We helped Jake check the tanks Sunday morning and got 33 DGF's. We met Anita at Island View and had another great couple of days in our adjoining rooms. Lauren and Anita both got an upgrade on their players card. Me on the other hand, enjoyed spending the free play I won the last time I was here.
We took a break from the casino and did a little bit of shore bird watching on Monday . We were hoping to find Least Tern babies. There were nest with eggs, but no chicks found. We will check back in a few weeks.
Tuesday we made it back to the Ranch. Lauren worked on his online Tractor Training. I worked on orders for the bookstore.
Wednesday morning, Lauren got out and about getting a few pictures while I lounged around. Wednesday afternoon, we packed up and headed to Natchez to deliver Jr. Duck Stamp prizes before the end of their school year. It definitely was an unexpected trip. We got settled in our room then sat outside and did a little bit of bird watching from the porch of our room.
After we delivered the prizes Thursday, we took a ride through St. Catherine National Wildlife Refuge. We saw lots of different species of birds, including Painted Buntings, one of our favorites. Although, they were not very photogenic, staying in the brush singing their pretty songs.
The Prothonotary Warblers, on the other hand, were very photogenic as they had their disputes.
We were able to travel on roads that had been flooded in the past. We had a great few hours watching turtles, birds, snakes, butterflies, and just taking in nature. We made our 4 hour trip back to the Ranch around 6 pm. It has been a long, but fun day.
Friday morning, we checked out the Dees Trail post burn. The Fire Center burned the interior section while we were gone yesterday. We saw a little bit of life, and an unfortunate death of a Corn Snake.
We did a little bit of piddling around the visitor center then went on an orchid road survey in the South Gautier Unit. We didn't find any calopogon multiflorus, but did confirm that the Unbanded Pair's nest is still active in Firetower Pond.
We also saw Snipe, aka Scoundrel, and General Plantain together. Looks like they may have a chick or two.
While we were resting at Camp Crane we did a little bit of armchair birding.
Saturday, we picked up the plant markers that were along the Dees Trail. While on the trail, we ran into Theresa. She found a gorgeous Speckled King Snake. For some reason, I decided I wanted to hold the snake. I was rather surprised to find out how soft they are. Who would have ever thought I would hold a snake. The Crane Ranch must have placed a spell on me.
We saw an American Racer going under Jeff's camper when we returned to Camp Crane. The snakes were out and about on this pretty morning.
We did a stroll along Crane Lane and enjoyed the few blooms and critters that we saw along the way.
On our way back from Fontainebleau Trail, we stopped and admired the Widower and his chick. It took a while, but we finally got a visual of it in the tall grass.
We enjoyed a drive through the North Gautier Unit seeing several cranes, including Banana and Coconut. We also saw Magma, the traveler. She is rewriting history with her long travels to Alabama and Louisiana that are being seen from her gps tracker. Technology is awesome.
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