Ice Covered Norway Pine Needles
One of the effects of global climate change is very erratic and intense weather events. It seems as though we hardly ever receive more than a couple weeks in a row of true winter weather anymore. On Monday January 16th, we received our second major rain event since Christmas. However, this rain event was preceded by some very cold temperatures. The result was a serious build-up of ice on everything from sidewalks to vegetation. Simply getting from the house to the mailbox was a big challenge.
Weather Stick
The morning after our rain and ice excitement, our weather stick in our backyard told the story. I made this stick of dried twigs from a balsam fir sapling. Native Americans from the east coast have used them for years. They bend down when low pressure systems move in with high humidity and curve upwards with dry clear weather.
Backyard Deer
The winter rain events can be very hard on birds and other wildlife. The rain we received on Christmas day and subsequent ice build-up has made finding food for deer much more challenging. Lately after dark, deer will sometimes visit our bird feeders to eat any seeds left on the ground.
Deer outside the window
However on January 13th, three deer visited our feeders at 1:30 pm. Deer are primarily browsers depending upon woody stems of shrubs and low branching trees at this time of year.
Mourning Dove
In recent years, one of the most common birds to visit our feeders is the mourning dove. It is quite common to have up to a couple dozen here at one time. One of the more interesting dove observations that we have made is that when they drink water from the bird bath, their bills must be completely submerged.
Northern Flicker
This winter we are having a regular visitor at our feeder we have never observed at this time of year. What is most unusual is that during spring through fall, the northern flicker will feed primarily on beetles and ants. Right now the flicker seems to be feasting on the suet scraps dropped by the woodpeckers.
Some additional recent sightings I would like to add are northern flicker sightings in Red Wing by Ken and Kathy Huntley and Ken and Margaret Johnson
Finally, this morning January 18, I observed a bat flying near our house. No doubt a victim of white-nose syndrome. They definitely should still be in hibernation.
Alana Butler
Late in the afternoon of January 5th, I decided to cross country ski down to Rattlesnake Bluff. The weather was very windy with temperatures hovering near zero, so I dressed for the conditions. Along the way, I encountered a woman walking on the paved trail with her two dogs. She mentioned she was visiting family in the area, but lived in northern Wisconsin. Upon further conversation, I learned her name was Alana Butler and she was one of the first girls to participate in the Red Wing Environmental Learning Center back in 1972! Alana did not hesitate to inform me that her twenty five year career at the Amnicon Wilderness Camp near Superior Wisconsin was nurtured by the opportunities she experienced at the Red Wing ELC.
Heather Nagel
This past Saturday evening January 14th, nearby Frontenac State Park held it's annual candlelight ski event. With ideal snow conditions and weather, the event drew over 300 participants. Heather Nagel, another of my former ELC participants made a huge contribution to the success of the evening by making and positioning 100 five gallon ice luminaries. Heather is currently teaching cross country skiing to numerous elementary and junior high children in the local area. Thanks Heather for your efforts and enthusiasm.