It was a gorgeous October morning in Estabrook Park, with clear skies, a light breeze out of the west, and mild temps. With all that light, I was able to get in pretty early, for this time of year, and I spent a full 50 minutes there, before it was time to go meet up with the Milwaukee Birders in the Shorewood Nature Preserve, but I didn’t see anyone new.
Then I went to the preserve, had a great time catching up with folks, but once again failed to capture any blog-worthy images. One fun thing I did learn, however, is that the preserve just received a nice grant and they’re having a listening session on Tuesday, October 6 from 6-7:30 pm in the Shorewood Library Conference Room to get your input on how they should blow that money. Perhaps I’ll see you there.
Since we wrapped up at the preserve not too late in the morning, I decided to go back to Estabrook to try again for some pictures. Happily, the grebe I had seen earlier was still there and looking very nice in the morning sun. On the flip side, I couldn’t get the little stinker to float where some fall foliage was reflecting off the water, no matter how hard I willed it, so here it is in the warm glow of some invasive buckthorn, for all I know.
Donna and Marilyn drove over from the preserve to join me, and we all enjoyed the sight of a great blue heron dropping in to do a little fishing. Here it is slinking along the far bank and looking for its early lunch.
I would have to say, though, that the treat of the morning was watching this monarch butterfly flutter in and actually land on a flower, some small white aster, for a change, instead of green leaves. I read that the bulk of monarchs have already left for Mexico, and any monarch still alive at this late date is hardwired to fly south, but some might linger until late October before setting out. “Don’t wait too long, Sweetie! The weather can get crazy here.”
The forecast calls for chilly temps, but clear skies, and a light breeze for tomorrow morning, so come on out for our weekly wildlife walk if you’re able. We’re due for some rusty blackbirds, maybe even a snipe, and I’m hoping you can help me find them. I’ll look for you in the beer garden parking lot at 8am.
Also, if you skipped my talk about wildlife from around the world last week, because you only have eyes for local critters, then Tuesday’s your day. I’ll be updating my Estabrook Park presentation with the new sights from this year and delivering it at the North Shore School for Seniors at 1pm.
