April 2015 Update

I heard on TV that people who participate constantly on social media are just saying "see me, see me".  In some cases I think that's true.   Facebook has recently started a program called "On this Day".  It is fun to see what happened on a specific day in past years.  I wonder if some people are sorry for some of their posts, like how in love they were with someone or how depressed they were.  Loves change, moods change and people change.  I imagine it's sad or embarrassing for some to read those things from their past, so I am very careful not to spill my guts over social media.  Sometimes I may not follow my own advice.  Most of the time, I try to post what is happening in this time and place of our life with nature or my family.  So here is what is happening at the end of April 2015.

Last week we often saw this turkey at the edge of the woods.  In fact, we saw her eating out of the compost heap.  I saw egg shells on the ground.  She must need some grit for her gizzard.  She also eats birdseed from under the feeders.  I hope we aren't sorry for making her so comfortable.  She and her brood may become a nuisance, but right now she is fun to watch. 

Mama turkey in the yard.

The turtle are sunning themselves everyday.  It can be cool and windy, but as long as the sun is shining they stack themselves up like dinner plates drying on a towel.

A couple nights ago we had the scary Carp boat come in with it's bright lights.  It was raining and when I went to take their picture, they turned around and left.  http://www.thecabincountess.com/2014/04/was-it-ufo.html

All kinds of birds are nesting.  The Tree Swallows have returned and are building a nest in the same gray box they choose every year. 

The mourning doves are busy but I won't post the X-rated version.  They look very innocent here, but I will tell you they are just exhausted.

Almost two weeks ago I wrote about the bluebirds returning this year.  I am so happy they have stayed, built a nest and now have four eggs in the nest.  I haven't seen any House Wrens yet but they will be here soon.  Hopefully the wren guard we put on the birdhouse will protect the bluebird eggs from these terrible birds.  http://www.thecabincountess.com/2015/04/bluebirds-are-back-in-2015.html

I did learn about a new bird this spring.  I was looking out the window and noticed a bird eating at the edge of the marsh.  I went outside to get as close as I could since he blended in with the dry vegetation.  I was able to get a photo good enough to get an identification.  This bird is called a Sora.  I feel very lucky to see it because it is often heard more often than seen.

I have also seen the Eastern Towhee return.  I always called this bird a Rufous sided towhee, but learned that is the old name.  It is now called the Eastern Towhee.  With a quick glance this bird will look like a robin, but if you take time to look it looks and acts differently.

Male Eastern Towhee

Female Eastern Towhee

 
Otherwise it is just the usual spring in Princeton Wisconsin.  We have carp spawning (the reason for the carp fishing boat), the finches are bright yellow, ducks and geese are coming and going, a fox appears on the trail camera at night.  It is a very active time of year.  We expect the Baltimore Orioles, the Hummingbirds and the Indigo Bunting to show up in the next few days.