The Daily Bucket is a place where we can post and exchange our observations about the natural happenings in our neighborhoods. Birds, bugs, blossoms and more - each notation is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the natural patterns that are unwinding around us.
Gooseville, WI
The morning broke sunny with raw winds whipping at 23 mph, gusting to 35. The birdbath water was frozen hard. Mr. PS and I loaded the cameras, binoculars and hot coffee thermos into the car and headed to the great Horicon Marsh. The prospects for good migratory birding were poor, but we were cheerful.
Marsh fire, smoke or fog? Nope. It's 31,000 acres of cattail fuzz blowing horizontally on 35 mph wind gusts.
This was the lush marsh in early June as recorded in this photo diary.
June 3, 2012
We were stunned by the harsh reality of drought. The quiet pools and huge shallow lakes of open water had dried into cracked mud flats and puddles.
October 8, 2012
The marsh was alive with birds hunkered down and sheltering from southern winds. Sandhill cranes and Canada geese were buffeted in loose flight formations, but only a few tried to make headway.
The mud flats were patroled by the usual delightful characters.
We spied an animated little brown bird hopping along the puddle edge. Sparrow? No, a little brown bird I didn't recognize.
It was small and drab, dressed for winter. Unconcerned about our presence it flitted closer, curious.
Then with a head cock and a flip of a tail, she flashed her splashy yellow butter-butt. I have heard the common voices of yellow-rumped warblers hidden in the shadows as they migrate quickly by. Now, I have seen one. Oh, joy!
I'll just check this one off my life list!
What's new in your neck of the woods? What birds are arriving, staying or leaving in your neighborhood these days? Got migration? Feel free to throw a note in the bucket. You are welcome here.
♫