kissalostsoul

We had 400 high school forestry students at the refuge today, so it was “all hands on deck” to handle a crowd like that.  They were here to compete in some practicum forest tests this morning, and then they were free to participate in four venues that we offered for their education and enjoyment on the refuge.  I was stationed at the beginning of the Cane Pole Trail to direct them where they needed to go for an alligator presentation.  It was a busy day with that many young people descending on us, but lots of fun besides.  All of us senior volunteers are pretty well worn out tonight. When I staggered back to the rig late this afternoon, I turned on the computer to check my email just in case there was a message from Tamarac NWR in northwest Minnesota.  I had that interview yesterday, but wasn’t expecting to hear anything until tomorrow.  Lo and behold, there was an email, and I crossed my fingers before opening it.  Judith-- I would like to offer ...

Tonight I’m continuing the rest of the day we spent on the western side of the refuge yesterday.  After visiting Billy’s Island, we back tracked a bit to find the passage to Minnie Lake. Along the way, we noticed the first blooms of the water irises.  In a week or so, the swamp on this side will be blessed with their vibrant blue/purple color all along the canoe trails.  There never seems to be a month that goes by that doesn’t have some flowers blooming. Even though it was a Tuesday morning, we did pass a few folks out enjoying the solitude in their canoes and kayaks.  Though chilly and windy, it was a great day for being out and about on the swamp. Shortly before the cutoff for Minnie Lake, Kathy noticed an American bittern skulking in the dried grasses and reeds along the edge of the trail.  I’m sure glad she spotted this secretive bird so we could turn around to get some pictures of it. As we approached...

After driving the 75 miles over to the west entrance of Okefenokee NWR in 30 something degree temperatures, we rented a small motorboat at the Stephen Foster State Park to start our adventure in the swamp this morning.  After explaining that we were all volunteers for the refuge on the east side (yes, Jack qualifies after helping with the canoe trail maintenance last week), I was charged a price for a two hour rental even though I said we might be out for six hours.  Sweet!!  I would have been willing to pay the full price for this outing, but I’m not one to pass up a bargain either. It wasn’t long before we were all bundled up and made our way out onto Billy’s Lake.  The west entrance is really my favorite as that area has the big cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.  That’s what a southern swamp means to me. I had invited intern Kathy to go with us as she enjoys getting out into the swamp as much as I do.  Between the cold temps and the hat that ...

Sorry to say, I’ve had to ban anonymous comments to the blog.  I have been getting 20-30 of those disgusting comments each day, and the Blogger filter wasn’t up to the deluge.  As other bloggers have said, it’s too bad for people that want to comment that aren’t scuzzballs, but enough is truly enough!  I turned off anonymous comments last night, and it was an unbelievable relief to not have to deal with them today.  I suppose they’ll find some other way to gain access, but for now, that’s the way it is. Even though it was my day off today, I had to attend a staff meeting this morning because of a special event occurring on Thursday.  After that, I just decided to spend the day relaxing.  I’ve been dealing with a messy head cold the last ten days that I hope is abating.  Simply said, between still recuperating from surgery, the cold, and working the last five days, I was worn out. I also wanted to gather strength for my adventure tomorrow.  My ...

The rain continued to pour down this morning as I was assigned to rove.  I must say that unlike yesterday afternoon, there weren’t any people on Swamp Island Drive this morning in the rain.  We’ve had enough rain in the last two days that I was reluctant to drive down any of the sandy unpaved roads.  There were deep puddles everywhere.  You can tell by these two pictures of a turkey vulture just how dark and overcast it was.  This bird was trying to dry off its feathers, but wasn’t having much success.  I figured my rove time would be pretty much a flop as far as seeing any wildlife at all, but I was wrong. As I made my way around the loop and back to where I had started, a bunch of little birds flew across the road.  One stuck around, so I lowered the passenger’s window and got my camera into my hands.  Low and behold, it was a brown-headed nuthatch sitting on the branch of a dead tree.  If you look care...

Prince Andras of SaxeCoburg and Gotha celebrated his 70th birthday with a reception at Callenberg Castle where about 350 guests  - family friends, current and former employees and representatives from the cultural, economic and political worlds attended. After the queue of long -wishers had finally resolved , the visibly moved birthday boy stepped to the microphone: " I'm really, that so many have come That shows me that I do not have in life too much wrong and gained quite a few friends .. " That his father had used for his speech as a reminder a tablet computer , took Prince Hubertus of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha , once as a hook : "This technology -savvy I am not : I just like old-fashioned paper ! Hereditary Prince Hubertus thanked his "old man" for "making me since taking over the presidency of the family foundation management 2012 - as agreed - you can go my own way." His father had secured the existing asset base ...

I had enough work and fun yesterday that the result was I was too pooped to post.  I was assigned to man the Chesser Island Homestead all day, and give tours to visitors.  The day started off with a bang as I had three visitors in the first ten minutes.  Then it calmed down to the usual trickle through here on a week day.  It’s been several months since I’ve had the rocking chair assignment on the porch of the homestead, so I relaxed and enjoyed myself. As I rocked away waiting for the next visitor, my ears just couldn’t ignore the songs and chips of the little warblers in the surrounding trees.  It wasn’t long before I grabbed my camera to see if I could get some pictures of these beauties that were working the trees for insects.  A whole bunch of one of my favorite warblers was moving through…the Northern Parula.  I think it is one of the prettiest warblers with its blue/grey wings, yellow upper breast, throat and back, and the reddish ne...