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Borrego Springs, CA

Thursday, May 8, 2014

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.  Winking smile

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

26 comments:

  1. I am so happy to watch birds with you....then at least I will know what I am looking at :) Guess it is time for a visit to see my resident swans and figure out where they will be nesting. Glad you were able to out run your wind.

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  2. Lovely, beautiful photos of your summer home. What a fantastic place to spend your days surrounded by nature! I will never forget seeing my first Trumpeter Swan!

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  3. we saw a guy mowing here at Harris Beach yesterday on a very big rather scary looking John Deere. It had some kind of wide swath cutter that could mow the uneven ditches. wondering if that is what you get to use. I remember you talking about it last year but don't remember a photo of the beast.

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  4. From the looks of the weather reports you just made it ahead of some bad storms. Rain is nothing to compare!

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  5. The birds must just love it when you come around:)

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  6. Looks like a wonderful place to spend the summer. Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

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  7. The picture of the trumpeter swan is beautiful!
    The orioles will be very happy!

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  8. Glad to hear you are ready to open the Orange Cafe. And glad you got to this destination safely. I look forward to many interesting and well illustrated blogs.

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  9. Maybe if you gave the boss the receipt for the boots, he might be able to get you a reimbursement.

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  10. It's so nice to see you settled in to such a beautiful place. The birds must be thrilled to have you back, too, or maybe they just like your café. I'd bet the John Deere is happy you're back, too. After handling your Class A MH with toad, driving the tractor around is child's play, and I'm sure you'll baby it. :cD

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  11. I'm with Jack, submit that receipt.... What could it hurt, the worst they could say is No... The Forrest Service has a very loyal volunteer..... They need to help you with the cost of your job.....

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  12. Here's another vote for submitting the receipt ... they do say ask and ye shall receive.

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  13. I'm looking forward to seeing some great oriole pictures.

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  14. Welcome back to Minniesoda! I'll look forward to meeting you when your work permits it, or when it stops raining, or when I get my work done.

    Cheers,
    Jo

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  15. Your settling in well and all your chores are out of the way.

    If you have a chance can you stop by my blog, have a bird I can't Id. Thanks

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  16. I saw an Oriole on Wednesday he was at the suet feeder..just one and I put out my jelly and an orange...any day now they should show up:)

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  17. I am sure the birds are happy to see you return! It is fun to watch Orioles go after that grape jelly.

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  18. The first orioles showed up here in Wisconsin this week. I'm sure you'll be seeing them soon.

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  19. Even dismal days are beautiful... your photos are proof of that. Looking forward to all those bird pictures.

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  20. Great pictures of the swan. Did you really get your oriole feeder at walmart? I love that you are in one place long enough to have a cafe and enjoy the birds. It's one of the things I miss the most about being on the road. Even two weeks seems unfair to feed them and leave. Hope we'll be getting up there to see you FINALLY. MN is on our route.

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  21. What a beautiful place even in the cold and rain. I haven't seen orioles here yet but I bet they're around. Hummrs too. Need to get the feeders out. Glad you're there safe and sound.

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  22. Yes, the orioles are on their way. They stopped here and tanked up on our bottlebrush bush....

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    1. Oh: here being just outside of Baton Rouge, Louisiana....

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  23. I sure do wish I was there at Tamarac, and it's good to see the pictures.

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  24. I agree with the rest, submit the receipt all they can do is say no. then you just save it and take off your taxes as work related expense.
    one of the many things I miss about no longer having our pond is the birds that called it home, especially the red winged blackbirds, they have always been one of my favorites

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  25. What a great place to park for a while.

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