Juliet and Ray - April 3 Today, Lynn’s journal read: Mon. 6:07 AM: 34F. Calm. Snowing big flakes. Sounds are the dripping of melting snow, the call of a loon, cries of herring gulls, snores of Hooded Mergansers, and caws of crows.
Later, a purple finch joined the chorus. Lynn put a recorder outside to capture the sounds for the Northwoods Ecology Hall.
Broad-winged HawkNew birds are coming in daily. During a phenology check, a tired Broad-winged Hawk gave Lynn the best opportunity ever for a picture. These hawks are probably the most common hawk in this area, but photographing one has been a challenge. Lynn said, “Thank you, hawk” out of habit with the bears.
Hooded MerganserAster used more of the knowledge passed on to her by June. She moved 0.4 mile north to the clover patch.
Yesterday, Lily, Eli, and Ellie moved around in a stand of aspens, both quaking and big-toothed. From the GPS pattern of movements, we believe the family was climbing them for catkins like Lucky was doing at the Bear Center a few days ago. Shortly before noon today, Lily led her yearlings a mile away from that stand toward the center of her territory—destination unknown.
Another bear selfieNone of the community feeding stations have reported a bear visit yet. Usually visits would begin 2-3 weeks ago. Aspen catkins are not a favorite food, so Lily might be heading for a feeding station. It would be great if her destination turned out to be WRI so we could get a weight on her and the yearlings, but she seldom comes here. In fact, she has never been to WRI with Eli and Ellie.
Juliet spent the day in the vicinity of the white pine we visited her at a couple days ago.
Ring-necked DucksThese Ring-necked ducks are sometimes called ‘Ring-billed’ ducks because the ring around the bill is more prominent than the dark brown ring around their necks. The ducks identified as Baldpates in last night’s update were actually Buffleheads.
We pulled together a video taken by the trail cam after Lily brought it into her den. It's posted at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgrgyzhM3Tk. It's a wild ride...brace yourself!
Thank you for all you do.
—Lynn Rogers and Sue Mansfield, Biologists, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.