The eastern bluebirds in my backyard have been showing a real interest in the two boxes that I built last year.  So far, they appear to be using the boxes as shelter from the cold weather so far, as you can see, the poor guy is all puffed up trying to stay warm.  It will sure be nice once this cold weather breaks.

I was distracted at work today by hundreds of Sandhill Cranes flying overhead.  As I was watching the several flocks converge, I noticed a white disturbance within the mass of gray.  It was a lone Whooping Crane among the hundreds of Sandhill Cranes.  I stood a while longer just watching them, but unfortunatly, I had to get back to work.

With the dryer weather we have been having, a nice warm sun and a little wind, made today a great day to do a little burn out in my prairie.  I’m getting really anxious for spring to come and for the first blooms of native plants to start.  I have also already started making a list of seeds I have to collect this year. 

Today, with the beautiful spring air, the birds are going crazy.  The Bluebirds are already scoping out the boxes and the Robins are flying in and out of the nest from last year.  The Kildeers are and Red-winged Blackbirds have also made their return to the prairie.  Driving to work the other day I saw a couple Great Blue Herons and a flock of Sandhill Cranes.  Its great to hear the sound of spring in the air.