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Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

What a pleasant surprise!

Yesterday I found out that a group of folks from Okefenokee NWR would be spending a few days visiting this refuge and surrounding area, and would be staying in the bunk house on the refuge.  Doug, the volunteer coordinator, asked if I thought I would know any of them.  I said I didn’t think so since most of my volunteering has been done west of Mississippi, and Okefenokee is in Georgia.

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Imagine my surprise when three of the eight folks turned out to be people I’ve volunteered with before.  Four years ago, I volunteered with Linda and Jay (on the left) at Anahuac NWR, and last year Katie and her husband, Bruce, volunteered here with me at Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR.  That was such a wonderful surprise.  It was like old home week.  I’ve been interested in volunteering at Okefenokee, so I was able to get the low down on that refuge, and meet the volunteer coordinator.  I’m hoping to corral the volunteer coordinator tomorrow to see if I might be able to go there next winter.  Cool beans!

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Doug and I got all of them into the van and headed out in the drizzle to see if we could find some Mississippi Sandhill Cranes for them to see.  We were very lucky today, and actually saw 26 of these critically endangered species.  There are only around 120 of these birds left on earth, so we saw a large percentage of them.  I’m sure many of you have heard of the plight of the Whooping Cranes, but there are close to 400 of those birds around.  In comparison, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane is even more rare.

66 MS Sandhill Crane NWR 2012

It was an all day tour that included driving and hiking.  We were able to show them the essence of this refuge, and since they were all volunteers and staff from another refuge, they were most receptive to the day.  It’s great to take folks of similar interests out and just enjoy nature.

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See that little head peeking above that enormous nest?  That’s an adult bald eagle sitting on eggs.  That nest is built in the top of a loblolly pine tree on the refuge.  In another month or so, the eggs will hatch.  I’ll be keeping a watch on this nest to report its progress to you.

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Despite the threatening weather, it was a great day to be out and about.  Tonight I’ve got my fingers crossed that I’ll be able to persuade Okefenokee NWR that I would be an asset to their refuge next winter.  I don't know smile  I’ll be heading out with them tomorrow to help with their visit to our sister refuge, Grand Bay NWR. 

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

20 comments:

  1. Sounds like you are one busy lady! Good luck arranging Okefenokee! I am sure yoou would be an asset.

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  2. What a great day! Old friends, seeing the endangered birds, seeing the eagle! Now that will be fun to follow :-)
    We had some sandhill cranes here the year before last, but they didn't come back last year. Probably too much construction...pity.
    Love the header photo too!

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  3. Yoiu would be an asset anywhere you volunteer, and you can tell them that I said that!

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  4. I love the new header photo. I have been reading your blog for a while now, I came over from Janna's blog (she is my cousin). I would like to paint it someday, would it be okay for me to save a copy of it? Thank you.

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  5. Its a small world, so glad you got a chance to connect with old friends.

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  6. Meeting up with old friends is so much fun. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

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  7. You would be a huge plus to any park...You inspire me to learn more about birding...Did not realize the Mississippi Sandhill Cranes were such an endangered species....very sad...How neat it would be for you to explore another place next year...I hope you will let us into your motorhome to ride with you!! /FYI..I spent an full hour outside with camera poised trying to get photos of Orioles here..I AM becoming a bird geek.

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  8. I think Okefenokee would be a fabulous place to work. Best of luck with that. You've made friends far and wide, and it must be fun to meet them unexpectedly.

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  9. Judy,

    With your credentials, you are a shoe-in for that job next year.

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  10. Comment #2. Here in north central Florida I walk past a pair of Sandhill Cranes almost every day. Today I was within 6 feet of them. They are such neat looking birds.

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  11. It will be fun to watch the eagle's nest. Hopefully you will be able to get some pictures of the future babies.

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  12. What fun!!! A special day for all of you I'm sure! And I'll certainly be waiting around for those eggs to hatch! A local guy put a wildlife cam out on his deer carcass and caught eagles on it... in one of his shots there are 10 eagles in view! We are lucky to have so many here and some even stay year round!

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  13. Well, you know how word gets around. I'd bet every refuge in the nation knows about your good work. I wouldn't be surprised if the folks from Okefenokee didn't come over to try to snag you.

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  14. Okefenokee is one of my favorite places on earth. I have paddled many a mile thru that swamp. Love it. I truly hope you are able to spend time there.

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  15. A delight peeking at your blog this morning. As always, very upbeat with great shots.

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  16. Great pictures! Good luck tonight.

    http://bobandjotravelblog.blogspot.com/

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  17. Glad to see you met up with some friends and had a great day. Nice bird shots again.

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  18. Love the picture of the eagle nest! Always a joy to read about your adventures...

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  19. I agree w/ others...you would be the best thing that happened to them...you are not only passionate about the work you are very knowledgeable....they couldnt find anyone better than you, even if the offered a salary.

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  20. Wrote to you about having posting problems. Seems to be an IE problem. I'm doing this with Safari. Why am I not surprised this is due to Microsoft?? ANYWAY..............

    Love that little head peaking out. What fun you'll have watching things happen.
    You are so right. On of the greatest joys is to be out enjoying nature with folks of similar interests.

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