Settling in

I’m sure glad I pulled in here yesterday when I did, because the weather has been crappola since…overcast, chilly, and rainy.  That made today a good day to take care of my long to-do list.  I headed for Detroit Lakes on a mission.

First up was getting a hair cut.  I did that at Wal-Mart.  I’m not a big Wal-Mart shopper, as I prefer to support local businesses, but sometimes I have no choice.  Next up was L & M Fleet Supply for a new pair of steel toed boots.  The pair of boots that the refuge paid for last year were just too big, and I always felt like I was going to trip and fall.  I found a pair that was just my size, and bit the bullet to buy them for my John Deere mowing assignments this summer.  I think the refuge would have bought a new pair for me this year, but there was only one pair in my size and I didn’t want to take the chance they would be gone in the next couple of weeks. 

I was also there to buy my favorite type of oriole feeder.  A nasty raccoon demolished the one I had toward the end of my last stay here.  I wanted the type that held the nectar mixture, but also had a place for an orange half and four places to put grape jelly.  The orioles aren’t here yet, but I’ll be prepared for their arrival.

I also stopped at the only grocery store in town (the one the guy with three teeth recommended yesterday) to replenish my larder.  By the time I finished all my errands, the skies opened up and the rain came down.  I took my time driving home and saw my first trumpeter swan of the season on the refuge.  I do believe she is sitting on eggs.  How nice that I’ve found a place to easily monitor how this nesting proceeds.

The rain was really coming down as I neared home, so I took a little drive on the refuge to see what I could.  I really didn’t want to unload all my plunder in the pouring rain.  I came upon some ring-necked ducks in one of the lakes.  There were two males, and one female.  I guess she hasn’t decided who’s the most attractive yet.

You can see from this view along the Otter Tail River what a dismal day it was.  However, I sure enjoyed it more than one of the campgrounds I stayed in along my journey here. 

Emma and I had a chance to sit outside this evening for a little while, and I’m happy to report that the birds have already discovered my feeder.  In less than 24 hours, I’ve had red-winged blackbirds, brown-headed cowbirds, American goldfinches, chipping sparrows, song sparrows, common grackles, and beautiful male rose-breasted grosbeaks come to the Hard Rock Bird Café.  A yellow-rumped warbler even hopped around in front of us.

The winds are supposed to be out of the south by Sunday, so I’ll be getting those oriole feeders ready tomorrow.  From what I’ve read about upper level winds that are conducive to bird migration, those orioles could be arriving before Sunday or Monday.  When you run a café, you have to be prepared. 

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy