MSCNWR - 2-6-22 - 2-12-22

Sunday was a beautiful day.  It was sunny with the temperature in the 50's.  It was a great day for getting outside.  The HQ 5 were in the back yard this morning.  When they walked to east end of the building and started back toward the feeder, Nana and Coco had joined them.  The HQ 5 did a little bit of territorial gestures, so the duo went to their old digging ground at the corner of the savanna near Crane Lane.

Cathy arrived just in time to see the 7 of them.  They were her welcoming committee. Cathy's enthusiasm for nature was a reprieve.  Not only did we have someone to talk to, we had someone who was as enthusiastic about nature, (well almost), as we are.  It is always great to spend time with her. 

Sunday Pics:

Monday was back to work day.  We got the faculty restrooms painted and a few other chores done.  After our walk on the Dees Trail, the inquisitive Interns asked about the vehicle counter.  To make a long story short, they tested it out.  Mystery solved.  A good, hard, jump will be counted on the vehicle statistics.

Monday Pics:

After we we got the touchless paper towel and soap dispensers up in the employee restroom, we went to check on the Eaglets.  We saw an adult Eagle fly from the G1 nest, but no Eaglets.  

We watched both parents come in and feed the Eaglets at the G14 nest.  Those little boogers were hungry. 

 

Tuesday Pics:

Wednesday started out as a hum drum kind of day.  We went looking for the Gannet at the Pascagoula Beach, which we didn't find.  We did a Wally World shopping trip, then made it back to Camp Crane.  We made a run to the post office to mail a couple of Jr. Ranger prizes, then came back and walked the Dees Trail.   The walk along the trail did not prompt any picture taking.

We took a ride in the Kubota to see if there were any Cranes at the Fire Center.  On our way, we saw a couple of Cranes near the HQ Pen.  The inquirers that we are, went up in the Boss Blind to see who was there.  We found the HQ 5 all inside of the acclimation pen.  A short text to Scott, and it was on!!  Scott, the Interns, and Us headed out to the pen and closed the gate.  The rest is history. 

Scott caught Thunder and Lauren caught Squall.   Lauren is now the Crane Wrangler.  I believe he even impressed the Craniac. 

 

We caught and released both Cranes in 4 minutes after shutting the gate.   As Scott said, it was slick as snot.

Wednesday Pics:

Thursday we got our washing done while walking around enjoying the views at Crane Lane, the Fire Center, and the Dees Trail.  Nothing real exciting, except, being outside on a spring like day in February.

We went to the Fontainebleau Trail, picked up a little bit of trash, and dismantled the pedestrian counter.to work on it at HQ. Looks like someone has been trying to get the counter off of the tree.  Hmm!!

We took the short cut home and found the Crane Circus in full flight.  As we were taking pictures of Nana and Coco and their buds, there was a ruckus of Crane flight behind them.  We counted at least 16 Cranes in the North Valentine Savanna.  Sweet!! 

We got back and had a wonderful campfire.  It sure is nice to finally have a Spring day in the Winter in South Mississippi.

Thursday Pics:

RH 20 was standing tall out in the savanna with the HQ 5 Friday morning when we left heading to Sams. 

 

We took the scenic route back to camp, driving along the beach looking at the shorebirds.  Love is in the air, (or on the sidewalk), for the Rock Pigeons.

We got a little bit of work done, then strolled the Dees Trail.

We checked on the Rock Hill nest, we found mom, but not the nest.  They must have smartened up and moved it away from the road.

While we were sitting around the campfire this afternoon we heard the Cranes.  RH 20 and the HQ 5 strolled through the Toothache Grass to the feeder. 

 

Friday Pics:

We got our 2 1/2 mile walk in Saturday morning getting a few pics along the way.

After lunch, we got our Eaglet fix in.  One of the parents was feeding both of them.  They have grown a bunch in just a few days.

  

We saw a few more cool critters before heading to the Crane Circus. 

 

4 Cranes flew as we neared Browns Trail Crop Unit, then 9 more flew, then some more flew, etc.  The Crane Circus continues.  They were not as photogenic as usual, flying to the tree line before we could get their picture.

On the other hand, a Great Egret, a Bald Eagle, and a Belted Kingfisher posed for their pictures at Valentine Pond.

We got back to camp and relaxed by the campfire for the rest of the evening.  

Saturday Pics:

MSCNWR - 1-30-22 - 2-5-22

Sunday morning we heard the elusive call of 8 Cranes outside of the acclimation pen.  A great way to start the day.

We were leisurely watching for an Eaglet head to pop up at the G15 nest, when we got a call about an injured Crane.  Lauren, Hefan, and I, got the Crane in a crate and brought him to HQ.  Scott and Hefan took him to Audubon for veterinary care.  It sure did break all our hearts.

We went back to the South Gautier Unit to check on the Eagle nest.  When we entered the unit, 4 Immature Eagles and 5 Cranes were at the Firetower Pond.  The Cranes were watching the Eagles as they flew above the pond calling.  They looked like they enjoyed the show as much as we did.

One of the Eagles did a somersault with a stick.  We are not sure if it just got his talon caught while flying or if it was intentional.  Either way, it was very amusing to watch.

When we got to the nest, an Immature Eagle landed in a nearby tree in the savanna.  The parent Eagle was not happy, calling and watching it. 

 

We on the other hand, were very happy when we saw not one, but two Eaglet heads.  

We watched the Eagle feeding herself and her youngsters until Daddy came in with a fish.  Mom was off in a flash, leaving him to the nesting duties.

The excitement continued at the North Gautier Unit.  There were over 20 Cranes flying, landing, and calling.  The Circus of Cranes continues.

On a very sad note, Truffle, the injured Crane, was unable to succumb from his injuries.  He leaves behind his mate Milhouse, his 2021 twins, numerous other fledglings from years past, and a bunch of sad humans.  R.I.P. Truffle.

                                                          Truffle and Milhouse

Sunday Pics:

Lauren went chasing the sunrise while I slept in on this beautiful Monday morning.

We got a lot of walking in today.  We walked the Dees Trail and Crane Lane.  The walking continued at Camp Crane, pushing the Billy Goat blowing off the leaves. 

We heard a commotion going on this afternoon, and found Quick Sand on top of the acclimation pen.  His 4 cohorts were watching him.  He had both legs through the net and was sprawled out on top of the net.  He managed to get his legs out and bounced around on top of the net for a bit then flew off of it.  The Crazy Crane week continues.

As we were sitting around our campfire, we heard another Crane commotion going on.  The HQ 5 flew right over the camper then circled back to the savanna.  Tsunami decided to join RH20 at the feeder while the guys stayed in the savanna.  It never gets boring around here.

Monday Pics:

Tuesday was a laid back kind of day.  We went shopping this morning, then did a few chores at the VC this afternoon.  The HQ 5 delayed our plans for finishing the blind and replacing their water in the trough.  They finally decided to leave and we got our work done.  We never dreamed when we started volunteering here, that we would be working around the Crane's schedule.  The sightings of Cranes at HQ were very rare.

We got our fill of the howling wind at Camp Crane, enjoying a few birds, especially the Pileated Woodpecker that was in the top of the dead tree. 

 

Tuesday Pics:

Wednesday we inventoried the Jr. Duck Stamp then headed to Crossroads on this rainy day.  What we thought we were getting in the mail was not there.  It arrived by Fed-ex about the time we returned to Camp Crane.  Oh well, we will have another road trip tomorrow.

Thursday morning, we were homeward bound hoping to avoid the rain.  When we got home, the bottom fell out.  We tried to wait for the rain bands to go on, but finally decided it was not going to happen.  A few miles of driving east and we were out of the downpours.

When we returned, a Gray Ghost was hunting in the back yard of HQ.  He was successful, flying off with his catch in his talons.

Ferny Kat was ready for some outdoor time.  After she went inside, we walked around a bit. The HQ 5 and the Blue Crew were feasting at the HQ feeder. 

 

Ferny Kat stayed outside for hours after we returned to Camp Crane.  While we were all enjoying the no rain scenario, we saw a lot of birds at the feeder and in the trees.  A couple of Robins perched in the dead tree.  They are making frequent appearances. 

 

An almost mature Eagle flew around the bayou several times today.   It sure is nice to hear the Eagle chirps from the comfort of our Camp Crane chairs. 

Thursday Pics:

Friday was a rainy, dreary, cold day.  The HQ 5 were on an adventure today.  Madison got a video of them walking single file on the Dees Trail.  We saw them at the cut through near the Bunkhouse.  Then we heard them call as they flew from Camp Crane.  We wished we would have been home for that.

We labeled a few 0f the drawers and cabinets at the VC and prepped the employee restrooms for a paint job.  The HQ 5 made their appearance at the feeder while we were getting our work done.

Friday Pics:

We don't move fast early in the morning without a purpose, especially when it is a windy morning with the temps in the 30's.  Saturday we had a purpose.  We layered up and went to Grand Bay NERR for a sparrow sweep.  It was definitely worth getting up and moving early.

As we were leaving Camp Crane, the HQ 5 were foraging at the backyard feeder.  They decided to take flight as we were admiring their beauty.

The ride across the Pascagoula River was not disappointing.  We saw lots of White & Brown Pelicans, several different species of Egrets, Sea Gulls, White Ibis,  and a few Roseate Spoonbills.  A spectacular ride on I10,  just not a great place for photography.

Dr. Mark Woodrey and the staff of NERR were awesome.  We got to see 4 Gorgeous Henslow's Sparrows and one pretty Sedge Wren. Another awesome experience.

 

While we were walking in the savanna, we watched a Bald Eagle resting in one of the Osprey nest.

We got a quick bite to eat then headed for an Eaglet fix.  Both parents made an appearance at the nest, along with one of the Eaglets, and a couple of Immature that the White Head was chasing off. 

 

We made a quick check on the Crane Circus at the North Gautier Unit, seeing over 20 Cranes, and our favs, Nana and Coco with Valentine pond in the background.

The HQ 5 were back at HQ when we returned.  We have had our Henslow's, Eagle, and Crane fix for the day!

Saturday Pics: