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.

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12-29-19 - 1-4-20 Volunteer Gig II

Sunday, we waited for the rain to clear then headed out for a refuge tour.  We saw 25 Sandhill Cranes.  We also saw both eagles sitting in their nest.  Late afternoon, we heard the cranes at the VC.  NV11, 337, Dikkop, and Auk were gathered at the back of the VC and flew off together around roost time.  Our total sandhill sightings today are 29.

Monday, what a day! Lauren had a Crane Tour at 10 am with 8 people and had 18 Sandhill Crane sightings.  I manned the VC.  We had a total of 96 visitors today.  Whew!!  I had no time to pout about not being able to go on the Crane Tour.  A lot more people showed up and walked the Dees Trail after we closed.

Lauren saw our buddies Coconut and Banana on Valentine Road today.

Tuesday, the visitation was down today.  We only had 73 people visit!! We had a retired Fish and Wildlife Manager and his wife visit today and yesterday who were from Idaho.  He told us the highlight of their trip was the visit to our refuge.  Pretty awesome kudos!!  We thought things were going to be slow after 2 pm, so Lauren went to blow leaves at Camp Crane.  Shortly after he left, I had 16 people walk into the VC.  All for that thought.

Wednesday, Happy New Year!!  We started the day with a hike on the Dees Trail then hiked Crane Lane, did a work out at the Fire Center, and hiked back.  We found Sunbonnets and a few sunflowers in bloom along the Crane Lane hike.  The bloom chasing has begun!

When we went into the VC this morning, NV11, 337, Auk, and Dikkop were on the back porch.  No spotting scope required.  When Lauren got closer to get a picture of Auk, Dikkop curiously walked toward him.  These crazy birds!!

After eating our black eyed peas and cabbage casserole for lunch, we met Angie for a hike at Fontainebleu Trail.  It is the first time we have hiked the trail since we started Gig II. They did a really great job adding another loop on the trail.

After the hike, went to Woody's and enjoyed our meal and adult beverages.

Thursday, we were off on this rainy day.  We decided to pick up garbage at the entrances of the Fontainebleu Unit and North and South Gautier Units.  We also picked up garbage at the Fontainebleu Trailhead.  We covered for Carol and Charley to go home early at the VC.  We were entertained by Auk and Dikkop rub a dub, dub, playing in their tub.

Friday, we covered the VC for Carol and Charley on this rainy day. We were greeted by Auk, Dikkop, NV11, and 337 at the back door when we opened the VC.  NV11 and 337 would chase and pull the youngsters feathers.  The youngsters stayed cornered at the back door most of the day allowing us to admire their beauty up close and personal.

Auk has the most beautiful eyes.

They sounded like they were knocking on the door at times when they were snacking on bugs on the doors and windows.  It is unfortunate that only 9 people came by for a visit.

The Crane Whisperers started the first tour of the year on Saturday with a breaking number of sightings on our 8 am tour with 47 Sightings.  The afternoon tour was not as impressive with only 9 sightings.  The Bald Eagles are still sitting on their nest.

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