Squirrels Planning Bad Winter

 

The yard has now picked up several piles of pine cones gathered by red squirrels.  Is Mud Lake like Camelot and the pine cones fall in neat piles?  We checked this out with a DNR/park agent at Itasca State Park.   Red squirrels like to gather pine cones in piles.  At first we suspected a neighbor was trying to play a joke on us as these a;appeared,. but no.  The squirrels do this.  We do not know if size and number indicates degree of cold expected, or just good pickings in pine cones, but these are big and located near trees that will more clearly mark them.

 

Fall Ahead

The signs of fall are clear.  Being Post-Labor Day weekend is one, but the trees have lost their summer tone, the geese are in v-formations, and the temperatures just have that fall cool to them.  The odd tree has a full turn of color, and some may just be dry or ill.  The larger groupings of geese are not around yet, but the groups in v-formation are getting bigger.  They remain in the dozen or so range.  The wind and coolness are heavy with hints of fall.

Of note is the rareness of the loons.  They have been around making their calls all summer, including a 3 in the morning, but now seem silent.

Fall Watch

Last night more geese appeared in that v-formation of fall.  They were in multiple groups, so not leaving today, but it is ominous.  Odd trees have that fall look, but the big sign is that as you watch the woods you can spot leaves falling in just small time spans.

Them Loons, Now Them Geese

 

The loons continue to have a daily life marked by their calls, but the fall goose migration has begun with its mass honking.  For the last two weeks geese have been arriving in their V formations and done their honking festivals to attract their kind.  This is a sign of the coming migration.  But that migration is hopefully months away.  It is too early.

On the other hand, the fall turning of the leaves has begun.  While tiny spots of yellow or purple can be found, the mass fading of areas to a light yellowish-green are all over.  This is early, too.  By Labor Day some full yellow spots can be found in most years, but it sure looks ahead of time.

Turtles on the Move

 

The turtles of Mud Lake have been in egg laying mode.  Here several sun themselves after getting back in the lake.

Turtle Crossing

 

The annual turtle crossing has started.  Box and snapper turtles cross the lawn near the garden, then on to the lake.  We believe a deposit of eggs is now near the garden. 

We have also been told the red fox next door awaits these deposits.

It seems last year this trek came a bit later in June.

Summer Comes

Everyone talks of winter going and Summer suddenly making a show.  The lake is alive with activity. 

Fishing is heavy this time of year, but we are not seeing a lot being caught.  We do know of a wonderful bass being taken, but are not seeing the folk in the boats getting excited.

A loon is heard but not seen. He likes expressing himself around 5 to 6 in the morning.  We are not sure how local he is.

A goose family has taken up residence on the lake.  They have three goslings.  They like to stand on the edge of the road in the bay.  Every one is giving them right of way.  Two ducks seem to be hanging around down from the dock.  A nest is suspected back in the reeds.  A turkey walked by.  We keep hearing of beaver activity down the ways.

Open the door after dark and one can see the massively active insect life.  Turn on a light and clouds of gnats appear.  The heat!  The ticks are every where.

And with the rain, the garden is growing like crazy.  The beans and tomatoes are just shooting up.