Prairie Smoke just about ready to plume

Mohican Viburnum and Columbine also in bloom this week.  Red Winged Blackbirds extremely active.

Suspected Bullsnake Spotted in Carlos Avery

Also spotted:

• Canadian Geese
• Sandhill Cranes
• Mallard Ducks

Buds on Maples

First chorus frogs heard this week.

Sandhill Cranes heard over Carlos Avery N of Wyoming, MN

Robin Eggs

First Oriole of the Year Spotted

Frogs strident lately, though I believe that with the drop in temperatures (only 49.5 at the moment) and the gusty winds we're having they will be quiet this evening.

Loons spotted in Nisswa.  Chorus frogs strident, and some Wood Frogs heard as well this evening in Stacy. Hairy woodpeckers very active and visiting feeder.

Call of the Sandhills

First calls of the Sandhill Cranes heard calling over Carlos Avery.

Red-Winged Blackbirds Spotted

Swans spotted along the Rum River in Mille Lacs.

Over 90 degrees in the shade today. Thistle feeder draining faster than my 401k.

Canoeing on Sunshine Pool

Loads of various aquatic plants, including white water lily. Loads of swallows spotted eating the dragon and mayflies (who were in turn feeding on the mosquitoes and gnats.)

Hazy summer weekend.   Sandhill Cranes and ravens both very vocal this week.  Also heard loons  and wood ducks and spotted mallards nesting in the flooded roadside ditches.

Ravens

Hearing more and more ravens north of the cities.  Saw one perched by the concrete plant by Stacy, MN.

Sandhill Crane Track in Carlos Avery

Monarchs Spotted

Numerous monarchs spotted on Sunshine Trail. Tent Caterpillars seem to be out in force as well. Wonder how much of this is due to the warm spring and the recent wet weather. Ravens heard (but not yet seen) lately around Linwood Township. Unusual as they generally stick north.

Oriole Spotted

Appears to be gathering bits of dried milkweed plant to make a nest in our backyard.

Wildllife on Pelican Lake

Making a Stopper Knot
Overhauled the running rigging and launched the Springtide. Had the lake almost to ourselves this weekend, save for seagulls, great blue and green herons, and a noisy band of terns. Wind so light on Saturday it took us two hours to run as many miles.

Baby Geese in Carlos Avery

Canadian geese spotted with their young in Carlos Avery.

Sandhill Cranes Spotted in Carlos Avery

Sandhill Cranes

The Sunrise River Prairie Smoke growing in native garden.

Saw swallows, Wood Ducks, geese, Mallards, Grebes, and a Great Blue Heron in Carlos Avery this morning.