Sunrise at the Head of Lake Pepin
Ever since mid-November our daily high temperatures have vacillated between the low 20's and high 40's. Lake Pepin would start to freeze over on a calm night and then suddenly warm temperatures, rain showers and strong winds would open the lake up again.
Normally the end of November would be the best time to observe hundreds, if not thousands, of common mergansers and goldeneyes at the Head of Lake Pepin. Not this winter as remaining diving ducks congregated in open water in the middle of the lake.
Then on December 27th, we experienced over 1 inch of rain! I vividly remember winters during my youth days in Fillmore County in far southeast Minnesota during the 1950's and early 60's. Significant snow cover began mid-November and lasted until after the expected blizzards which occurred during the Boy's State Basketball Tournament.
Given the frequent mega rains, floods, fires and hurricanes, one wonders what kind of a world we will leave for future generations? Anyone who denies global climate change simply isn't paying attention.
Adult Trumpeter Swan
On December 18th, I received an email from Nature Notes follower Terry Yockey informing me of a lone trumpeter swan being observed between Vogel Harbor and the lower end of Bay Point Park. It seems as though the swan had been there for a couple days causing concern it might be injured.
At this time of year, it is more common to observe swans in groups of 5 to 10 birds. By the morning of December 20th, those concerns were dispelled as the swan had rejoined it's traveling companions.
Mallard Reflections
While taking photos of the trumpeter swan, I observed this small group of mallards resting on thin ice at the small boat harbor. I thought their reflections on the ice made for an interesting photo. Local Red Wing residents sometimes refer to these waterfowl as "popcorn ducks" given the fact they take advantage of spilled grain and free handouts.
Boatload of Carp
On the morning of December 19th as I entered Colvill Park, I noticed the Rolbiecki commercial fishing operation from Minnesota City landing a boat full of carp at the boat launch. These fish had been seined nearby in the open water of the river. Following a short conversation with the owner in which I asked for permission to photograph the activity, I learned there were 5000 pounds of live carp in this boat.
Commercial Fisherman
Large plastic bins were loaded with carp and then manually lifted up to be dumped into self-contained sections on a semi-trailer. Once the ten compartments were filled with a total of 20,000 pounds of fish, the semi-truck would be on it's way to New York City arriving 48 hours later.
Fish Transport
I learned from an employee of the Blair Fish Company in Erie, Michigan that fish arriving alive at the final destination command the top price. Hence each compartment is equipped with it's own supply of water and oxygen. The biggest demand for these fish is within the Jewish and Asian communities of NYC. Celebrations of December and early January drive top dollar for fish we sometimes refer to as "river tuna."
Female Pileated Woodpecker
On Saturday December 22nd, the Red Wing Area Audubon Christmas Bird Count was conducted by 7 different survey groups. Kathy and I were responsible in the morning for an area in and around Frontenac State Park. In the afternoon we counted birds in and around our feeders in Wacouta. Counts in all sections of the Red Wing area were down dramatically because of the lack of snow and open winter we are experiencing. Birds tend to disperse in these kinds of conditions.
Birds we observed at our feeders were as follows:
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
American Tree Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
One afternoon shortly before Christmas, Dan Dietrich stopped by for a visit giving Kathy and me a copy of his newly published book of poems entitled "Homestead." Dan was a former participant of mine at the Red Wing Environmental Learning Center in the late 1970's and early 80's. In addition, Dan was a part-time field instructor and editor of the ELC book "I Do And I Understand" published in 1984.
A longtime friend, outdoor enthusiast, devotee of the journals of Henry David Thoreau and a writer with an impressive list of accomplishments, Dan lives with his wife Kari in a peaceful forested area of Hay Creek Township.
Quoting from the preface of his new book, Dan writes
"The spirit of homesteading is alive and well. It is present whether it's in the woods or by the sea, in a remote country or an urban land. What matters is the act of connecting, and the sense of belonging.
My favorite definition of "homestead" is the place one finds "adequate for the residence and maintenance" of a life. To find a place adequate is to stop looking for something better. It is to embrace the found connection, wherever that might be.
A decade ago we moved to a spot with oak trees, red-tailed hawks and white-throated sparrows. In these woods I heard the delicate whistle of a saw-whet owl and watched a bobcat stalk through the morning light. From this area we harvest wood for the stove, gather apples for the pantry. These poems are rooted here."
One of the goals throughout my career as an outdoor educator has been to attempt to instill in my students a glimmer of understanding and appreciation of our natural world.
In recent years, Dan has returned the favor by instilling in me another important life lesson. That being one of slowing down and focusing on the many wonders surrounding us each day. This lesson no doubt was a big impetus in my efforts resulting in Wacouta Nature Notes.
Recognizing that we are living at a time when the pace of life seems to be on speed dial,I would suggest Dan's book of poems might provide us with a little respite in the days ahead. It can be purchased locally at the Red Wing Arts Association, Fair Trade Books and The Crossings in Zumbrota.
Dan Dietrich
Todd Fellman
I am also pleased to announce on Friday December 21st Todd Fellman another ELC participant in the 1980's and spent a fair bit of time enjoying the outdoors in Wacouta was appointed a judge in Minnesota's Fourth District by Governor Mark Dayton. Mr. Fellman was recognized for this new appointment by the fact that he devoted his career to helping children in the communities of Hennepin County. Among many other responsibilities, Mr. Fellman served as a Senior Assistant Hennepin County Attorney in the Child Protection Division.
Todd was very insistent that I recognize the fact the many opportunities made available to him through several years of involvement at the ELC played an integral role in the success of his career. Congratulations Todd on this wonderful accomplishment and thanks for your many years of service to the youth of Hennepin County.