6-9-19 - 6-15-19 (Week 67)

Sunday
We met Anita at Hollywood Casino for the night.  Lauren and I played golf at The Bridges.  It had been almost a year since Lauren played golf.  It had been almost 2 years since I played golf.  We were both dreading that first swing, because we were sure it was going to hurt.  No pain whatsoever!!

We were looking at birds and plants while we looked for our golf balls.  I now consider us Distracted Golfers.

We teed off at the perfect time.  We did not have anyone ahead of us slowing us down, or behind us rushing us.  It was like being on the golf course all by ourselves.

Golf is a lot more relaxing taking in the scenery.  We saw lots of birds, plants, and turtles and scored better than we thought we would.  Although, we took quite a few mulligans.  Golf is a lot more fun when it's not all about the score.

After our game, we sat around in the room with Anita and had a few beers.  Lauren and I ate the buffet then met Anita in the casino for a couple of hours.  We made it back to the room and watched the sunset over the bay.

Monday
We had coffee with Anita this morning before she headed back to Lucy.  We lounged a little longer then headed toward Gulfport.  We made a stop at the Hathcock's house before going back to Camp Refuge.

Ferny Kat appreciated our arrival for a couple of minutes, then she was back to her usual could care less attitude.

We walked the Dees Trail and Crane Lane then headed to the Ole Fillin Station for Judy's 70th birthday celebration.  We were happy we arrived at Happy Hour and really enjoyed the Crawfish Nacho platter.  Happy Birthday Judy!

We were settled in for the night when we found out Angie and the interns were releasing an alligator at the boat launch of Camp Refuge.  Of course, we had to check this out.  The gator had got a treble hook in his mouth that had been removed, and he was ready for his release. Hence, we named him Treble. I got to hold my first, (and probably my only), alligator tonight.  I could not get over how soft his skin was.  I have another claim to fame!!!

After the tape was unwrapped from around his mouth, he just stood still for a moment, then meandered into the bayou.  We hope Treble has a good life.

Tuesday
We got our walk in again on the Dees Trail and Crane Lane.  I had an eye appointment in the afternoon, then we headed to Island View for our free play and free slot tournament.  I scored pretty good and will find out in the morning if I won anything in the slot tournament.  Let's just say, the lure of the free play enticed us to make a donation to the View.

Wednesday
I won $50 free slot play in the slot tournament yesterday.   We worked at the VC today.  Lauren mowed and weedeated.  I pulled weeds from the native plant garden.  Lauren helped me finish the plant garden after lunch.  Our ole butts were tired when we got off.

The Free Birds made their lunch stop at the feeder in the back lawn of the VC at 11:30.

We went to Sicily's for dinner.  When we returned to camp, Lauren walked the Dees Trail and I relaxed at the camper watching a few birds.

Thursday
We had an unwanted visitor at the bird feeders this morning; a Cottonmouth.  He must have wanted an easy meal.  A Cardinal and a Carolina Wren perched on the feeder pole and squawked at him.  The cocky Mockingbird, got on the ground with his wings spread in defender mode.  Lauren threw sticks and redirected the snake toward the bayou.

                                                             
We had a quiet day at the VC.  13 visitors on the 13th day of the month. The Bloom Chasers that we are put out more signs and rearranged the plant signs that were on the Dees Trail.

We watched Danny and crew use PVC pipes, ropes, and a hook to retrieve the broken cable at the top of the flag pole.  They wiggled, wobbled, and pulled until they managed to retrieve the cable.  It was a hoot and a half to watch.  There are a lot of new parts ordered for the flag pole.

The Free Birds made a repeat lunch stop at 11:35 at the VC feeder.  I hope they continue this habit.

Us and the other volunteers, went out to dinner at the new Woody's in Ocean Springs. When we returned to camp, we sat outside until after dark, enjoying the night.

Friday
We worked the VC today.  Lauren ran errands and I worked on a couple of projects in the VC.  We had 16 really great visitors today.  The Free Birds did not show up today at lunch time as they have in the last 2 days.  They showed up at 2:30 pm when no visitors were here.

After work, we sat outside and enjoyed the afternoon.  We could hear the Free Birds calling in the savanna, but they were not on their roost at the usual time.  They stay unpredictable.

Saturday
We spent our day off hanging around camp for most of the day, nature chasing.  The Dees Trail was pretty busy with hikers this morning.  We saw the Free Birds on our walk on Crane Lane, way out in the savanna hanging in the shade.

We went to Angie's this afternoon.  She invited us and the interns over for burgers, etc.  We had a great visit with them and Angie's kids, Lilo, Cole, Essa, and Greta,  Angie's 3 cats and her dog.  They all had great and unique personality.

We returned right before dark and sat outside for a few minutes.  All the birds had gone to sleep that frequent our feeders.  For the 2nd night in a row, the Free Birds have not roosted on the back porch of the VC.  Those dang birds!


Week of Pictures:

6-2-19 - 6-8-19 (Week 66)

Sunday
Anita got up and hit the road fairly early this morning.  We sat around and got our coffee fix.  We walked the Dees Trail around noon.  We had a refuge tour with the Ms. Naturalist Facebook Administrator and his friend this afternoon.  They wanted to see the Northeastern Bladderworts that we were the first to record on iNaturalist as being in Mississippi. They are a rare find. We have another claim to fame!!

In addition to seeing the pretty Northeastern Bladderworts, they enjoyed checking out the cool plants in the savanna.  As an added bonus, we saw 7 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes on this tour and the Free Birds at roost time.

Monday
We worked in the VC with Pat today.  Lauren and I placed some more plant ID markers on the Dees Trail.  Lauren went to Grand Bay Shop for lawnmower repair and mowing.  We got off early and went to Island View for our free buffets and free slot play.  There were so many people eating and gambling at 2:30 in the afternoon.  It wasn't a bad trip, we had free buffets, free blueberry muffins, and came out with $8.10 of their money.

We met Judy and Terry at The Reef for drinks.  We had a great visit then headed back to the refuge.

The Free Birds were waiting by Camp Refuge driveway when we returned.

We found out that a turtle we took pictures of in May 2018 laying eggs at Camp Refuge is an endangered Alabama Red-bellied Turtle.  Our first turtle we ever saw laying eggs was an endangered species.  How cool is that?

Tuesday
Another work day with Pat.  Lauren went back to Grand Bay Shop for additional lawnmower repairs.  It was another quiet day of visitation at the office. A few pictures from Grand Bay area.

Wednesday
We worked with the Loew's today.  The Free Birds showed up at the feeder on the back lawn shortly after 9 am, ate for a few minutes, then went back in the savanna.  I spent most of the morning watching them from the back door and pointing them out to the visitors.  A great way to spend the morning.

Lauren mowed on this occasional misty morning, which was much cooler than usual.  When he noticed the Free Birds in the savanna meandering closer to the feeder, he shut down the mower.  They came right on up to eat.  They were a little hesitant because 2 visitors were up in the blind watching them.  They knew something was out of the ordinary.

After lunch, the Free Birds flew away.  When Lauren rode up to the Fire Center to return the mower, they were standing in the Fire Center road.

Ferny Kat wanted in on the cooler weather.  She was waiting by the door to go outside when we got off work and of course, she got her way.

Thursday
The Ferny Alarm allowed Lauren to sleep in a little later than normal on this rainy morning.  We got haircuts then went and spent money, getting storage stuff at Dirt Cheap, buying a part for Amber, paying the electric bill, going out for lunch at Mug Shots, and going to Sam's.  We should have saved  up for this rainy day!

On our way out of Camp Crane, we found a River Cooter laying eggs on the side of the road.

I spent the evening reorganizing my cabinets above the dining table/coach..  I had taken everything out to spray for ants this morning.  Lauren took a walk on the Dee's Trail.  He found another plant that has not been recorded on iNaturalist in the state of Ms.; Queen's Delight.

Late afternoon, the Red-winged Black Birds were looking at me and calling to let me know their suet was empty.  They go through 2 blocks in 4 days.  Of course, I filled the suet feeder.

Friday
We stayed around Camp today.  We washed clothes and got our walking in around the trail and on Crane Lane.  We found a pretty day lily blooming at the VC native plant garden.  It is not a native plant, but it is pretty.

The Free Birds were foraging in the savanna on Crane Lane near the Fire Center when we walked this afternoon.

Late afternoon, the birding was on.  The Blue Jays, Red-winged Black Birds, Brown-headed Cow Birds, Cardinals, Doves, Carolina Wrens, Rats, and Squirrels, all took turns eating bird seed either from the feeder or the ground.  The Hummingbirds were in competition at their nectar feeder.  They sure will miss their free meal when we are gone for the summer.

Saturday
We spent this morning out on the refuge.  We saw 9 Ms. Sandhill Cranes, lots of pretty dragonflies, deer, a River Cooter turtle, lots of Orchard Orioles, Great Blue Herons, 2 alligators, and a bunch of pretty scenery.

The first alligator we saw was in a small pond near Firetower Road.  He had a dragonfly on his head hitching a ride.  He moved around in the pond to keep his eyes on us.  We hoped he wasn't hungry.

The second alligator we saw, was running alongside us as we traveled in the van on Valentine Road.  He splashed in a small pond, then sunk himself out of sight.  He was running too fast to get his picture.

The count for the Ms. Sandhill Cranes went up to 12 when we saw our Free Birds on the savanna at Crane Lane.

This afternoon, Lauren put a part on Amber and I cooked up our fresh veggies that Pat got us at the Farmer's Market.  We had spaghetti, fried squash, and fried green tomatoes. My first time ever to cook fried green tomatoes was a success.

We watched the numerous birds and critters eating at the bird feeders until after 7 pm.


The week of pictures:

5-26-29 - 6-1-19 (Week 65)

Sunday
We hung around the refuge this morning then went to Island View to play our $10 free play.  I lost my free-play and a $20 bill,  Lauren cashed out $95.25 ahead.

Late afternoon, we had to wait for the Free Birds to get off the road so we could walk to the garbage.  They were headed to their feeder.

Monday
It is so cool to wake up and hear the Free Birds calling around 7:30 am.  It was not so cool hearing Ferny Kat meowing for Lauren to get up around 5 am on our day off.  She makes sure he doesn't oversleep.  Although, he ignored her and slept till 7 am.

We decided to avoid the Memorial Holiday crowds and go to the Ocean Springs Unit of the refuge.  We were amazed to sight 10 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes in this unit.  We had a Memorial Day picnic sitting in the van with the a/c on and windows rolled up, (to keep out the heat and horse flies,) watching 2 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes in the crop unit.

We decided to make a quick stop at Brown's Trail to check on the Great Blue Heron Nestlings.  As soon as we entered, we saw a pair of Sandhill Cranes with a chick.  It was our first sighting of a chick this year and our first chick sighted inside the refuge.  The chick quickly hid in the taller grass, while the parents kept an eye on us.  We got a couple of quick pics and moved on.

We only saw one of the Great Blue Heron nestlings when we drove into Valentine Road, and neither when we came back by.

After getting our count up to 13 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes, we decided to check out the South Gautier Unit.  We saw 6 more cranes in this unit bringing our total to 19 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes sightings.   The Crane Whisperers still have it.

We also saw a lot of deer, a raccoon, a Cottonmouth Snake, several Red Tailed Hawks, Great Blue Herons, and a bunch of other birds.  What we didn't see were Bald Eagles.  I guess Goober, Georgie, and BB have flown the coup.

We saw the Free Birds right before sundown.  Coconut and Banana were foraging together.  As I was sneaking around the side of the building, my phone notification of a frog sound croaked.  Coconut heard it and started walking my way.  I guess she was ready for her frog snack.  I went back around the building and walked up the road.  I found Crabapple ready for his roost on the back porch.  Shortly after, the girls joined him.

Tuesday
We had an 8 am tour with 3 people, an adult and 2 kids. The kids were in the 3rd and 4th grade and had a great appreciation of nature.

We had an awesome tour, looking at all the birds and other critters, driving and walking in the savanna looking at all the pretty plants, watching the Great Blue Heron nestlings through the spotting scope and seeing 6 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes.  We also watched 3 of the Mississippi Sandhill Cranes through the spotting scope.

We went with Angie and the Interns at sunset to release 99 Dusky Gopher Frogs.  It was a much nicer experience, driving the 3/4 mile instead of walking it in rubber boots carrying all the frogs and stuff.

Before we left we watched the Free Birds through the back windows of the VC.  They were near the road watching us as we drove out. We saw 2 more Ms. Sandhill Cranes on our drive to the femoral pond.

It was a beautiful evening on the savanna, except for the pesky bugs.  One of my frogs I tried to release, not only jumped back in the container that I was releasing it from, but jumped in a frog container that Rose had just emptied..  After much coaxing, we got him to take the jump into the wild savanna.

The Free Birds were on their roost when we returned.

Wednesday
We worked the VC today.  After we closed, we took Jackie and Randy out on the refuge.

We went to Brown's Trail first to check out the Great Blue Heron nestlings, (the Great Blue Heron is one of Jackie's favorite birds).  We enjoyed viewing the 2 nestlings through the spotting scope.

We saw a Wood Duck and her ducklings swimming in Valentine Pond.

We had a great surprise when we got to the crane pen and found 2 Mississippi Sandhill Cranes and their colt.  It took us over a year of looking for baby Sandhill Cranes to find our first on the refuge a few days ago.  The Ezell's got to see their's, the first trip out.  The Crane Whisperers, are glad that we had these lucky Ezell's with us.

On our tour of the South Gautier Unit to show  them the empty Eagle nests and the empty Ms. Sandhill Crane nest, we saw 2 more Ms. Sandhill Cranes, a Cottonmouth snake, a few more adult Great Blue Herons, and an Armadillo.

The Free Birds did a great grand finale of the tour.  They were at the VC when we returned and allowed us to admire their elusive presence through the back glass.  Then posed for a picture as the Ezell's drove out.

Thursday
Ferny Kat was insistent to get Lauren up early this morning.  I slept till 8 am.

It has been a week since we have walked the Dees Trail.  We found a few more blooms to go back and place plant markers on.  We went to Wally World, then stayed inside until late afternoon to avoid the heat.

The Free Birds were in the back yard of the VC eyeing Lauren as he walked to the garbage.

Friday
We have Anita for the weekend!!  We had some great sister time today while Lauren was at the Harley shop getting Amber road trip ready.  We leisurely walked the Dees Trail, then sat around and watched a few critters at Camp Crane.  We have a new resident, Little Joe.  It is a female Fence Lizard that hangs around eating ants.

Lauren joined us and the festivities started.  We had an enjoyable evening just sitting around and enjoying the great outdoors.

Saturday
We went to the Pleasant BBQ All you can taste Crawfish Festival and the Red, White, and Blueberry Festival in Ocean Springs.  The free ice cream topped with strawberries, and blueberries was quite refreshing after walking several blocks between the two events.

There were 21 different crawfish vendors competing for the best tasting crawfish.  We tried to taste them all, but we only made about half of them.  It was a hard choice, but we did make a vote.  After sitting in the hot sun, eating crawfish, and sipping on suds for a couple of hours we were about as cooked as the crawfish.  We made it back to Camp Refuge, got a good ole shower, and sat around chilling.  A very good day!!

                                                               Sighting for the month...


Weeks worth of pictures: