The Green Wave

As we traveled further through the month of April, we were treated to periodic rain events which helped to alleviate the drought conditions.  The moisture initiated the transformation of the landscape from a drab brown to a soft subtle green.

At the same time, we started to observe fresh woodland flora and new migrant birds announcing the definite arrival of spring.

Willows leafing out along the Mississippi River

The most notable early sign of spring in our neighborhood besides the green grass and dandelions was watching the numerous willow trees along the river leaf out.

Rainbow over Wacouta

On April 28th, we dodged a bullet from all the serious storms that had been predicted for the previous three days.  The most exciting and dramatic observation was the amazing rainbow over Wacouta and Rattlesnake Bluff.

Scarlet Elf Cup Fungi

One of the very first signs of life I discovered on the forest floor in our neighborhood was the colorful scarlet elf cup fungi.  This fungus grows on decaying sticks in damp locations usually buried under leaf litter.

Bloodroot

One of the first "spring ephemerals" I observed in our neighborhood in April was the bloodroot. This fragile spring wildflower opens in full sunlight and closes at night.

These plants have to flower and reproduce before the forest canopy closes preventing sunlight from reaching the forest floor.  The underground stem has red sap and was used by Native Americans as a dye for clothing and baskets.  Hence the name bloodroot.

Yellow-Rumped Warbler

The first migrating songbird we observed in our yard was the Yellow-Rumped Warbler on April 14th.

These are some of the most visible warblers and are found in open woodlands and brushy habitats.  The yellow rumps become exposed as they flit from branch to branch in search of insects.

Here is a list of other spring migrants we observed and arrival date.

Rufous-Sided Towhee       April 18

White-Throated Sparrow    April 20

Catbird                            April 28

Blue Jay                         April  28

House Wren                    April 29

Baltimore Oriole              April  29

Rose- Breasted Grosbeak  April 30

Palm Warbler                 April 30

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird  May 1

Blue Jays

One of the most interesting observations at our feeders this spring occurred on April 28 and 29.  On those days, we had migrating flocks of blue jays. The most we observed at any one time was 12.

This phenomenon last only a day or two.  One morning in the spring of 2024, we observed 21 at one time.  One morning late last week, I was fortunate to watch a blue jay remove and consume a 6 inch nightcrawler before flying away.

Beaver Dam and Lodge

In the early morning of May 4th, I paddled my canoe up into Wacouta Bay to observe what new signs of spring were present.  One observation was the number of waterfowl was greatly reduced from two weeks earlier.

No doubt the presence of a new 150 to 200 foot beaver dam was something I didn't expect. The dam was located at the mouth of Bullard Creek.  When I had paddled in that area on April 23rd, the water level was almost 2 feet lower preventing me getting close to the dam.

With the new dam holding back a considerable amount of water, a large new lodge is under construction.

Adult Sandhill Crane on the nest

On March 10, 2025, I heard the first calls of migrating cranes overhead.  In some cases, the cranes were flying so high it was difficult to even see them.

I have paddled up into the bay numerous times over the past 25 years and have never observed an active crane nest.  That was until May 4th, when I came across this nesting crane hidden among the aquatic sedge vegetation.  If you zoom in on the attached photo, you will see one large egg on the nest.

Incubating Sandhill Crane

Sandhill cranes generally lay two eggs.  Unfortunately, in most cases only one chick survives to fledge.  Both sexes care for and protect the young colt.

Adult Sandhill Crane

Crane nests are typically built of grasses or other aquatic vegetation on the ground or in shallow water.  In the case, if the river rises quickly this nest could be abandoned.