Spring comes to GT Park

Winter is slowly, reluctantly giving in to Spring at SML.  Jackson and the southern part of the park was clear of snow a week ago.  The ice on Jackson Lake has cleared out and the mountains are again reflecting in the water.  Sagebrush Buttercups were frosted 10 days ago, they are now blooming in bright yellow.
      The Gift shop completed set-up on Thursday and opened to the public on Friday with many new items to sell. Three of last year's employees have returned, along with 4 new people.

Above is Jackson Lake frozen.  To the left is the Lake soon after ice-out.













I participated in Global Bird Count / International Migratory Bird Day on May 4.  Counting at Lupine Meadows I found 12 species to report for the event.  Chipping Sparrows had just arrived, as had Yellow-rumped Warblers.  Flickers, and Ruby-crowned Kinglets arrived before I did.  The 2 most surprising birds were a Wilson's Snipe, heard winnowing, and a Townsend's Solitaire singing from a Pine tree.
     Yesterday I visited a restored wetlands area south of Jackson and found 35 species !!  Yellow Warblers had recently arrived, and the Tree Swallows were busy investigating nest cavities.   This Eared Grebe was a pleasant surprise.

WY early May

Subaru and I arrived in GT Park on Thursday, according to schedule.  Its still winter here !  The roads are clear, the fields are snow-covered and of course the mountains are wearing white coats of snow.  
     Journey from Wisconsin to WY was one of serious wind.  I had wanted to stop for birds at one location, but not with THAT wind.  North Dakota and Montana had the worst wind.  I stopped at my friend, Kim's place, near Dillon for one night. She and boyfriend showed me some nice areas for hiking.  Its still winter in western MT, as well.
     I also stopped to visit Deborah, a former room-mate, in the small town of Thayne, WY.  Early Spring has come to this area. Meadowlarks are singing, Robins and Yellow-rumped Warblers are back.  I saw my first Yellow Warbler of the season !

Deborah took this photo of me looking at ducks on a pond.










The sky cleared and the mountains are beautiful.