Ted went for his first swim today and was caught on camera having a good time in the 3-minute video. https://youtu.be/2kmK2qpAF_Y
Bald Eagle
Out the window, Woods Lake was half open this morning and was hosting the first loon I’ve seen this year. I had to go down for a look. Beautiful morning. The loon was far out on the lake, so I did some hand-swishing in the water. Soon the loon was nearby, coming up for air in open spots in the black ice as well in open water.
I gave some bologna to the gulls and put out some chicken for whoever might want it. Soon, there were four turkey vultures circling, an eagle watching from a tree at the edge of the yard, and two others circling.
By day’s end Woods Lake was entirely ice free, and the only snow I could find were the remains of snow piles from snowplows. I don’t think we broke the record for the longest period of snow cover. We had to have an inch of snow yet on May 5, and I doubt if anyone will find that. In the open water, beavers were heading from one lodge to the other—the first beavers I’ve seen this year. The temperature was 65°F. The bigger lake, Eagles Nest Lake One, was just starting to melt around the edges.
Photos showed that the nice bear of yesterday (and again today) was/is 3-year-old Stratton, son of Braveheart.
 Loon on Woods Lake |
 Loon on Woods Lake |
 Turkey Vulture |
One of the Black Bear Field Course participants had to drop out of the first course, July 8-11, leaving an opening. For more info, call 218-365-4480.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center