Flying over the marsh

Hunters were out on the marsh plunking away at waterfowl this morning, so Stephanie and I had to wait until noon to head over to the East Unit to do the salinity tests.  We didn't want them plunking away at two good looking chicks flying over the marsh! ;)

We headed south almost to the Intracoastal Waterway that is a shipping channel that runs all along the coast.  After unhooking the rope and chain, Stephanie quickly backed up the truck and trailer towards the channel and then slammed on the brakes.  The result....the boat slid off the trailer into the channel.  What a neat way to offload a boat.

Once we were both loaded, with Steph in front and me behind, we headed out over the "sea of grass."  The marsh is brown now since it's winter, but by March it will be a lush green.  Coots, sparrows, and pelicans took flight upon our approach.

Once we left the channel, I don't know how Stephanie knew where she was going.  This rear view gives you an idea of the mix of water and marsh grasses that cover 40,000 protected acres in the refuge.

We had five test sites to visit in this vast area.  When she miraculously arrived at the first site, I hopped down off of my perch to the bottom of the boat to do the testing.

I thought this was an interesting pattern looking through, under the seats.  That's the bridge to High Island in the distance.  It has to be high enough to allow all sorts of barges under it as they make their way coming or going to Galveston along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Here's my trusty pilot, Stephanie.  I hope you notice the life jacket and ear muffs.  The engine that propels the huge fan in back is very loud.  Ear plugs and muffs are a must!  Stephanie steers this boat with just a stick and gas pedal.  In order to get to these locations, we had to "jump" over two dikes.  That is very eerie.  Being an air boat, as long as we have enough momentum, we can just blast our way up and over the dikes.  The eerie part for me is the fast approach to the land where we don't slam into it, but buzz right over it.  She's a good driver, thank goodness!

At each of the five stops, I'd throw the probe over the side to get a reading.  Stephanie would slowly drive the boat around in a tight circle so that we weren't dragging the probe through the water, but getting the needed reading from an exact location.

All too soon, for me, we were done with the testing.  I climbed back up into my perch, and away we went back toward the landing area.  It's been three years since I've been out on the marsh in an air boat, so I really enjoyed this trip.  The last time I went out with the biologist and he gave me quite a tour.  It was at the very end of April; the marsh was vibrant green and thousands of birds rose into the sky in front of us.  I marveled at all the rails, black-necked stilts, and even short-eared owls that we kicked up. It was alive with life. It was interesting to me to note the contrast with the more dormant marsh of winter.

At one point on the way back, Steph slowed down to methodically ride over a different looking patch of vegetation.  We went back and forth over it several times, knocking it all down.  It turns out that this was a patch of cane.  Stephanie documented the GPS location of the patch.  I learned that cane is not a good thing to have in the marsh....an invasive species.  That patch and its roots will have to be ripped out by hand soon so it doesn't grow.

When we got back to the launch site, Stephanie dropped me off on shore so I could back the truck and trailer up closer to the channel.  You can see that my seat on the boat is quite a perch offering fantastic views!

If I thought getting the boat launched was easy, getting it loaded was just as easy.  Stephanie just lined it up, gunned the engine, and blasted it up onto the trailer without us ever having to get the trailer tires wet.  Pretty slick, huh?

What a good time I had today, and what a good way to help wrap up my volunteer time at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge!  I still have two days left to work, but this experience I'll remember for sure.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

Almost like family

Sometimes I am asked why I mainly volunteer at National Wildlife Refuges.  There are a number of reasons.  I love wildlife, and where better to see and find such life than by living on a refuge?  My volunteer work usually involves a variety of experiences.  While doing bird counts and tours is my favorite, I also get to interact with the public in the visitor centers, and work with our youth that attend refuge education programs.  There hasn't been a refuge yet where I haven't learned something new.  Learning keeps the mind pliable and is very important to me in my selection of volunteer locations.  Air boat activities, pelican banding, marsh restoration, bears, alligators, wolves, and ocelots are the icing on the cake!  BUT....the most important reason to me is that volunteering on National Wildlife Refuges is like coming home and being with family.

Today was a good example of the thoughtfulness and care that I have been shown at our refuges.  This morning, I received an email from my sister that suggested it would be wise for me to journey to Chicago in the very near future.  My mother's condition is deteriorating quickly, and my sister feels her passing is not too far off.  I knew this was coming, but didn't think so soon. 

That got me thinking of my options.  I decided I didn't want to leave the rig here at Anahuac NWR because of the rodent problem.  Having an empty rig for a week or so would be a disaster.  So I gave a call to my next location, Balcones Canyonlands NWR, and asked if they had a site available for my early arrival and explained how I would have to quickly leave for an unspecified amount of time. 

They assured me that a site would be ready for me at the beginning of next week (as I had requested).  What a relief that was!  Then I called the vet I had visited in Lago Vista last year to see if they had a kennel.  They did and said they could be flexible with Emma's arrival and departure dates.  One more detail worked out.

In the meantime, Anahuac offered their sympathy and told me not to worry about having to bale out two weeks early.

This afternoon, I got an email from Rob Iski, the volunteer coordinator, at Balcones stating that not only would the site be available while I travel to Chicago, but that they do not expect me to put in any hours for the time I am set up there before, during or after my sad journey.  In fact, they said I could take all the time I needed once I returned to rest and recuperate.  Now I ask you, how thoughtful is that?  Like I said....just like family.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

Tuesday is chore day

Yep, once a week I try to cram all my chores into one day.  Today was the day.  I threw a load of laundry into the washer as I headed out for groceries.  I decided to drive to Beaumont, TX, today to the HEB store.  The two big grocery chains in this neck of the woods are Kroger and HEB.  I like HEB.  The Market Basket store in Winnie is a lot closer, but they just don't have the selection that HEB does, and their prices are higher.  I filled my three re-usable bags to the brim, so I'm set for a while.  I also like HEB because today I could buy two nice pork chops instead of a family sized package.  I don't have room for six pork chops in the little freezer compartment if I want to have a variety of frozen protein.

Next was the hardware store in Winnie.  I wanted to replace the nozzle on my kitchen faucet.  For almost five years I've had one of those swivel things where you have a choice of a steady flow or a spray.  I almost exclusively use the spray, but lately when I turn on the water, it sprays all over the counter.  I've tried cleaning it, but to no avail.  When I got home, I replaced the old one so now I won't have to wear a raincoat when I do the dishes.  ;)

About the only exciting thing that happened today was when Stephanie stopped over at the RV pads this afternoon.  She wanted to let me know that we would be doing some more salinity tests on Thursday or Friday.  The exciting part is that the water control structures where we will be testing can not be reached by car.  We'll be taking the air boat to cruise over the marsh.  A ride through the marsh on an air boat is one of my favorite things.  Yahoo!!!

Do any of you remember the TV mini-series from the 70's called Centennial?  It was based on a book of the same name by Michener.  I enjoyed when it first aired, and decided to watch it again using my Netflix account.  I've finished with five disks so far and am waiting for the last disk to arrive.  There were so many big name stars in this mini-series.  I'm really enjoying it.  Remember Clay Basket, Pasquinal, Levi Zendt, Brumbaugh, and the others?  What a great story.  It's no wonder that it was recommended by the National Education Association.

Maybe tomorrow for excitement I'll clean the community building, or start the massive laminating job that is awaiting me. LOL

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

THEY'RE BACK!!

After about five rodent free days, I added two mice to the ongoing body count.  It's now up to nineteen!  I found one victim under the frig in a snap trap, and the other was caught in the glue trap that I placed inside the motorhome motor.  The glue trap placed in the motor had slipped to the ground once the mouse was stuck.  Emma found that one more than interesting, as it's tail was still swishing around.  I put it out of it's misery and deposited it in the outside garbage can.  I was hoping the warmer temperatures would keep the mice in the fields, but I guess not.

After a long walk with Emma down FR1985, dodging the speeding trucks, I spent the rest of the day just relaxing.  In the afternoon, I got a call from the nursing home where my mother lives.  They were unable to contact my brother, who lives close by, so they called me to let me know that the doctor felt we should begin hospice services for her.  She was not having a good day; increased blood pressure and trouble breathing.  She is on a DNR order, and the prognosis is not good.  Eventually, I spoke to both of my brothers.  It is hard for all of us.

Last night's sunset was pretty nice for Anahuac.

This was the view out the window beside my table.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

A "wild" Sunday on the refuge.

Well, it was time once again to do the salinity tests and the bird survey of Shoveler Pond.  The predicted fog did not materialize, so I headed out around 9:30.  As I passed the VIS on the way to Frozen Point, I noticed that it wasn't open.  Mark, a local volunteer, was supposed to be on duty today, but didn't show up.  I almost felt a little guilty about ignoring the VIS to do my survey....almost. 

Because of three days of rain, the journey through the mud to the first salinity test was a pretty sucking experience.  :)  I haven't lost a rubber boot yet, but I came close this morning.  Just as I was about to step up on the cement water flow regulator, a black-crowned night heron took off from the inside of the spillway.  That made my heart skip a beat.  I'm sure I startled him as much as he did me.

After finishing up at that location, I headed about three miles back to the launch location.  That part of the drive is through a sea of marsh grasses.  There are only a couple of trees, and they are located next to the gravel road. 

Sitting in one of those trees was a juvenile (one year old) Peregrine Falcon!  I quickly came to a stop and grabbed my camera.  It's not often you get to see a Peregrine sitting still.  I was able to only get off two quick shots before this youngster was on his way.  Peregrine falcons are considered the fastest birds and their flight can reach speeds of 70 mph when they are in a stoop.  They normally fly high looking for birds to eat.  When they see prey, they fold their wings and drop (stoop) out of the sky to catch their prey on the wing.  Their common name used to be duck hawk.  I know this falcon is one year old because of two things.  First, he/she is brown in color.  By this time next year, he/she will be slate gray and black.  Also, the streaking on it's breast is vertical.  Adult Peregrines have horizontal streaking.  I think Peregrine Falcons may still be on the endangered species list, but they have made a remarkable recovery thanks to the outlawing of DDT and from the hacking of young birds hatched in captivity.  Naturally, these falcons nest on cliff faces, but have adapted to nesting on tall urban buildings.  Many larger cities have web-cams focused on breading pairs nesting on their skyscrapers.  In cities, they help keep the pigeon population under control.  I bet you didn't think you were going to get an ornithology lesson today, did you? 

I was feeling pretty good by the time I reached the next test site.  As I dropped the salinity probe into the water, I glanced down the bayou and was thrilled to see a river otter's head staring at me.  In a few seconds, it dropped below the surface and was gone.  I generally take three samples at each stop and average the scores.  As I finished the second sample, the otter surfaced further down the bayou and then proceeded to swim toward me.  It came to within twenty feet of where I was standing before it rolled sleekly over and disappeared.  I'm happy to see the return of the otters after the devastation of Ike.

Testing done, I headed to Shoveler Pond for the bird survey.  This two and a half mile survey usually takes me about two hours to do, and today was no exception. 

There were a nice variety of birds today, and because of the warmer temperatures and sunny skies...

this fellow came out to sunbathe.  All that tan color on him is due to his wallowing in the mud during cold temperatures.  I think this is probably the same gator I took a picture of a few weeks ago.  He seems to hang out just before you get to the marsh board walk.

I was also happy to see this much smaller alligator enjoying the pond.  This one was only about three feet long as compared to the larger eight foot mud encrusted alligator.

So, as usual, the testing and surveying made my day.  I hope to survey some other areas of the refuge tomorrow since the great weather is supposed to continue.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

A ho-hum day in the VIS

It was rainy, cold, and windy all day so it was no surprise that few people came to visit the refuge.  I only had seven people stop in and had no sales.  I couldn't even persuade people to have a cup of the free coffee.

About the only good news came while I spoke to one of the ranchers in the area.  He has been very busy still cleaning up debris from the hurricane in his fields that border the refuge.  The other day he noticed that the vermilion flycatcher had shown up near where he was working.  I was afraid that the bird had succumbed to the frigid temperatures, but it appears that he just moved a couple miles down the road.

All of this miserable weather is supposed to move out over night, so I'm hoping to have a good day for the salinity tests and bird surveys tomorrow.  I'm fixing tacos tonight, so I'd better get busy.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy

Two rainy day jobs finished.

Stephanie and I met all morning finishing up the education program planning for grades K-5.  Since just about all materials for the previous K-4 programs were lost in the hurricane, it was a good time to revamp those programs and add a fifth grade program.  All but the fourth grade program have been changed to stations.  That means small groups of students will move every 15 minutes along six different learning stations.  In the past, the volunteer teachers had one group of students for an hour and a half and had to cover all parts of the curriculum.  It was exhausting, to say the least.  I have taught both ways, and suggested to Steph last fall that it would be easier on her volunteers to switch to a station approach.  We've ironed out most of the wrinkles, so now it remains for her to order all the new supplies and equipment.

The elementary schools within 50 miles of the refuge have really taken advantage of the education programs on the refuge in the past.  Once April arrives, there are usually over 100 students/day four days/week coming for an educational field trip.  There were no programs last year due to the hurricane, and truthfully, there may not be many this year either.  There are two reasons for this.  First, there is the very likely possibility that this spring will begin the construction of the new visitor's center in the area where the outdoor classes are held.  Secondly, Stephanie has not had a good response to a call for RV volunteers for this coming spring.  There are some local volunteers, but the RV volunteers are the backbone of the education programs.

After I headed back to the rig for lunch and to exercise Emma, I started on another project that I could do in my rig.

  Yesterday, I borrowed this Dremel engraver from the Fire Crew.  My mission....engraving "VOL" (for volunteer)

onto every piece of the socket set, wrenches, and all the tools in the blue bag.  There were over 100 pieces that needed engraving.  I had no idea the Dremel tool would be so noisy.  It was also a challenge to hold it steady while engraving all those curved surfaces of the sockets.  But, I'm happy to report that the job is finished!  Tomorrow I'll return all these tools to the community building where they will be available for volunteers to use on various projects.  I guess I can now add dremel tool operator to my resume.  :)

Well, that's the report for tonight....except to mention I had to really step on the brakes on the way back from the office this noon.  A not brimmingly healthy opossum decided to slowly lumber across the road during the middle of the day right in front of me.  In my opinion, opossums are not the most gorgeous of creatures on this planet, and this poor fellow or gal was looking pretty bedraggled.  After stopping, I wished him/her well as I continued home.

Thanks for stopping by....talk to you later,  Judy