Pine SiskinAt the Bear Center, Lucky left his pen shortly after 3 PM—his first such jaunt since November 5, two days before Holly went in. He went in a little later than usual last fall with Holly hanging around wanting to play. Today, after seeing how regularly Juliet ate snow, I’m surprised we didn’t see Lucky do that. A Lily Fan captured this 6-minute video of Lucky in action http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rr1J5JETPN8.
In this 4-minute video clip of June and cubs, the family has spent the day in the same swamp as yesterday, but instead of returning to the den, they traveled an hour and 45 minutes to these twin white pines. Traveling from dens to big white pines is usual for mothers with cubs as described here http://www.bearstudy.org/website/images/stories/Publications/Supercanopy_White_Pine_and_Wildlife.pdf. White pines are the preferred refuge trees for bears in this area, and the bears know where they are. 
RedpollJune played it extra safe, going to twin pines. In the video, Bud, Cal, and Lily come down in order. Cal and Bud squabble over nipples but settle into their usual places when Lily arrives and claims her nipples on the right side of June’s chest. Cal takes the nipples on the left side of June’s chest, and Bud takes the inguinal pair. The cubs are hungry and nurse eagerly. June often travels when the cubs are hungry and willing to follow without too much dallying. I wonder if this was their first chance to nurse after their long hike. http://youtu.be/nEj5Q8kG76g.
At WRI, the flock of eagles is still nearby. A couple female Common Redpolls are with the dozens of Pine Siskins.
Information on SF1303 was confusing as to which committee it is headed to next, but we believe it was re-referred to the Finance Committee whose members are listed here http://www.senate.leg.state.mn.us/committees/committee_bio.php?cmte_id=1007&ls= Discussion in, I believe, that committee a few days ago can be heard here http://bit.ly/19LJkWs.
You are sending fine letters to committee members, etc. Thank you! We have to win this.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center
All photos taken today unless otherwise noted.