Apr 30, 2014: April 2014 Photo Collage

April 2014 photos from the blog by Wolf. Oesterreich, Kevin Kane, and Erv Klaas. 

Apr 29, 2014: Great Egrets

8 Great Egrets in a tree on the bluff, 4/29/14, 8:30am (Kevin Kane)

This note came from AHHP Friend Zora Zimmerman:

At just about 7:00 p.m. today (4/28/14), Tom and I watched --- from the west parking lot at Ada Hayden --- 8 great egrets landing on the sandbar on the north shoreline of the western end of the south lake below the hill and west of the creek near the shelter. They were joined by a small flock of white pelicans (9 to 12 individuals) who landed next to them. I am guessing they will spend the night there and stay until the winds and rains change. It was drizzling when we were there. Seeing these glorious white birds together was a real pleasure.

You probably have spotted them already, but I wanted to record our own sighting.

Best,
Zora

Apr 28, 2014: 2013 Avian Summary

Goldfinch. 8/14/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

For 2013, a total of 200 avian species (plus 5 sp.) was recorded, ranking this year as the 3rd highest in 17 years of records.  This total is 10 species more than 2012.  Disregarding the first year (consists of only December), the range of totals run from 128 species (1998) to 206 species (2011).  Four species (Red-throated Loon, Swainson's Hawk, Golden Eagle, & Say's Phoebe) were added to my List, which is now at 264 species.  Again, Fall migration didn't live up to expectations, especially with much of the wetlands being dry.  Notably absent this year included: scoters, Least Bittern, dowitches, Red-headed Woodpecker, Western Meadowlark, Yellow-headed Blackbird, Brewer's Blackbird, and Great-tailed Grackle.

Apr 27, 2014: Lightning Strike

During one of the early morning thunderstorms today (27th) a tree located just west of the main shelter was struck by lightning.  Tree shards were strewn across the trail. 4/27/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 26, 2014: Bloodroot

So far the only place I have seen Bloodroot at the park is at the narrow strip of woods between the trail and Dawes Drive (SE corner of the south lake), just opposite the spillway.  A few small patches are present. 4/25/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 25, 2014: Greening Up

An eastward view along the north slope, as viewed from the NW corner of the Upland Trail. 4/20/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 24, 2014: White-throated Sparrow

White-throated Sparrows should be passing through so check your bushes and trees.  One could be scurrying about below. 4/20/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 23, 2014: Common Green Darner

This male Common Green Darner was hunting and hovering along Pond G's west shore.  A tandem pair were also ovipositing, with the female dipping her tail into the waters. 4/19/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 22, 2014: Plains Garter Snake

The Plains Garter Snake is one of two garter snake species found at the Park.  The lateral line can be found on the 3rd and 4th scale line above the belly scales.  Two were observed today (19th): along the lower (south) Upland Trail and at the south lake's SW corner. 4/19/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 21, 2014: Boreal Chorus Frog

All that noise coming from the wetlands are the calls of Iowa's smallest frog - the Boreal Chorus Frog.  Their activity begins in late March or early April.  Good luck in seeing one.  If you approach too close, they stop calling. 4/19/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 20, 2014: Erv's Field Notes #65

Variegated meadowhawk in flight.  I also saw several pairs ovipositing
by tapping but did not get a picture of this behavior. 4/20/14 (Erv Klaas)

Sunday, April 20, 2014.
Sunny, gentle south breeze, temperature 72 degrees F.

I parked in the SW parking lot off Harrison Road and walked the upland trail on the west side. I noticed that Country Landscapes has put small white marker flags along the trail. The flags are marked on one side as Hawth BB or Bur 10. I assume this means Hawthorn or Bur Oak. The Parks and Recreation Department intends to plant 150 trees this year in city parks in celebration of the city’s 150th birthday. The area on both sides of the trail is reconstructed prairie. Planting trees along this prairie trail may seem incongruous with prairie management that tries to control woody species. At least, Hawthorn and Bur Oak are resistant to fire and it is not unusual to find these two species in prairie savanna areas.

4/20/14 (Erv Klaas)

I took a side trail over to the two ponds nestled in the willows where I saw a large concentration of ducks a couple of weeks ago. The first pond in the complex is now full of water with a trickle of water flowing over the concrete weir into the second pond. I flushed eight Blue-winged Teal, a pair of Mallards and about 20 American Coots from the first pond as I walked in. I took my seat on the concrete weir abutment between the ponds and took out my camera. I could see Canada Geese, American Coots, Blue-winged and Green Winged Teals, Northern Shovellers, and Mallards in the second pool.

Several Common Green Darners and Variegated Meadowhawks were patrolling the shoreline. and as they passed close by I was able to get a few photos of these dragonflies in flight. I also observed both species in tandem laying eggs in the water. The biological term for this is ovipositing. The method is different in the two species. The male of both species maintain their grasp of the female with claspers on the end of its tail. All dragonflies and damselflies in the Order Odonata have these claspers that are specially adapted to grip the female behind the head during mating and egg laying. The claspers are uniquely shaped in each species and are used in species identification if you have the insect in your hand. With modern field guides, most species can now be identified with binoculars. The Common Green Darner pair lands on dead vegetation in the water and the female dips her tail an inch or two into the water. So as not to place all her eggs in one place, the pair shifts their position every minute or so. The Variegated Meadowhawk pair skims over the surface of the water and the female taps the end of her abdomen in the water as they fly along. I have read that the female may lay as many as 50 eggs with each tap. Both of these species are known to be migratory, and are the earliest dragonflies to be seen in the spring.

This painted turtle was about 4 inches in diameter. Evidence of reproduction and winter survival. 4/20/14 (Erv Klaas)

While I was taking pictures of the dragonflies, a small Painted Turtle, about 4 inches in diameter, found a perch on a large rock not far from me. This young turtle indicates that reproduction is occurring in the pond and that this individual survived the extreme winter temperatures we had this year.
Last Friday, Jim Pease and I walked around the south lake and observed a flock of 17 Horned Grebes. The Horned Grebe has become a regular migrant through the park but this was the largest number I have seen at one time. The flock stayed together for the whole time we were at the park and showed off their swimming skills by moving all the way from the east side of the lake to the west side at about the same pace that we were walking.

Erv Klaas

Apr 19, 2014: Horned Grebe

One to 4 Horned Grebes have been present since the 8th and have been found on both the north and south lakes.  This brightly-colored individual is in breeding plumage. 4/15/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 18, 2014: White-tailed Deer

Lately I have been seeing deer in groups of 6 or more.  However, this single White-tailed Deer was found near the amphitheater (NW corner of the Upland Trail). 4/17/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 17, 2014: Common Loon

Four Common Loons have been present on the main lakes since the 8th.  This adult is one that was on the south lake on the 15th. 4/15/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 16, 2014: Ruby-crowned Kinglet

This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was found foraging on the ground for insects, a behavior I had not observed before.  The cold temperatures and strong winds probably kept the insects from flying.  My presence didn't appear to bother the bird in its quest for food. The "ruby crown" is only visible when the male is agitated. 4/14/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 15, 2014: Snow Painted

Though most of the snow had melted from the landscape, the north edge of many trees were still plastered with snow-ice (late afternoon).  These trees are located at the bluff area. 4/14/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 14, 2014: Field Sparrow

Note the white eye-ring, gray face, and pink bill of this Field Sparrow, which was found along the Upland Trail.  They nest in Iowa.  Their song is a repeated clear whistled note on one pitch that increases in rate (like a dropped ping-pong ball) until they make a trill. 4/12/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 13, 2014: South Lake

This is a northwest view across the south lake, taken from near the spillway.  A large raft of waterfowl was present and included Gadwalls (200+), American Wigeons (9+), Blue-winged Teal (2), Northern Shovelers (110+), Green-winged Teal (13+), Ring-necked Ducks (2), Lesser Scaups (24+), and Buffleheads (15+).  Non-waterfowl included Common Loons (4), Pied-billed Grebes (5), Horned Grebes (3), and American Coots (124+).  The first Purple Martin was found flying over the south wetland complex.  A Great Egret stood in the waters of Pond H.  Two Ospreys hunted over both of the main lakes. 4/10/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 12, 2014: Northern Painted Turtle

Northern Painted Turtles exited hibernation and have emerged from the muds at the bottom of the ponds.  This one was basking on a log at Jensen Pond. 4/12/2014 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 11, 2014: Variegated Meadowhawk

I found the  first 2 Variegated Meadowhawks on the 9th.  Today (11th) they were everywhere.  They commonly perch on the ground and will fly off as one approaches.  Also found today were the first Common Green Darners. 4/11/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 10, 2014: Approaching Storm

I was a bit concerned that the approaching storm would hit before I had completed my ride.  I didn't need to worry as only a few sprinkles fell.  You can see the storm splitting (behind the bluff area). 4/7/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

April 9, 2014: Mourning Cloak

The first Mourning Cloak of the season was found on 8 March. This worn specimen (missing part of the right wing) probably overwintered locally and had just recently emerged. Adults prefer tree sap, especially that of oaks. They will also feed on rotting fruit. They mate in Spring.

Two anglewings (either Question Mark or Eastern Comma) were also found at the bluff woods today.

The first 2 Variegated Meadowhawks (dragonfly) of the season were present.

4/5/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 8, 2014: Eastern Chipmunk

Eastern Chipmunks have emerged from their chambers.  Depending on how deep their tunnels descended and the amount of insulation in the chamber, surviving the Winter months was rather precarious.  In places, the soil was frozen down to 4 feet. 4/5/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 7, 2014: Erv's Field Notes 64B

Northern Shoveler 4/1/13 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Monday, April 7, 2014, 2:00 pm. 
I parked in the north lot and walked up the trail to Jensen’s Pond. I counted 19 Shoveller ducks, two pair of Mallards and one male Bufflehead. Last year in April, I reported observing Shovellers feeding on the South Lake in large compact groups of 40-50 individuals. Shovellers feed by filtering micro-crustaceans from the surface of the water with their big bills that are adapted for this kind of foraging. It was unusual to see other species that are not adapted for this kind of feeding trying to mimic the Shovellers Today, most of the Shovellers were loafing on the bank or standing on logs at the west end of the pond. Four pairs, each consisting of a male and female, were feeding in the manner I described above but not clumped together. Instead, each pair was swimming in a tight circle about 3 feet in diameter. I watched them for about 30 minutes and they were still feeding when I left.
I saw no dragonflies or painted turtles. The bark on the sumac around the overlook to the east of the pond has been fed on extensively by cottontail rabbits over the winter. I heard and saw Ring-necked Pheasants in the prairie down the hill and Red-winged Blackbirds are staking out territories. As I walked back to the car I spotted an Eared Grebe on the north lake.
Erv Klaas

Apr 6, 2014: Erv's Filed Notes 64A

Song Sparrow numbers have increased considerably.  From just individuals a few weeks ago, one can encounter 20 or more in groups along the trails, especially near the Upland Trail's south trailhead. 4/5/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Sunday, April 6, 2014, 4:00 pm. Sunny, windy, Temperature 50 degrees F.
I feel like I am coming out of hibernation. The long cold winter has finally moderated to a point where I feel like getting outside. I parked in the southwest parking lot and walked up the west side of the park along the upland trail. I then took a dirt path over to the two wetland ponds that are nestled among the willows. The ponds were full of ducks. I identified Mallards, Shoveller, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Canvasback, Redhead, Lesser Scaup, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, and Ring-necked Duck. A Great Blue Heron flew over and landed out of sight to the east. The scene was very colorful with the bright sun glistening off the iridescent red, green, blue and white plumages of the ducks swimming on the blue water. The vegetation is still brown with little sign of greening. It was good to see these ponds full of water.
Erv Klaas

Apr 5, 2014: Jensen Pond

An eastward view across Jensen Pond.  Last year there was still some snow on the ground and more ice covering the pond.  See more photos of Jensen Pond over time here.  3/30/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 4, 2014: Sunset Rays

The sun casts its rays through the clouds over the north lake. 4/4/14 (Kevin Kane)

Apr 3, 2014: Wolf's March Wildlife Report

Brown Creepers are small brown birds (5.25") that search for insects (including larva) in bark crevasses.  They tend to start near the bottom of a tree trunk, work their way upwards, and then fly off to another tree, starting over near the bottom.  They are almost constantly in motion. 4/1/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

A total of 69 avian species (plus 2 sp.) was recorded this month, ranking this month (also tied with 2005 and 2010) as the 6th highest March among 17 years of records.

The following species were First-of-Year records: Greater White-fronted Goose, Ross's Goose, Wood Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Blue-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck. Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser, Great Blue Heron, Turkey Vulture, Northern Harrier, American Coot, Killdeer, Ring-billed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Pigeon, Belted Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, American Kestrel, Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, Brown Creeper, Swainson’s Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Rusty Blackbird, Common Grackle, and Brown-headed Cowbird

Based on citations in the 3rd Edition of “The Birds of Story County, Iowa,” by Stephen J. Dinsmore and Hank Zaletel (2001), plus my personal updates to the records, the single Swainson’s Thrush found on the 31st may represent a new extreme early Spring record (former record set on 19 April 2008 at this Park) for Story County.

Listed below, following the species’ names, are the date(s) of sighting(s), plus the occasional miscellaneous information regarding numbers, gender (♂=male, ♀=female), age (im=immature, ju=juvenile, abp=adult breeding plumage, ad=adult, anb=adult non-breeding), color phase (b=blue, w=white), and location (BY=back yard).  The order follows the 54th Supplement (2013) to the American Ornithologists’ Union Check-list of North American Birds and the 13th Supplement to the 7th Edition (1998).

AVIAN
     GREATER WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE: 3 (3), 11 (~41), 13 (8), 14 (153+), 16 (300+), 17 (10),
                                    18 (~75), 19 (~60), 21 (~40), 22 (~150), 23 (150+), 24 (52+), 30 (~30)
     SNOW GOOSE: 1 (1w), 3-12 (1w), 13 (1w + 3b), 14-17 (1w), 21-22 (1 im), 24 (5), 26 (1w ad)
     ROSS’S GOOSE: 16 (1 w)
     CACKLING GOOSE: 13 (12+), 16-17, 23
     CANADA GOOSE: 1-31
     TRUMPETER SWAN: 8 (2 ad), 25 (2 ad)
     WOOD DUCK: 14 (6♂ + 2♀), 16, 18 (2♂), 20 (2♂ + 1♀), 22 (1♂ + 1♀), 26
     GADWALL: 15 (2♂ + 1♀), 16 (3♂ + 1♀), 18 (2♂ + 2♀), 20 (1♂ + 1♀), 22 (9), 23-26, 28 (6),
                                    29 (2♂ + 1♀)
     AMERICAN WIGEON: 12 (1♂), 16 (2♂ + 2♀), 18 (1♂ + 1♀), 20 (2♂ + 1♀), 22 (2♂ + 2♀),
                                    24 (3♂ + 3♀), 25 (1♂ + 1♀), 29 (1♂ + 1♀)
     MALLARD: 1-26, 28-31
     BLUE-WINGED TEAL: 25 (5), 28 (2♂ + 2♀), 29 (2♂ + 1♀), 30-31 (2♂ + 2♀)
     NORTHERN SHOVELER: 29 (5), 31
     NORTHERN PINTAIL: 1 (1♂), 3-9 (1♂), 12 (20+ ♂/♀), 14 (15 ♂/♀), 15 (5 ♂/♀), 16 (6♂ + 2♀),
                                    18 (8 ♂/♀), 20 (2♂ + 1♀), 22 (6), 23-25, 28 (5♂ + 2♀), 29, 30 (1♂)
     GREEN-WINGED TEAL: 15 (2♂ + 1♀), 16 (7♂ + 2♀), 17 (14+ ♂/♀), 20 (2♂ + 1♀), 21 (1♂), 22-23,
                                    25-26, 28 (29+), 29 (20+), 30 (11), 31
     CANVASBACK: 15 (6♂ + 2♀), 16 (9♂ + 1♀), 17 (3♂ + 1♀), 18 (11♂ + 4♀), 19 (5+ ♂/♀), 20 (4♂ + 2♀),
                                    21 (30+), 22-26, 28-29 (1♂), 31 (1♂)
     REDHEAD: 12 (6♂ + 4♀), 14 (3♂ + 2♀), 15 (25+ ♂/♀), 16 (15+), 18 (5+), 19 (5♂), 20 (2♂ + 1♀),
                                    21 (1♂ + 1♀), 22-24
     RING-NECKED DUCK: 10 (2♂ + 2♀), 13-14 (1♂ + 2♀), 15-16 (75+ ♂/♀), 17 (100+), 18 (125+),
                                    19-20 (100+), 21, 22-26, 28 (2♂ + 2♀), 29 (2♂)
     LESSER SCAUP: 14 (5♂ + 4♀), 15 (5+ ♂/♀), 16 (1♂), 17 (5+), 18 (12+ ♂/♀), 19 (50+), 20-21 (20+),
                                    22-26, 28 (24+), 29 (30+), 30-31
     BUFFLEHEAD: 22-25 (2♂), 26 (1♂), 29 (1♂)
     COMMON GOLDENEYE: 12 (1♂), 14 (1♂ + 1♀), 19 (4♂ + 2♀), 31 (2♂)
     HOODED MERGANSER: 11 (1♂), 12 (7♂ + 2♀), 14 (2♂ + 1♀), 17 (9♂ + 6♀), 18 (8♂ + 3♀), 19 (2♂),
                                    22-24, 25 (1♂ + 1♀), 26 (2♂ + 2♀), 28 (2♂ + 2♀), 29 (14♂ + 4♀)
     COMMON MERGANSER: 21 (1♂ + 1♀), 23 (3♂)
     RING-NECKED PHEASANT: 6, 9 (1♂ BY), 10, 12-15, 16 (1♂ BY + 4), 17-21, 22 (1♂ BY), 24,
                                    25 (1♂ BY + ), 28-31
     GREAT BLUE HERON: 17 (1), 18-19 (3), 21 (1), 23-26 (2), 28 (6), 30 (1), 31 (2)
     TURKEY VULTURE: 22 (1), 28 (1), 31 (7)
     BALD EAGLE: 1 (1 im), 3 (1 ad + 1 im), 7 (1 ad + 1 im), 14 (2 ad + 1 im), 15 (1 ad), 16 (11 ad + 11 im
                                    + 3 unknown age), 17 (1 ad), 18 (2 ad), 20 (1 ad), 22 (1 ad), 24 (1 4-year-old),
                                    25 (1 ad)
     NORTHERN HARRIER: 25 (1 brown)
     SHARP-SHINNED HAWK: 16 (1 ad), 18 (1), 19 (1 ad)
     COOPER’S HAWK: 11 (1 im BY), 12 (1 BY), 13 (2), 16 (1 im + 1 ad)
     Accipiter sp.: 30 (1)
     RED-TAILED HAWK: 3 (1), 4 (2), 5 (1), 6 (2), 7 (1), 10 (2), 16 (3), 17 (1), 18 (2), 20 (2), 21 (1), 22 (2),
                                    23-24 (1), 25 (3), 26 (2), 28 (3), 29-30 (2), 31 (1)
     Buteo sp.: 26 (1)
     AMERICAN COOT: 16 (1), 18 (1), 20 (1), 25 (1), 31 (1)
     KILLDEER: 14 (1), 15 (3), 18-19 (1), 21 (2), 22-23 (1), 25 (1), 29-31 (1)
     RING-BILLED GULL: 18 (11), 21 (26+), 22 (4+), 23 (7+), 24 (2), 26 (3), 28 (5), 29, 30 (5), 31 (~30)
     HERRING GULL: 18 (1), 21 (2), 23 (1)
     ROCK PIGEON: 22 (4)
     MOURNING DOVE: 2 (1 BY), 8 (1), 10 (1), 14 (1), 15, 18, 21 (2 BY), 23 (3), 27-30
     BELTED KINGFISHER: 10 (1), 14 (1)
     RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER: 4, 6, 9, 25
     YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER: 31 (1)
     DOWNY WOODPECKER: 1-6, 8-20, 22-23, 26-28, 31
     HAIRY WOODPECKER: 6, 16, 22-23
     NORTHERN FLICKER (Yellow-shafted): 3 (1)
     AMERICAN KESTREL: 23 (1♀)
     EASTERN PHOEBE: 31 (1)
     NORTHERN SHRIKE: 5 (1), 8 (1), 19 (1), 28 (1)
     BLUE JAY: 1-2, 8-9, 21, 23-24, 28-30
     AMERICAN CROW: 1-31
     TREE SWALLOW: 30 (3), 31 (5)
     BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE: 1-11, 13-31
     WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH: 6, 13-17, 23, 25, 29, 31
     BROWN CREEPER: 31 (1)
     EASTERN BLUEBIRD: 14 (2), 16 (3♂ + 3♀), 17 (4♂ + 2♀), 18 (9♂ + 2♀), 21 (1♂), 23 (3♂ + 2♀),
                                    24 (3♂ + 3♀), 26 (2♂), 28 (3♂)
     SWAINSON’S THRUSH: 31 (1)
     AMERICAN ROBIN: 1-31
     EUROPEAN STARLING: 1-31
     CEDAR WAXWING: 1 (11 BY)
     AMERICAN TREE SPARROW: 1-9, 11-16, 17 (3), 18 (~12), 19, 20 (4), 21 (10+), 22-23, 24 (1), 25-26,
                                    28-31
     FOX SPARROW: 31 (5)
     SONG SPARROW: 3-9 (1), 14 (1), 18 91), 21 (1), 23 (3), 25 (4), 28 (4), 29-31
     DARK-EYED JUNCO (Slate-colored): 1-31
     DARK-EYED JUNCO (Oregon): 9 (1 BY)
     NORTHERN CARDINAL: 1-31
     RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD: 9 (1♂ BY), 10 (1♂ BY + many more), 11 (5♂ BY), 12 (4♂ BY), 13-17,
                                    18 (+ first ♀’s), 19-31
     EASTERN MEADOWLARK: 28 (1)
     RUSTY BLACKBIRD: 29 (2♂)
     COMMON GRACKLE: 15 (2 BY), 17 (1), 18-31
     BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD: 16 (11♂), 18, 27, 29 (4♂), 31 (3)
     HOUSE FINCH: 1-31
     AMERICAN GOLDFINCH: 14-15 (1 BY), 16 (1 BY + 1), 17 (1 BY), 19 (1 BY), 23 (2), 27, 31
     HOUSE SPARROW: 1-13, 15-31

MAMMALIAN
     WHITE-TAILED DEER: 2 (4 BY), 3 (16 + 1♂), 4 (1), 10 (3 BY + 2), 12 (12 + 3 BY), 13 (11), 14 (3),
                                    16 (2), 17 (13+), 18 (3), 19 (4), 20 (6), 23 (6 + 2 BY), 24 (6)
     FOX SQUIRREL: 1-5, 8-9, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 22, 26-31
     MEADOW VOLE: 4 (1)
     EASTERN COTTONTAIL: 1-10, 12, 14-18, 20-30

AMPHIBIAN
     BOREAL CHORUS FROG: 13, 20 (1), 31

Wolf. Oesterreich

Apr 2, 2014: Darkness on the Edge of Town

Monday's storm passed through rather quickly. I was up on the upland Trail when it hit, splattering me with cold raindrops and some hail. These trees by Jensen Pond are lit up by the sun with the darkness of the storm in the background. 3/31/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)

Apr 1, 2014: Crashing Waves

With the strong winds blowing across the north lake, waves were crashing up against the rip-rap. 3/31/14 (Wolf. Oesterreich)