1-5-20 to 1-11-20 Volunteer Gig II

Sunday, we had a special request for a birding tour on the refuge for a family of 3.  We are intrigued by the knowledge of this expert birder.  She not only identified birds that she visualized but identified them by sound.

The eagle at the Ben Williams crop unit was sitting on the nest with her pretty white head shining in the sun.  The eagle near the Beasley Crop Unit was actively moving around in her nest.  Maybe there is a baby hatched.

Judy and Terry made it back to Camp Crane from their Florida trek before dark.  The co-volunteers at Camp Crane enjoyed a campfire for a little while before the temperatures dropped.

Monday, we had a 10 am tour with 8 tourist and had 25 Sandhill Crane sightings.  After the tour we hiked the overgrown Escatawpa Trail.

Tuesday, we hiked the Dees Trail, washed some clothes, and had delicious craw fish nachos at the Ole Fillin Station.  We looked for a Vermillion Flycatcher in the area that must have been hiding from the cold north wind.

Wednesday, we had a record breaking Crane Whisperer Tour.  We had 6 tourist and had 51 Sandhill Crane sightings.  We saw several other bird species and lots of deer on this 3 hour tour.  Both eagles were active in their nest today.  Maybe we will see some eaglets in a few weeks.

We went out to eat at Sicily's, made a much needed run to Sam's and stopped by Island View so Lauren could use his $20 free play,  His free play turned into $58.60.  I lost $10.  We walked out with smiles and free millionaire candy.

We made a stop at Jones Park to look for a Whimbrel, which is a shore bird rarely seen here.  We didn't find him.

But, we did find the Vermillion Flycatcher we looked for yesterday.  Persistence paid off.  We enjoyed another night sitting around the fire pit with our co-volunteers.

Thursday and Friday we worked at the VC today with Judy and Terry.

Saturday, we were so happy to be greeted by Banana, Coconut, Auk, and Dikkop when we opened the VC this morning.  Late afternoon, NV11 and 337 had a hard time keeping the feeder to themselves.  When they ran Auk and Dikkop to the back porch, Banana and Coconut would eat at the feeder.  When they ran Banana and Coconut around the building, Auk and Dikkop would eat at the feeder.  So much fun to watch.

We had a Crane Tour with 6 tourist and had 48 Sandhill Crane sightings.  It was a cloudy and windy day with thunderstorms predicted.  The Sandhill Cranes were very active today.  They were flying around, calling, then land for a short time before taking off again.  It was quite a show.  We got lucky and got back before the rain started.

Pictures: