The Easter Bunny came by for a visit this morning.
We packed some snacks and went to the Ocean Springs Unit of the refuge. We saw plenty of critters and pretty plants, but no Mississippi Sandhill Cranes.
We grilled ribs and ate an early dinner, then headed out to the savanna to do some Pileated Woodpecker watching. Our Woodpecker watching was delayed while we waited for the Free Birds to leave our drive way.
The Free Birds finally walked into the savanna behind headquarters. We took the long way around to the woodpecker nest, making sure we didn't disturb the cranes. We got comfortable in our chairs in the deep grass and looked up to see the Free Birds within a few yards of us. They put on quite a show, dancing and calling. They either did not see us, or did not care that we were so near to them.
When they decided to fly away, Coconut went toward HQ, and Banana and Crabapple went to the fire lane. Last we saw, Coconut had joined them in the fire lane.
The only Pileated Woodpecker we saw was in a tree along our driveway as we were walking back to the camper.
Monday
We had planned to go to Island View to play our free play today. Anita decided the same thing, only she got us a room. Another great time was had by all.
We walked to Jones Park right before sunset. There were lots of people fishing late afternoon and the usual shore birds.
Tuesday
We walked the CL Dees Trail and rearranged plant markers after we returned from our overnight excursion.
Wednesday
The Free Birds woke me up at 6:10 am calling. We spent the day hanging around camp, walking around, and watching the birds at the feeders. We had a striking new visitor today, a Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
The Free Birds were foraging at HQ right before dark.
Thursday
We got out ahead of the rain and walked the CL Dees Trail. We saw our very first Bobolink, a gorgeous migratory bird. We spent most of the day getting a few chores done.
Friday
We worked the VC, pulled weeds from the flower bed, and rearranged plant signs. After we closed, Jeff went with us to the South Gautier Unit for what was supposed to be about an hour to get pictures of the savanna recovery that was burned on February 1st.
We were greeted with 5 Eagles flying around at Firetower pond.
One of the Eagle twins was sitting in the Firetower nest.with one of their parents nearby.
BB was on a limb close to Beasley Road.
We flushed the Sandhill Crane from the nest on Beasley Pond, revealing the 2 eggs sitting on top. This is the nest of the Unbanded male that fought with another male named Clarabelle a few weeks ago. Clarabelle lost the fight, and the Unbanded has claimed his mate and territory. He and his mate are getting help from Aunt Alice, (another female), tending to their nest.
The hour trip was more like 2 hours. We saw 5 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, 10 Eagles, a Turkey, several other birds, a water snake, and a bunch of beautiful plants.
When we returned, the Fox Squirrel hung around for a few pics on Crane Lane.
The Free Birds were at HQ foraging right before roost time.
Saturday
We had a 10 am tour with 5 tourist. It was another great tour.
We saw 9 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons, Orchard Orioles, Great Egrets, Eastern King-birds, Great Crested Flycatchers, Brown-headed Cow Birds, Cattle Egrets, a Red-tailed Hawk with a snake in his talons, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, a Black Racer, Canada Geese and their gosling,
We packed up after work and headed to Crossroads.
Week of pictures:
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