RC, Heinrik and Veronica still togetherThis was another day at the computer but there were highlights all day long with a parade of wildlife outside the window. It started on the way to work. Pincherry blossoms were shining in the sun, giving hope for a good food year for the bears. Pincherries are a favorite food, and the trees are loaded with blossoms that we hope escaped the light frost of a few nights ago. I had to snap a picture out the window of the van.
Pincherry BlossomsA half mile from the Wildlife Research Institute Field Station, a pair of common mergansers looked magnificent against dark water. The male's big red beak and green head stood out, complemented by the reddish head of his mate beside him. I snapped their picture as a record of their plumage on this date.
Herring gull flyingSitting at the computer, I saw the nice herring gull make a circle over Woods Lake. I knew its next move would be a bee line for here for some spam. I grabbed the camera, stood in the doorway, and snapped it as it came.
Later, a hummingbird at the feeder 4 feet from my chair looked so good I had to click again. While taking that picture, a least chipmunk went by showing off the long tail that is one of its identifying 
Brown Batcharacteristics along with the strong black stripes on its head, etc. It posed in a position that showed how long its tail is in relation to its body. Click.
Ruby-throated hummingbirdYesterday morning, a little brown bat, also known as little brown myotis, (Myotis lucifugus) was flying around in the WRI. It may have hibernated in the attic. We gently netted it and transferred it to the side of a white pine for a quick picture before it flew off. We’ll use this much needed picture in the bat exhibit in the Ecology Hall.
Finally, RC showed up so we could record that she is still with her yearlings Heinrik and Veronica.
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| Common merganser pair | Red squirrel | Least chipmunk |
It was a productive and exciting day.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.