When the cat wakes me at 4 am. and the store doesn’t open until 7 am., I head to the lake. I can usually find something else awake (or beginning to rise) while I’m at the water’s edge. That is what happened yesterday.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream, visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on Follow.
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The sky was beginning to catch the morning sun as I arrived. I found the little guy in the title photo ignoring me for more important things. I grabbed a short video before I exited the truck.
16 second film
I gathered my gear and headed down to the water’s edge. Almost immediately, a Double-crested Cormorant landed on a snag and began to dry it’s wings. I learned that they will shake and bob their wings to get every drop off.
36 second film
I noticed another Cormorant swimming toward the perched adult. It dove and came up with a fish (a big fish). Luckily I had the camera aimed and running.
56 second film
Suddenly, the danged camera started acting up. I couldn’t get a still shot or the video function to work. I popped out the sim-card and felt the battery. It was hot (a known defect in the Kodak PixPro AZ528 design.) I pried the battery out with my knife and put it in my belt pouch to cool off.
I always carry two cameras in the field. I pulled out my trusty, ancient Cannon in time to catch the next two birds in flight.
19 second film
I packed up and headed to the store (trip preplanned). I got home, stored supplies and compiled this diary. For me a worthy Wednesday of whimsy and wholesomeness.
My Bug of the Day is sponsored by the cat. He was missing for 8 days and returned with fleas. We have a known remedy to control an infestation. Here is our method, complete with results.
Note: bowl doesn’t have to steel, just reflective.
Treat this as an Open Thread and feel free to share any big or tiny thing you’ve encountered.