Painted TurtlesThis was an inside work day with two forays into the sunshine. The first was on the way to work when I noticed the forest understory is dotted with the green of hazel leaves opening and the color of red maple flowers.
Later, Judy Thon brought gas for the pontoon boat to be ready for the Black Bear Field Courses. The courses don’t begin until July but Judy likes to get things done. Great timing—beautiful sun that lit the wildlife we always see on this lake. A Great blue heron stood in front of the lodge that beavers built last fall. While we were pouring the gas in the boat, a loon swirled near the boat, making minnows leap from the surface. Shortly, he was back cavorting with his mate. Soon a common merganser flew by and then a kingfisher. Turtles were sunning along the shore, each with their back to the sun and neck extended so the dark back of its head would catch maximum rays. Always exciting in our little bay.
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| Kingfisher | Red Maple | Common Merganser |
The rest of the day was catching up on emails I’ve missed since September. That means I’m sent out many emails apologizing for missing important emails with help for exhibits, thoughtful letters, and many other things I should have caught and responded to promptly.
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| Loons | Hazel leaves | Great Blue Heron |
What comes through day after day is what a great and caring group Lily Fans are. You demonstrated some of that during the feeding crisis and with your reactions after the crisis was averted due in part to your words and actions. That’s all just part of what you demonstrate every day, which is why I end each update with:
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center