Swedish Furniture

Yesterday, I went to IKEA the Swedish furniture store to pick up some odds and ends for my apartment. I ended up buying a couple big items like frames and a small bookcase. I also picked up a few random things that caught my eye. If you have been to IKEA you know it can be a little overwhelming and you always walk out with more than you intended.

My most random purchase of the day? These Northwoods animal cookie cutters. I bought them because it contains a PORCUPINE. How often do you come across one of those? I have a few ideas for what to make with these so stay tuned :)

The bookcase I bought required some assembly so I got to break out my new tool box! Notice my laptop? I got to watch some Olympic Swimming while working :) I managed to get the bookcase together and only swore a few times. Its a nice addition to the place and a good home to a portion of my library.

The beginning of assembly

TA-DA!

All in all, my apartment is coming together. A little slower than I originally wanted but its getting there!

Apartment Tour

I know some of you have been waiting for a tour of my apartment. Here you go! Notice that I haven't done much decorating and its a work in progress :) The best part? I have a small deck overlooking the river where I can sit, read and enjoy amazing sunsets!

Bathroom

Large Closet

Bedroom

Kitchen

Living Room

Winona

Last week, I had a friend visit me. After I finished working for the day we got in my car and drove south following the Mississippi River. We ended up in Winona, MN at this amazing overlook. The cool thing is, if you looked just right you could see the smoke stacks all the way back in Alma. Before we turned and headed for home, we watched a lovely sunset over the wildlife refuge.

Overlook of Winona

Looking towards Alma

Interpretive sign on the ridge

Bellflower along the trail

Sunset over the wildlife refure

NEC

Well, I have been at my new job for almost a month now. So far, so good. I am really enjoying it and am excited about what lies ahead.

Was'aka and I

For the first part of this week, our main building is shut to the public while the air conditioning unit is repaired. Its brutally hot out and all of our programming is outside. Check out the website - you may notice a certain someone in the banner :) I am holding a platter of pellets (eagle and owl) and talking about why we feed the birds bones, feathers and fur.

PEFA!

I love falcons. I know, SURPRISE! It turns out I am now living in Peregrine country. In the couple weeks that I have been working in Wabasha, I have discovered the location of several peregrine nests and seen quite a few birds. One nest is visible from where I park for work. Another is within view of my apartment.

Peregrine under the bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin

And a third nesting pair is up the road about 10 miles on the Wisconsin side of the river on Maiden Rock Bluff. I found this pair by accident. I pulled off at a historical marker while out and about. As I was reading the sign, I heard the unmistakable baby falcon call. After looking up for a couple moments, I saw the adults flying around. I watched them for over a half hour. They were definitely in hunting mode - I saw flocks of pigeons exploding out of trees. At one point, a Bald Eagle flew too close and had to suffer through being dive bombed by the falcon. It was AWESOME!

Maiden Rock Bluff

Found the falcon!

flying

found something!

Buena Vista

Alma, WI

There is a city park in Alma, Wisconsin called Buena Vista Park - just up the hill from my apartment. It has fantastic views! I can just sit on the bluffs and watch birds ride the thermals.I am slowly but surely exploring the Great River Road. There are lots little spots similar to this for me to check out.

Hanging in the bluffs

my new backyard - lots of areas to explore

Turkey Vulture

Life Update

Its been awhile since my last update. For those of you who may not know, I have started a new job at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minnesota. I am the new avian trainer/educator. Basically, I get to spend my day caring for and training the eagles as well educating visitors about birds of prey. Its pretty fantastic.

Sunset at my apartment

Of course a new job means a new apartment. I found a place across river in a small town in Wisconsin. I have a small deck that overlooks the Mississippi River so in the evening I can sit out reading and enjoying the wildlife. After work, I have been exploring some of the parks and wildlife areas - so far I have spotted eagles, herons, egrets, vultures, hawks, kestrels and peregrines!!
 
Stay tuned for more updates as things start to settle down :)