Spring Migration

An unusual bird visited EskDale this last week, hopping around in the gravel and grass in the middle of the community. It's quite a striking bird, with the long pink legs, straight, long bill, and black and white coloring. It frequently bobs its head. Know what it is?

If you guessed black-necked stilt, you're correct. It's certainly an appropriate name, with the black neck and stilt-like legs. A couple killdeer were following it around, providing some good spring entertainment.

One of the best places to observe spring migration is Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge. The oasis attracts thousands of birds, providing an important feeding ground on their migration. It's also fun to see what pops up in the backyard. I always like to think about where the migrating birds have come and where they're going--it's a bit like being an armchair traveler, with different birds inspiring thoughts about different trips.

Pivot at Twilight

Some of the pivots have recently been turned on, beginning the spring irrigation. They have nozzles that come down close to the ground to reduce evaporation. The snow is melting up in the mountains, increasing the stream flow that feeds many of these pivots. It appears that snow pack is slightly above normal, so we are hoping it will be a good water year.

By the way, the center pivot irrigation systems have lights that blink on and off at night, so if you're driving and see a light seemingly coming from a place that doesn't have roads, that could be what it is.

Spring is coming

The recent precipitation is really making things green up. I haven't had a chance to get photos of that yet, but figured I should get these end-of-winter photos up soon! Above is a really nice entrance sign for Warm Creek Ranch, by Gandy.

These covered stacks of hay by the Flat (north of the Border Inn) are slowly growing smaller as the hay is shipped to those who need it. It will only be a couple of months before the first crop is harvested and we begin the cycle again.