Loon Update

 Gretchen let me know today that both adult loons are now off the nest, so it looks like they will raise only one chick this year. If there was another egg, it probably didn't hatch. Gretchen sent this photo of the happy family this morning. Again, we caution you not to go near the birds. Give them plenty of space and if you want to take pictures, use a telephoto lens.

We hope this check can survive the summer. With many predators that include large fish such as the northern pike, snapping turtles, and other loons, they have plenty to worry about without humans adding more stress to their lives.

I have been busy most of the day, first inside, and then after lunch when the sun wasn't as hot, I got some outside work done.  A few minutes ago I was out on the porch taking a little break and noticed the wind is picking up out of the south. I expect rain will be here soon. The birds are singing loudly, but I haven't heard anything from the frogs in the pond yet. They will join the chorus this evening. I love sitting out on the porch listening to all of that going on. It is sometimes quite a din. This morning there was some sort of problem with some crows nearby. They were calling back and forth from the woods above my house and getting responses from across the road near the Randall's. Every now and then one would fly low over the house, headed across the road in one direction or the other. They seemed upset, so there may have been a predator. I don't think their young are quite ready to fledge yet, but they are probably old enough to be romping in the nest, testing their wings and getting into trouble by falling out or getting stranded on a nearby branch. The crow families sure are a noisy bunch. 

Now it's time to get something together for my supper. Sunday nights lately I've been having eggs - usually a western or an omelet. I picked up some of Manghis Sourdough bread the other day and that is really good for French Toast, so I may have that with a couple strips of bacon. It doesn't have to be breakfast time for me to enjoy French Toast! In fact, I rarely have that for breakfast. Maybe I'll add some sharp cheddar cheese to it tonight for a little extra zip . . . Gotta go. I'm really hungry!

I just realized there is absolutely no wind outside at all! This must be the "lull before the storm"! Stay safe.