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Borrego Springs, CA

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The rest of the story…

Tonight I’m continuing the rest of the day we spent on the western side of the refuge yesterday.  After visiting Billy’s Island, we back tracked a bit to find the passage to Minnie Lake.

IMG_2233Along the way, we noticed the first blooms of the water irises.  In a week or so, the swamp on this side will be blessed with their vibrant blue/purple color all along the canoe trails.  There never seems to be a month that goes by that doesn’t have some flowers blooming.

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Even though it was a Tuesday morning, we did pass a few folks out enjoying the solitude in their canoes and kayaks.  Though chilly and windy, it was a great day for being out and about on the swamp.

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Shortly before the cutoff for Minnie Lake, Kathy noticed an American bittern skulking in the dried grasses and reeds along the edge of the trail.  I’m sure glad she spotted this secretive bird so we could turn around to get some pictures of it.

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As we approached, it apparently noticed us and went into it’s defensive mode.  The idea behind this behavior is that no one will see it if it stretches its neck out skyward to look like the dried reeds.  “Now you can’t see me!”  We cruised back and forth for a bit, and I was thrilled to get quite a few pictures.  I’ll sprinkle them out in future posts.

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We stopped at the Minnie Lake shelter for lunch and a much needed potty break.  Interestingly, it was much colder up on the shelter than it was in the boat on the water.  Even so, what a magnificent place to savor a picnic lunch!  A red-shouldered hawk went screaming overhead, and the shrubs along the trail were bubbling with warblers. 

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I looked for the turtle we had freed from the fish hook a few weeks ago, but it was nowhere to be seen.  It may have been cold, but the yellow-bellied sliders were out catching rays where ever they could.  Our return trip to the dock was slow and easy going.

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We chuckled at all the alligators that were draped along fallen trees.  I think these survivors from the dinosaur age must have not become extinct because of their laid back lifestyle.  Just flop yourself out in the sun somewhere and meditate, and occasionally grab a bite to eat.  Reminds me of some retired RVers I know. Winking smile

Today, Jack and I headed for Kingsland so he could gas up his one ton dually truck, and I could do my grocery shopping.  He will depart for Indiana in the morning, and plans to be there by Sunday.  Safe travels my friend!  Upon my return to the rig, I dashed to the VC to do the phone interview for Tamarac NWR.  I thought it went well, but then I always do.  I should know by Friday if I’m heading for a summer in the north woods of Minnesota.  If I get that position, Jack will probably visit again sometime in May for our next episode of adventures.

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

17 comments:

  1. I am not sure how you could NOT be accepted in MN....Good luck..I like Jack..(did I just say that a few blog ago?)

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  2. Any chance you might come this way one season? The World Birding Center is right next door and it would be great to spend time with you. Besides, there's all these birds that I have no idea what they are and I could use some education!

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  3. You got such good photos of the American bittern. It's so amazing how he camouflages himself. Most of us would have never even seen him. You just gotta love the gator on the log!

    I have enjoyed Jack's visit too...I agree with Donna.....I like him too!

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  4. Good luck on Tamarac. Surely those people are smart enough to know what a jewel they will get, if they take you. I might have to pop in and visit you if you are still there in September. You are very close to the path I'll take to get to the Boundary Waters for the second week in September.

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  5. The native Iris are pretty enough to put a "spring" into anyone's step!

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  6. That gator just knows how to enjoy the good life.

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  7. Miss Judy, thanks again for the great time spent together. You keep showing me a side of nature I never thought about.
    It would be great if you could get all of your followers together for a week and put on classes on what you do best.

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  8. The bittern is perfectly camouflaged. Too bad I didn't get the job I applied for at Voyageurs, and we would both have been spending the summer in Minnesota.

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  9. I love Jack's idea. I'd be the first to sign up! Bet it would take longer than a week... hmmmm... birds, photography, botany... etc etc etc.... yep! a lot longer than a week!

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  10. With the Winter we have had (are still having) this year, I could really adopt the alligator lifestyle for a week . . . maybe two or three!

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  11. What great pictures of the skulking. I don't think I would have see him in all that reed.

    What a wonderful adventure with Jack. I had to laugh at your comment about the alligators and RVers. True...so true.

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  12. Are you saying I could be the ancestor of an alligator??

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  13. Just make sure when you head up to MN you don't take any stowaway gators with you...

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  14. Wouldn't that be fun Jack? All 332 of us (!) together wearing T-Shirts saying: " we 'heart' Judy, the Birdlady of Blogland" :)
    What is that gator grinning about? Looking at his next meal?

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  15. That bittern reminded me of a Roadrunner...are they related perhaps?...As for being like that gator, well...yep, that would be me...laying in the sun, legs draped over my chair, waiting for my cocktail hour and next meal...I never realized it, but the alligator and I have lots in common...except that my "ensembles" are better than scales.

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