At 7:44 PM, a Lily Fan posted on Pond Chat that Tasha was out, climbing the Cub Tree, sitting on Lucky’s favorite branch, climbing down, checking the Pat Tree, 
Pine siskinlooking up the trunk, and then walking gracefully off into the woods as a Lily Fan captured nicely in part in this 14-minute video https://youtu.be/s1xqBjy_F6I
Tasha was the one iced into her den just nine days ago. Now, with some warm days, she is out and the most active of the four. As a Pond Chatter said, “Now the happiness begins!” (or words to that effect). Happiness and excitement was in the voice of the Lily Fan who called to alert me that big news was about.
Herring gullIt was a beautiful day all day with thoughts about when Quill might return, the ambassador bears, and the wildlife that was busy here at the Wildlife Research Institute all day. Most of the time, I can manage to concentrate on writing while the usual wildlife comes and goes. Today was different. In the morning, the big eagle showed up to compete for beef fat with the crows and pine martens. Ms. Eagle was huge, but shy.
Then the early migrant herring gull came by. It was great to see it cruise over against the blue sky and land on the railing of the second floor deck 12 feet from my chair. I had to grab a camera and click.
Red squirrelLate afternoon as the sun gets low is when it’s hardest to concentrate on what I should be doing. Somehow, the low angle of the sunlight and the dark background shadows show the birds and mammals a little more beautifully, and I can’t help trying to capture that.
Herring gullA pine siskin descended to its sunflower seed hearts on the railing looking particularly regal. A red squirrel leaped from a tree to the railing with the sun capturing its color with extra brilliance. A downy woodpecker perched on a branch where a ray of sun put her in stark contrast with the background shadows. Finally, as the sun was about to disappear, deer came to the yard, set beautifully against Woods Lake that hold such good memories of canoeing along the shore at this time of day spotting the beavers, muskrats, loons, and otters that often show themselves at that time.
Bald eagleA Lily Fan who called to register for a Black Bear Field Course asked about canoeing. Yes, we have three canoes at the ready with paddles and life vests for people to use before the 8 o’clock breakfast or instead of a hike to a bear den if they would rather canoe. They could also go after dinner but no one has ever wanted to canoe then when they can meet so many bears, watch their interactions, and hear their vocalizations like nowhere else I know. That’s the prime time for meeting bears and learning directly from them.
Today’s wildlife show ended this evening with two visits from Mr. Marten when it was too dark for crisp pictures.
Deer familyTasha is out. The others will be out soon. The best part of the year is underway.
I’m looking forward to meeting and reconnecting with Lily Fans at the Hinckley Gathering April 22nd at the Grand Casino near Hinckley hosted by Sarah and Dan Zirbes. The link to the 2017 Hinckley page is https://www.facebook.com/events/152868651869191. As the link tells, discounted rates for motel rooms ends tomorrow 3/31. Confirmation if going needs to be in by April 5. Sarah needs to confirm the number of guests on April 5, so please confirm by that date if you are coming. It costs $30 per person. This gathering is always a ball.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center