing.

The little green herons are cute. This young one was flitting log to log, looking for the best meal.

I'm thinking a pair of waders and some camo might allow me to get closer (and hold the camera more steady) to view the kingfisher. Hmm, the thought of wading in the Fox isn't that appealing afterall. I'll just wait for a less windy day and get back in the boat. :)

Sandhill Crane Family Update

Well actually this is a different family, one from McHenry Dam, a few miles west of Volo, but the chick here probably hatched about the same time as the other little one. They grow about an inch a day. In this photo he's huddling with the parents, but it wasn't long before he took off into the tall grass on his own, and the parents didn't seem to mind at all.

I stopped at Moraine Hills on the way back, and found this little guy. Cute, isn't he?

Find more recent sightings on Flickr www.flickr.com/photos/quietnature

Late Summer Wanderings

Lake Michigan, Montrose Harbor, Chicago

Dragonfly at Glacial Park, Ringwood, IL

Volo Bog Nature Center, view from parking lot

There is not much bird activity this time of year, however I'd be remiss to not mention Dotty, who is visiting for the summer!

SANDHILL CRANES at VOLO BOG

This summer, my main focus has been on the resident Sandhill Cranes of Volo Bog. One of the nice things about Volo is that even if you just have a few minutes to spare, you can walk the 1/4 mile boardwalk area and see a wide variety of subjects including rare plants and flowers, dragonflies, frogs, muskrats, birds and more. The pair of Sandhills that reside here until they head south for the winter have been easy to spot this year, perhaps that because of the heavy rains they are spending more time in the grassy areas of Volo.

Here is the chick at a very young age. Return to this blog for updated photos as the summer progresses. I have read that they grow about an inch a day.

And here is family meal time.

Here they are heading down to the water's edge, perhaps where the nest is.

Other treats at Volo this time of year include a variety of dragonflies, predominently the blue dasher.

And looking ahead to the late summer, watch for the Muskrats at Volo Bog. Here they are feeding on duck weed.

And of course there are always beautiful flowers at Volo.

And you'll hear, if not see, frogs.

As a State Natural Area, Volo Bog is directly affected by the Illinois DNR budget. Please see the message below, and what you can do to help protect areas such as Volo.

"As a member of Partners for Parks and Wildlife, Prairie Rivers Network has been working to prevent funding cuts at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). On July 9th, Governor Blagojevich cut $14 million from the IDNR’s budget, cutting 20% from a budget that has lost a quarter of its staff to budget cuts since 2001. This comes at a time when our parks, forests, lakes and streams continue to experience increases in attendance. The cuts are set to take effect unless the Illinois Senate and House both vote to override them by July 25th. It is imperative that Illinois’ natural resources do not suffer a disproportionate share of cuts. PPW calls on the State of Illinois to retain the current funding levels for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE TODAY! "

Working Farms

In preparation for next week's fundraiser for Garfield Farm Park, a working farm in Illinois, I spent some time photographing there, as well as nearby Peck Farm Park, today.

Peck Farm is owned by the Geneva Park District and is very well maintained as the former owners desired it to be: a preserve of the native and agricultural landscape of Illinois and an open space amenity for area residents. The existing farm buildings have been converted into new uses, from administrative offices to interpretive and multimedia education areas. A popular highlight for me is the open air Butterfly Exhibit. Today's volunteers Chuck and Susan were extremely supportive and helpful to the visitors.

I had good looks at Southern Whites and a new one for me, a Polydamas Swallowtail, a native of Florida.

Next, I made a visit to Garfield Farm Park, which is much more rustic and historical in nature. I had to search for the sheep but finally found them grazing outside of the main house. As patient as I was, only one was willing to pick her head up from the field... isn't she cute!!

If you live anywhere nearby, please stop out to Mongerson Farm, just east of Garfield Farm on Rt 38, 3 miles west of Randall for the Antique and Arts Festival on June 28 and 29!

The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County WI

Here is one of several packets of cards now available at the Ridges Sanctuary (http://www.ridgesanctuary.org/) in Door County, WI. I am very excited to have some of my work accepted in this prestigious location.



If you have an interest in biodiversity and rare species of all kinds, please visit the website to learn more. Be inspired by reading their 5 year Strategic plan. What a knowledgable and dedicated Board and volunteer base this organization has!



Every inch of Door County is beautiful to me, but the Ridges is one of those places I find myself going back to so often because it changes literally every day. If you visit Door County, don't miss a visit to the Ridges.

Nesting Warblers

I missed alot of the warbler activity this year, and it was a slow year at that, due mostly to the crazy weather we have been having. When the rain cleared today, I did a little birding along Lake Defiance path at Moraine Hills in McHenry and spent alot of time watching Mama Yellow Warbler gather food for ??young ones?? Pop was seen, but only in the backround, while Mama was very willing to come up front and show me her caterpillar.

Show Time !

SOLO EXHIBITION

ARBOR VITAE JAVA & JUICE CAFE

NAPERVILLE, IL

THRU JULY 31, 2008

SPONSORED BY THE NAPERVILLE ART LEAGUE

Nature is my passion and photography is one way to share that passion with others. I'm excited to present a collection of photographs in the Arbor Vitae Java and Juice Cafe' as a member of the Naperville Art League. http://www.napervilleartleague.com/

This show will run from June 6th thru July 31st.

The Cafe' is located in the back part of the Northern Illinois University Naperville Campus. http://www.java-juice/ for info and directions. Or call Java & Juice at 630-577-9090

Try the smoothies, made from real fruit-not a bottle of concentrate! I hear the coffee is excellent too.

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

VISIT MY BOOTH !

SATURDAY JUNE 28 and SUNDAY JUNE 29

10 am till 5 pm

This is a fundraiser to support the continuing effort to preserve this wonderful unspoiled farm and it's land. Exhibitors will include artists and craftsmen working in soapmaking, broom making, woodworking, pottery, painting, folk art, photography, garden art, jewelry, fiber arts and more.

The farm is located on Route 38 in La Fox, Illinois, just a few miles west of Geneva.
Enjoy a day in the country and help support the Farm!

Counts and Lists

It's Spring Migration, Warbler time of the year, and one of the big "list" seasons for many birders. Bird forum members are serious about their lists. Some lists are casual and obviously created from recall..."I counted 4-5"... of a particular bird...well now was it 4 or was it 5? Other lists are more specific, noting for example "I counted 120 pelicans"....how one can accuratley count that number of anything that is flying is a mystery to me. There must be a special formula!


Go on a bird walk and you'll observe more counting and listing activity. Some scratch their list out on a well worn pocket-sized notepad with a stubby pencil; some have little electronic devices that they tap or talk into. Some make check marks in the back of their field guide, and some show no evidence of listing at all until they spew out a number that their count has reached. I admire a memory like that. Last but not least, there is the obsessive counter/lister...the one you hear say "I'm up to 59. I need one more bird." When I hear this I feel just a little guilty that I've not been counting or listing at all. So when I get home I flip thru a checklist, such as one you'd pick up at Volo Bog, and remind myself of what birds I got a good look at. That brings another question to my mind. Just what is the criteria for adding a bird to your list? Do you count- do you list- the Connecticut Warbler that you "know" was there but you didn't exactly see, but you think you heard? It's all just too complex for me.


But these counts, these lists, they are important. Important for the study of, and ultimatley for the conservation of birds...something that can't ever be taken lightly. So we non-counters, non- listers must seriously thank all the listers and counters out there for doing the work for us all.

I do keep track of how many different baby birds that visit my deck.....

I think this one is probably a very young red-winged blackbird.

Chicago Fire Boat

Coming in as a close second to finding and photographing the Pileated Woodpecker (see previous post), a big highlight of our Door County vacation was an excursion aboard the Door County Fireboat.

If you love boats and the water, it is well worth a trip to Sturgeon Bay just to take this cruise. Linda and Randy, the new owners are the best tour guides around, and the boat is amazing. http://www.doorcountyfireboatcruises.com/

The fireboat is just one of many old boats in the bay. I could easily spend hours, days, wandering around these gutsy vessels. Here's another gem.

My main goal for this trip was to be able to photograph the lighthouses "from the water". In spite of some rough waves Captain Linda was able to get us pretty close to Sherwood Point Lighthouse and steadied the boat so well that I was able to get a fairly sharp shot.

This is part of the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Light Station. The history of both the canal itself and the lighthouse is quite interesting.

I'd never make a good "keeper" of a lighthouse, as I am easily distracted by things like this Coast Guard rescue boat gliding thru the chop.

Heading back toward Sturgeon BayShip Canal Pierhead, we passed thru a working shipyard. It was fascinating to see dry-dock operations from this vantage point. I had to wonder if they use mothballs for this boat. And who scrapes the barnacles off the hull?

Back at the starting point, I could only wish that a boat was taking me the 300 miles or so back to Chicagoland!

A Wisconsin Vacation Find

For many, the main draw to Door County is it's special coastline. From sandy beaches to jagged rock cliffs to peaceful harbors, it is a unique location that reminds me, in a representational way, of where I grew up. http://www.cityisland.com/

A future blog will highlight some more of what Door County has to offer.

For now, (Ray in Michigan, this one's for you!), enjoy a look at one of Wisconsin's popular birds, the Pileated Woodpecker.

Windblown Tree Swallow

It was a cool and windy morning but I was determined to try and find some warblers. I headed over to Spring Valley Nature Center in Schaumburg, since I had some shopping to do there. (the price of gas means consolidate trips!)

There were the usual Yellow Rumps and Palms, but not much else. I heard a Black Throated Green, but did not see him.

This puffed up Tree Swallow is testament to the wind and windchill factor.

Hoping for warmer winds as I head up to Door County this weekend!

Waiting For................

An Indigo Bunting crossed my path (literally) yesterday as Kim, Jayne and I were leaving Ryerson Woods after a leisurly 4hr stroll.

I've been waiting to see this guy!!...they're here for such a short time each year, and so beautiful.

Other highlights of our birding day were a good look at a Blue Headed Vireo (a first for me) and good looks at a Northern Waterthrush and Black-Throated Green Warbler. (first of season)

Newbie birder Jayne has a penchant for the spotting the unusual. She gets credit for spotting the Vireo, and I'm reminded of last year when she lowered her binos and asked "what's that orange bird that's not a cardinal?" Yep it was a male Scarlet Tanager. Beginner's luck!?


I still haven't seen the Bunting at my feeders, but I have had other surprises this past week. Visit my Flickr page to see an unusual Grosbeak and an infrequent visitor, European Goldfinch.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/quietnature

They're Heeeeeeere !

Isn't he handsome! My first sighting was yesterday morning, following his "perdeep, perdeep" call. A lone male is here for now, staking out his territory. The female and other pairs will follow soon, and then nest building will begin. I so look foward to seeing the young fluffy babies.

Mr. Oriole is finding a couple of things slightly different this year....notably the two new cats who enjoy the deck. This doesn't stop him from visiting the well-stocked, strategically placed feeders, however.

Last year the Orioles went thru 10 quart jars of grape jelly, so I planned ahead and stocked up. They seem to really go thru the jelly while the babies are being raised. Between the orioles and the red-headed woodpecker I lug home about 20# of oranges a week in order to keep them well fed (or is it well hydrated??)

It's all quite worth it...they are stunning and entertaining birds for the short time they visit.

Have Camera, No Travel

The price of gas is insane, so I decided to spend the morning with the cats and the birds out on the deck instead of wandering off in search of warblers.

Squeek is new at this and mostly just sits under the grill and sways her little head back and forth as the birds flit from feeder to tree and back.

Mama Cat is a little more experienced but also very polite to the birds. The birds don't seem to mind sharing the deck with them at all.

I heard that a Blue Bunting visited my feeders yesterday so I watched and waited, but all I saw in blue was a Jay.

Downeys, Hairys, Red-Headed and Red-Bellied Woodpeckers are frequenting the suet and Sunflower feeders. Woodpeckers in general are my favorite bird to photograph as their behavior is so predictable and animated.

Rain Date

An unpredictable weather day in Chicago usually means unpredictable birding as well, so yesterday was a great day to visit the Art Institute and catch the Homer and Hopper exhibits before they leave Chicago. Both exhibits were incredible and I wish there had been more time to browse them.

Conveniently located next door to the Art Institute is the famed "Bean", which if you haven't seen, you must!!! Due to the rain I only had a point 'n shoot camera with me. I can't wait to go back and photograph this sculpture more seriously.

Earth Day

I had to work most of official "Earth Day", but I was able to celebrate the Saturday before by joining a guided walk thru Burnidge Woods to view early wildflowers in bloom.

Bloodroot (seen here) is not only striking, but has quite a history. The root and leaf emit a red sap which the Native American Indians used as a dye for fabrics, tools and war paint. It was also used medicinally to treat a variety of ailments.

The flower normally only blooms for a single day, so how nice to have seen such a show of them.

Signs of Spring

It's always a sad time for me when the migratory ducks take leave of my little corner of the Fox River. The ever-entertaining Bufflehead, Golden-Eye, Ring Necks and Mergansers have moved on, and now only a couple pair of Wood Ducks are nesting in the area. They're not nearly as much fun to watch, so it's off on field trips to see who else the warm winds are blowing in.

I was happily surprised to see that the first bluebird house I came upon yesterday in Pleasant Valley Preserve was actually inhabited by blue birds! Swallows were competing for space, but the bluebirds were vigilant in claiming their territory with nesting materials.

Despite the fact that the new neighbor cleared several bordering trees, my "usual" backyard birds are courting again...Flickers, Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Chickadees, Downeys...sights and sounds of spring.

Groundhog Day

Amidst a 10" snowfall and predictions of more snow tonight, I'm looking foward to that noteworthy day, Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day.   This day marks the midpoint between the winter and summer solstice and is a reminder that with daylight lasting longer and longer each day, spring is surely on it's way!

OK, so this isn't a genuine groundhog, but doesn't it remind you of one??