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.