Minnesota Symbols

We had the opportunity to travel to Bemidji last week for a stay in a housekeeping cabin at Finn n Feather resort. It was a trip down memory lane as our little family used to vacation there every summer back in the 70's and 80's. These pictures were taken at Bemidji State Park just north of down on the "Bog Walk". We had never before seen the Minnesota state flower (Showy Lady Slipper) in the wild. There were probably fifty plants or so as well as numerous other wild flowers. The second one is a pitcher plant which forms a little bowel, secrets liquid into it, and entices little critters like ants into it for a nice dinner. The loon needs no explanation although if you click for a closer look it shows the green band on its neck quite nicely. The last picture is of Jack, Cindy, Jean, and I on the Bog Walk. They were able to get away for a few days to join us fishing and enjoying the great north woods.

Good luck

No explanation needed.

Sign Abuse

For my last post before returning to Minnesota I thought it appropriate to show a couple of rules violators. Here is a poor little crab who found out what happens when rules are violated. Jean is shown cleaning up after him. As for the big blue fellow I guess he can't read the sign or just doesn't care.

I hit the jackpot last night when Jean and I went over to see the sunset behind Holiday Inn and I luckily had my camera with. As we were heading to the water I noticed a splash of pink to the left and lo and behold there was a flock of Roseate Spoonbills. I've been trying get a decent picture of these birds since November but they are pretty elusive and even when I do spot them there is rarely enough light to capture a decent shot. Last night was different; just enough light and a place where I could get close enough to them. So enjoy these rare shots.

More dancing

I happened upon snowy egrets one afternoon and watched them cavort around for probably 15 minutes before I got tired of their antics. No telling how long they went at it or why they were doing what they were doing. Perhaps it was a mating thing or a little territorial dispute. All I know is that I'm never bored when I'm out watching the birds. It's always something different.

I was walking in the lagoon area on the south end of the island when this Reddish Egret landed in the mud flat practically right next to me and started fishing. According to my bird book the little fishes like the shade provided by this fellow's wings and he then makes them pay the price for their bit of respite. Anyway it was a riot to see him hopping around in chase.

We hear from the 28%

There were anti-war rallies this week and the media here stressed the few people out protesting the protesters with signs that said "Support Our President and Our Troops". For some reason this picture came to mind.