5-17-20 - 5- 23-20 - Volunteer Gig II

Sunday, was another day of walking around, arm chair birding, and taking pictures around Camp Crane.

Monday, the critters were more active this morning after the good soaking of rain we got early this morning. Dikkop and Auk, brought 2 of their unbanded friends over for a morning snack at the feeder.

During our walk along the Dees Trail, we found a really cool moth and a couple of Wood Ducks swimming in the bayou.

We did a crane drive by and found the Little German Pair in Melissa's pasture.

The family of 4 are still doing well.  The colts are growing like a weed.

The afternoon was spent arm chair birding at Camp Crane.  We were thoroughly entertained by Ferny and the squirrels.

Tuesday, we took a road trip to Crossroads to bring some stuff home.  We came back to Camp Crane and arm chair birded this afternoon.  We had a Coopers Hawk also keeping his eyes on the birds.

The young Cardinals are getting brave and coming to the feeder.  One of the parents was feeding a youngster suet.

Wednesday, we had another day of walking, talking, taking pictures, and sitting around.  It was National Bee Day, which we saw very few of.  The bees must not have got the memo.  The rain this afternoon had us inside by 4 pm.

The rain stopped in about 30 minutes and the sun came out.  We heard the elusive call of the Cranes around 6:30 pm and found NV11 at the VC.  He and 337 must have a new nest!!

Thursday, Lauren volunteered to be the target for the net shoot practice.  The net came out a little bit better than the last time.

We walked to the frog tanks while Angie and the Interns were checking the traps.  They pulled several Dusky Gopher Frogs out to be tagged and released.  After lunch, we went to Melissa's property in Vancleave and walked around.  It was nice to explore a new area.

We made a detour and checked on the Colts.  They were across the road from where they usually hang.  It was fun to watch the Colts go after a critter on the ground.

Friday, we had another day of walking and taking pictures.

Saturday, was a hot, humid day.  We saw a bee napping inside a Pineland Hibiscus during our Dees Trail walk.  Our arm chair birding was postponed until it got a little cooler outside.

Pictures:

5-10-20 - 5-16-20 Volunteer Gig II

Sunday, the birds were active for our early morning birding on the Dees Trail.  We saw our first Eastern Wood Pewee of this year.

We got a good picture of a Brown-headed Nuthatch eating an insect that was almost as big as he was and a Purple Martin flying near the flag.

Nemesis made an appearance when we walked on Crane Lane.

During our arm chair birding, we had a couple of Summer Tanagers visit the feeders along with the usual birds, squirrels, and rats.

Monday, we got our usual Dees Trail walk this morning.  We got our best pictures yet of the Northern Parula as he was singing in the Oak Tree at HQ.

After lunch, we rode to Biloxi looking for the Least Terns and Skimmers nesting area.  We found one Tern and plenty of Skimmers nesting in the designated roped off area for the Terns.  The Terns found  their own spots to nest when there were no people allowed on the beach for weeks.

Biloxi beaches had quite a few people on them but the Ocean Springs beaches were packed with people.  This is the most people we have ever seen at this beach.

We did our usual armchair birding when we got back to Camp Crane.  We finally saw some House Finches.

Tuesday, we did our usual hiking, arm chair birding, and taking pictures.

Wednesday, was the same as yesterday, except for a Walmart run.  The diesel fuel we bought today was as cheap as gasoline.  Amazing!

Thursday, we walked a lot around camp and did our usual arm chair birding.  Lauren volunteered to be the target for Kirsten to practice shooting the net to catch a crane.  The net was obviously not folded correctly.  It flew over his head in a wad instead of opening up.  Zoom up the last picture to see her expression.  The look on her face says it all!!

On a happy note, we found out 35 endangered Dusky Gopher Frogs were released from the tadpoles we recovered.  Way to go Dusky Gopher Frog Team!!!!!

Friday, we got up early and got service done on the truck.  We sat outside and read magazines.  When we got back to Camp Crane we had another day of walking around, critter watching, bloom chasing, and taking pictures.

The Pileated Woodpeckers have been making frequent appearances.

Dikkop and Auk came by for a snack today.

Saturday, we had another day pretty much like yesterday, except no Crane sightings. We have walked almost 36 miles this week!!

Pictures: