Johnny Panther Quests. Ecotours

Cass River 2008

A couple more days of "Springtime in Florida" are upon us. The air is sweet, the birds are singing, and the Saginaw river is opened. I am actually tired of riding in circles on the ice, and am looking forward to my spring recon for 2010. Dodging icebergs, breaking ice, and seeing what is new are high on the agenda this time of year. Not many want to put on a snowmobile suit to go on a boat ride, but I feel one coming on. It's usually myself, or maybe a couple of team mates that head out into the Shiawassee Flats this time of year. Last year the day after out first ride I did a tour on February 15th. It was brisk but beautiful. The day before was once in a lifetime!

The red-tails are still hanging around the neighborhood, and there have been quite a few woodpeckers knocking around lately. Our swamp has a lot of dead trees so it is ideal habitat for northern flickers, red-bellies, downy, and hairy woodpeckers. I think the raptors are already winding down. We will find out what is happening maybe as soon as this weekend out in the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. With the possible rain in store, it might be enough to break things up and get them moving.

Cass River 2/15/09 still frozen

One of many eagles we saw that weekend. Sometimes six to a tree.

It is easy to see stuff this time of year..