Lone White Pelican
After spending time deer hunting and visiting our daughter and granddaughter in North Carolina these past couple weeks, I am back with camera in hand. Upon arriving home, I received several messages (observations) from Wacouta neighbors. All messages focused upon the welfare of a lone white pelican hanging out at the Head of Lake Pepin. I am quite certain it has a broken wing and is unable to fly. The rest of the local birds left a couple weeks ago for warmer climates. I recall a number of years ago that an injured pelican was observed all winter on the open water at Colvill Park.
Downy Woodpecker
About 3 weeks ago, I heard strange noises coming from an artificial wood duck nesting box in our backyard. Upon further examination, I discovered a juvenile female downy woodpecker giving the box a good going over. I had mentioned in an earlier post that immature birds have a very steep learning cure.
Pileated Woodpeckers
I prefer not to put suet in my feeders over the summer months as it tends to turn rancid. With the cold snap we experienced in early November, I once again filled up the feeders. Surprisingly, in just two days our resident pileated woodpeckers had discovered the suet.
Pileated Woodpecker Activity
It is simply amazing how fast these woodpeckers open up a dead tree.
Common Goldeneyes
On a walk along the shore of Lake Pepin on Thanksgiving morning, I discovered small groups of goldeneyes that have returned to our portion of the river. These diving ducks feed on the abundant supply of gizzard shad available in the river.
Common Mergansers
I also observed several common mergansers, also diving ducks. Their numbers in Wacouta will increase dramatically once cold weather arrives and Lake Pepin becomes ice covered.
Ingram Barge Co. Towboat
Another observation from Thanksgiving morning was a towboat and load of barges. I am assuming that the barges were loaded with corn from the recent harvest. No doubt the unusually warm weather has extended the fall shipping season.
Black Cherry Burl
The persisting warm weather and lack of snow creates a good opportunity to hike on Rattlesnake Bluff. On a recent hike, I came across this interesting black cherry burl. These are a result of the tree undergoing stress usually from an injury, virus or fungus and have amazing grains and designs making them highly sought after by woodworkers.
Birch Polypore Fungi
With most of the foliage on the ground in the woods now, it is much easier to spot interesting bracket fungi on dead as well as living trees. These fungi assist in recycling nutrients back into the forest soil.