Season Change

My adviser today told me that it doesn't "warm up" here until May, but I'm hoping some signs of spring are around the corner, especially with the warm winter we've had. I hope for an early migrating Le Conte's sparrow, responding to the warm southern winter and ready to get back to breeding grounds. I wonder if the long-eared owl communal roosts, wherever they are, are soon to break up and head to the northern part of the state.

Trout Lake

Wow...what a literal breath of fresh air. We arrived Friday night in the snow, which covered everything with a white glitter. I've never seen ski snow like that; I've only seen wetter snow farther south. On Saturday, we skied razorback. It was hair raiser bypass and will's crossing for this beginner. My overall 1st XC experience was great! I'd love to get out there and do it again, preferably next time when not so sleep-deprived. I'll keep my eyes open for the next opportunity.

Ski Trip Weekend!

I'm headed almost to the WI border this weekend...hopefully I'll be completely free of whatever virus has gotten me this week. I'm on my way to Trout Lake to learn how to cross country ski while staying in the facility dorms. I hope to see some awesome boreal birds while I'm there! Who knows what the snow will be like. When we're there, we'll decide if it's worth renting skis. I'm driving, which should be an adventure.

Warm Weather "Blessing"

This warm weather has certainly made it easier for me to find my way around town, tolerate the outdoors during my current illness, and enjoy life in the natural world during my first WI winter. I am, of course, still concerned about the climate implications. It will be interesting to see what this spring will look like.

Lake Shore

Yesterday, I did enjoy the warmth at lake shore, though chose to go out right as the clouds rolled in! It was a little chilly for my sweatshirt choice, but glad I trekked around yesterday afternoon, as today was unexpected winter weather. It's supposed to rain tonight, which will nix my owl plans. No new birds yesterday on the big oak trail.

Another Warm Evening Slipped By...

Today was beautiful, and it was a shame my end of the day played out like it did. I had dinner ready to cook, so I wanted to go home for it, and I didn't have any birding stuff with me anyway. I was also tired; this is my "long day" of the week. However, the last light would have been much better spent in the lake shore preserve...a missed opportunity.

The Elusive LEOW

A long-eared owl is hanging out at the arboretum, and I went to find it last night. I walked out on the Gardner marsh boardwalk around 8pm, dodging sketchy cars and eyeing weird people. I sat in the parking area on a lonely stump, listening in the wind. Thankfully, another birder showed up. Unfortunately, neither of us added it to our list that night. Unbeknownst to us, it had been heard shortly after dusk. Tomorrow evening calls for a redo!

Lake Shore Preserve

I've been exploring the preserve, which is well-managed and planned. An emeritus professor frequents the property and also blogs about it. It also has its own face book page which I recommended. Today was about Bill's woods and the garden. Another beautiful day in the north!

Muir Field Road

I did some unsurprisingly unsuccessful car birding today, but my adventure was more to get a lay of the city, which was helpful. I went in search of a flock of red polls, and then raptors at the airport. I drove Manchester Rd, and then went around the city to Manufacturer's Rd near the airport.

Another "Not Predicted" Cold Day

The forecast again was in the 40s but didn't make it much past freezing. Isn't it weird to not expect it to be that cold in February in WI? I've been here but a few weeks and I feel like I understand it as clearly as those who have been here many a winter. I understood the blessing of a warm, sunny move-in day in January. When the temps dropped to the negatives, I bundled up and prepared for a new life. I expected to wear a ski mask until March. Now, I'm leaving the house without gloves...

Climate Change

I'm ashamed to say that I did not find the motivation to grasp an opportunity to walk in the woods. Perhaps I was disappointed by the grey, cold day that was supposed to be a sunny, warm day. I certainly did get some other errands accomplished. In any case, I should have motivated myself to get past town and go outside. Speaking of my "expectation" of a warm day, I should have been glad it was instead cold...none of us can lie about enjoying a little more warm air in winter, but I should be hoping for a lower mean temp this year. It's clearly more important than my personal comfort, and I should be glad for those woods I am wanting to explore.