Labor Days begin

Raindrops were falling on the rig a good share of last night and this morning.  I was up early because I had a bird tour to lead at 8:30.  I really didn’t expect anyone to show up for it given the weather, but I was sure wrong.  Noah, a 13 year old young man, had been to the bird festival in Detroit Lakes last month and had volunteered through one of the staff to help me with the bird tour today.  I agreed to let him come along, but wasn’t sure how much help a 13 year old was going to be.  He lives in Fargo, so his dad drove him, and one of his younger brothers came along.

Two other people joined the tour (an hour late), but despite the conditions, things turned out better than I had expected.  We observed a ruffed grouse setting on eggs, and found a pair of cedar waxwings building their nest.  As for Noah, that young lad is a die hard birder in the making.  He’s quick to spot things and is quite knowledgeable about bird songs.  I was impressed.  For one so young, he is years ahead of most bird enthusiasts.  I hope his enthusiasm continues and isn’t dampened by peer pressure.

Remember the eagle’s nest with the young one that I helped all the school groups observe in the last ten days?Well, before the late folks arrived, I took Noah, and company, out to observe it.  Only problem was the nest was gone!  Apparently the high winds and storms of Thursday night knocked down the nest.  That pair of eagles has been using that nest for at least the last seven years.  Now it’s gone.  How sad is that?   I have no idea if the young went down with the nest in the storm or somehow survived.  We did see one adult soaring around, but nothing else. 

After the tour, I took a break to return the refuge van and have lunch before I worked the visitors center this afternoon.  On the short drive back to the rig I had to stop.

With all this rain, the gravel roadsides have softened, and are ideal for easily digging turtle nests.  This big old snapper was hard at work.

Maybe I’m crazy, but the look on this turtle’s face sure looks like the grimace of giving birth to me.    The turtle labor days have begun.

When the rain and wind stops, I’ve got what I think is a very interesting assignment to do.  I’ll let you know what it is and how it goes the next time I see calm sunny skies.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy