Lake Pepin

Freezing rain on a pine tree

Over the last week or so, the weather has been crazy. One minute is sunny and "warm". The next, clouds roll in and we get some awful wintery mix.  UGH! I am so sick of winter!

Lake Pepin ice shelves

 Until spring actually arrives, I can just dream of warmer weather. On the upside, birds are moving through - large numbers of pelicans and other water birds are hanging out in the river. About a week ago, the ice started breaking up on Lake Pepin. Which makes for some really cool ice shelves along the shore.

Pelicans!

BUBBLES!

Today, the temperature barely inched above zero. With the wind chill, it was -10F midday. What do you do when it is super cold out and you are bored sitting in your apartment all day? Blow some bubbles. Outside.

I whipped up some homemade bubble solution, made my own wand and headed outside. After the bubble hits the ground, I waited a few seconds and then "popped" the bubble with my finger tip. The result was beautiful!

Each bubble is unique. I could only get small bubbles, so maybe store bought solution would have been a little better. Especially for taking pictures. Next time I do this, I want to try adding food coloring to the bubble solution and have snow on the ground. Stay tuned :)

Snow

Well, its that time of year. We finally got snow...and a lot of it. So far about 5 inches has fallen and it may not be done. Snow does make animal care a little extra challenging and shoveling is not my favorite but at least it looks pretty out!

Now off to dig out my winter clothes from storage :(

Back to Work

After a lovely week off, Vancouver, snow storm and a migraine it was back to work for me on Monday.

Its always hard to get your mind back in the game after a break but my week has kept me fairly busy. On Wednesday, I took the new group of interns down to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota. The kestrels needed a coping and then we met with a trainer to get tips. I always get excited to go down there because I learn something new every time. This time was a great review of animal training basics and trouble shooting the problem I am having with one of my birds.

Potters Snowman

I also built snowmen for the corvids (you have to love your job when you can go play in the snow for an afternoon!) I thought that it would be a fantastic enrichment idea but neither bird seemed interested in the creature that appeared. SAD!

Ice on Grindstone Lake

The other thing everyone was talking about this week was Grindstone Lake freezing over. The ice formed in a pretty cool way and I went out and took a bunch of pictures. I loved the way the ice crystals formed, it makes it appear there is snow out there even though there isn't!

Close up of the ice #1

Ice Close Up #2

winter's here

I fear that the start of winter has arrived. Snow has started to fall (and stick), temperatures are declining and signs of Christmas are popping up everywhere I go.

The animals are getting ready for the season. Mice are trying to find shelter, unfortunately some are in my car. Today, I saw a shorttail weasel in its bright white winter coat chase a shrew across the field. Predator - Prey in action.

I wandered out to my transect this afternoon and saw that the woods is well prepared for the upcoming season. Deciduous trees have lost all their leaves and the wildflowers are no longer visible. Perhaps the most depressing change was the lack of wildlife - nothing had crossed my transect by foot recently.

I can see the snow still falling outside my window but am going to curl up in bed and be in denial of winter's arrival for just a little bit longer.

First Snow

My morning walk to the barn was absolutely beautiful today. Over night, the ground was dusted in the first snow fall of the year. I loved the way bright fall leaves looked against the fresh white. The Kestrels (Isis and Nero) did not seem to appreciate the snow quite as much as me. Both of them had their feathers fluffed and were in a grouchy mood.

After feeding my birds, I changed into my winter gear and went for a walk into the woods. I got the chance to break in some new wool socks and snow pants. While I was working on an assignment, I took the opportunity to take many photographs of the beautiful scenery. (Which I will try and post soon!)

Its amazing how fast things went from summer to fall this year. No transition just suddenly, one day its cold. While I am excited for the snow, I hope this doesn't mean a long winter!!

Well that's it for now - its the perfect day to sit in bed and enjoy some hot chocolate!