Upcoming Junior Ranger Events

Hey, we have a few Junior Ranger events coming up through the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area that you can sign up for. When you become a Junior Ranger, you get your own badge and get sworn in. The best part for parents? Junior Ranger Events are free. I'm so excited about the first one--we get to ride on a barge! I'm also excited about the second because we are going to have Ranger Abby with us and she is going to interpret what I say into Spanish! My first multi-lingual bird walk for kids.

September 10, 6:00 -- 9:00 p.m.– Barge Ride on Mississippi River

Junior Rangers, ages 10 and up, are invited by Aggregate Industries to explore the river by taking a ride on a "working barge" on the Mississippi River. National Park Rangers (like me) will be on board for the ride. The barge ride will begin at Aggregate Industries’ distribution facility in Minneapolis and will end at the Ford Lock and Dam. Bus transportation will be provided back to Aggregate Industries’ distribution facility at the end of the evening. Adult life vests will be provided, but children must bring their own. For more information and to register (it's free), please call Aggregate Industries at 651-683-0600.

Sept 18, 6--7 p.m.– Birding at Lilydale Regional Park
Come to the boat ramp at Lilydale Regional Park to discover all of the exciting birds that travel along the Mississippi River on the fall migration south. Follow Ranger Sharon as she guides you through the trees and along the water while you learn different bird calls. See map for the meeting location. English to Spanish interpretation will also be available for this event.

Ducks Eating Snails

Check it out: a presidential sandwich--George Washing and Abe Lincoln!

I finally have a day off from all the CivicFest and RNC madness. Civic Fest is supposed to be non partisan and some of it is. The history displays, especially about the Continental Congress are fascinating. And the First Lady Dresses--Mary Todd Lincoln had a dress make of purple velvet and black lace that today's got teenager would love for her senior prom. However, all the gift shops are all Republican, all the time, which surprised me because we have a lot of Democrats in this state and Ralph Nader and Ron Paul are here for their own respective conventions.

I'm assigned by the park service to go to these events and tell anyone that I meet about how to enjoy the Mississippi River while in town. Quite a few people (of all political backgrounds) are here and are birders. I'll find myself engaged in a great birding conversation and then at the end, finally notice they might be wearing a button on a certain political issue that I highly disagree with, but for a few minutes, we can have a common bond over our love of birds.

I will say that if you are opposed to the proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act, what an opportunity to talk to people involved! A lot of senators and Department of the Interior staff are milling about the Twin Cities and easy to talk to. I'm not allowed to talk about that with them when in ranger uniform, but once I de-ranger, I can chat away.

I can't wait until the ducks get out of their eclipse plumage. Not that I don't love a good brown bird, but they are so much prettier. For non birding, ducks go into an "eclipse plumage" when they are flightless. They molt their feathers and tend to resemble female ducks. Since they can't fly, they need to hide from predators and being brown helps you hide a lot better in vegetation. Above is a female mallard with her brood of young mallards.

Here's a male mallard--note the bill color difference...and the large snail is his about to swallow?

All of the mallards were hunting snails and swirling around each other and on top of each other to get the food.

The younger mallards were not quite as successful as the adults. They didn't come up as often with a snail and half the time they would drop it back into the water.

The adult female had her technique down--check out her bulge right after she swallowed.

This is like one of those awful shots that someone gets of you when you are mid chew--ducks lose some dignity when mid snail swallow.

Whoopsie! This Year's Duck Stamp Is Bound To Be A Collector's Item

From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:

Millions of federal Duck Stamps, designed by a Minnesota artist, are affixed to an accompanying card that has a toll-free number that errantly directs callers to a phone sex service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) said this afternoon.

The correct number is 1-800-STAMP24 (1-800-782-6724). The wrong number, 1-800-872-6724, translates to 1-800-TRAMP24. Callers to "Intimate Connections" are warned that they must be 18 years or older.

Rachel Levin, a USFWS spokeswoman, called the misprint "an unfortunate typographical error" that her agency "really regrets," but the agency will keep selling the stamps with the naughty number because reprinting costs are too expensive.

The correct toll-free number is for people wishing to order additional Duck Stamps. All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to buy and carry the current Migratory Bird Conservation and Hunting Stamp, commonly known as the Duck Stamp.

The USFWS will continue to sell the self-adhesive stamps -- 3.5 million were printed under an independent contract -- with the incorrect phone number, Levin said.

The stamps were produced by Ashton Potter Ltd., of Williamsville, N.Y. On its website, the company says, "Since 1991, Ashton Potter has successfully become a key private sector supplier to the United States Postal Service over four successive multi-year contracts." A message left with Ashton Potter's president has yet to be returned.

She said reprinting costs would run about $300,000, and "that's a lot of money we could be putting into" conservation.

"The stamp is perfectly usable," she said. "It will just be a lot more interesting for people now."

There is no similar error involving the stamps that require moistening. Both types have been on sale since June.

The 75th edition duck stamp features artist Joseph Hautman's depiction of a pair of Northern pintail ducks. The Plymouth man's artwork was chosen last October in a contest.

"Oh, no," said Hautman, who added that he was unaware of the error. It's just an accident, I hope."

Hautman said he understands why the USFWS would not want to pay for reissuing the stamps, but he said he's unsure whether that is the right decision.

The sale of the stamp raises about $25 million annually to fund wetland habitat acquisition for the national Wildlife Refuge System.

More than $700 million in Duck Stamp money has been used to acquire 5.2 million acres of habitat across the country, the Interior Department said. There are 548 National Wildlife Refuges across all 50 states and U.S. territories.

Marsh Wren Madness

How about a little cleansing--both figuratively and literally. I've been so busy with the state fair, the RNC, and CivicFest I've barely had time to do some digiscoping. I was able to sneak out for a few hours but felt like my mojo was a little off.

I went birding to a place I use to go to all the time but haven't been to in ages--The Old Cedar Avenue Bridge. I got a reminder why during my outing. There's a trail that's loaded with rails and soras. The above photo is not the best ever photo of a sora, but it certainly is a true to life one--isn't this how you normally see them--shrouded in vegetation. That is, if you see them at all.

The most interesting part of the morning was some odd fluttering I saw on the boardwalk trail. At first I thought it was injured and flailing a bit on the boardwalk but I changed my position and discovered something really cool.

It was a juvenile marsh wren. Check out the little bits of yellow in the corners of its bill.

It had what looked to be a small ant in its bill and it would alternate between preening and stretching out its wings on the boards. I think it was trying to figure out anting. For non birders, anting is something some bird species have been observed doing. Birds take ants and either place them on their feathers or sometimes will lie near an ant mound, allowing ants to crawl on them. It's believed that they acquire defensive secretions from the ants (formic acid) and that it's possibly used as a supplement to the bird's own preen oil.

In this shot, the young marsh wren is totally spread eagled (or should that be spread wrened?) on the boards and is even exposing its preen gland--that's the little pink spot right above the tail. All birds have this, they squeeze it with their bill and excrete oil that is then rubbed all over their feathers. Imagine having a large gland right above your butt that you would squeeze to get some body oil to run through your hair to keep it shiny and strong?

The young marsh wren continued to preen with the wings out, although I couldn't see any more ants around it at this point. It didn't appear to be bothered by me at all, I thought I would try to get a video.

I did, but you can hear me yelling at some bike riders in the background. One of the reasons why I don't go to the Old Cedar Avenue Bridge anymore is that some of the trails are narrow and only meant for foot traffic, but many bike riders like to bring their mountain bikes onto the trail--creating a dangerous situation for both the rider and the hiker.

As I was taking the video of the wren, I saw some bike riders approach. I tried to hold up my hands indicating for them to stop but they didn't understand. I then started saying "No bikes." and explaining the trail rules. However, by the time they stopped, they were right next to the wren and it disappeared into the reeds--doh! I think they thought I was some nutty woman and turned around more to avoid me than to follow the rules of the trail.

They claimed they didn't see this sign that shows this is a hiking only trail.

But, I'm forgetting the purpose of this post: the cleansing of the cute, young marsh wren in its preening glory must out weigh idiots who ignore signs putting themselves and others at risk. Here's a link to the marsh wren video. I recommend clicking on the "watch in high quality" and also hitting the mute button.

Bird Watching Protesters At RNC

As I was handing out trail guides at the Republican National Convention, I would mention that birding was one of the things people could do. A woman said, I just got a flier from a guy protesting bird watchers.

They showed me the flier, it read:

BIRD WATCHERS ARE VOYEURS!

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service forty eight million people watch birds. A private research group, the Good Conduct Society, has discovered Bird Watchers are more sexually active than others.

The elderly find that Bird Watching is not strenuous. And this erotic experience can be enjoyed privately through binoculars.

"Most disturbing," said the Society's director, Anaida Krok, "are the groups of Bird Watchers seeking vicarious sexual gratification in the woods. Shamelessly, they blatantly observe God's defenseless creatures mating."

LEAVE THE BIRDS ALONE!

I later encountered the guys:

They even have a website: StopBirdPorn. I think this group is just trying to get some publicity. A for effort boys. But based on the lack of content on the site and that there are references to them at the Democratic National Convention, I think they're just trying really hard to get on The Daily Show. Can't you just hear them sitting around playing a game of Drink Uno formulating the plan:

"We should come up with some crazy plan and go the political conventions. We could be, like, crazy protestors. There are totally crazy people protesting weird stuff."

"What should we protest? Caffinated sunflower seeds?"

"No, dude, we should, like, protest something people think is harmless. Something old people love."

"Yeah, like stamp collecting!"

"Better, bird watchers!"

"Aw, dude, that's awesome! We should totally do that!"

"We should say that they are, like, sexual deviants or have more sex than anyone else, and they like to watch birds doing it too!"

"Yes! You so rock, dude, you so rock! We gotta start a website."

"You know what, this is crazy enough, I bet we could get on, like the Daily Show, man!"

"I am so in!"

Hm, I wonder if we'll see these guys at birding conventions?

Swept Up In An RNC Riot

So, how was my day being a Roving Ranger at The Republican National Convention? Weird.

Since the RNC is in St Paul at the Excel Center, several blocks are closed off--including the Science Museum where I'm based a National Park Ranger for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. My assignment today was to go out with fellow Ranger Caitlin and walk around offering people ideas on how to enjoy the Mississippi River while in town. It's fun, everyone was friendly and surprised to learn that they were so close to a National Park. We based ourselves in Rice Park--MSNBC has rented the park for the week and there was lots of traffic (and law enforcement). It was easy to pass out brochures to people on their way to the convention.

We even had some celebrity sightings--including Tom Brokaw above--okay, it's blurry and Non Birding Bill said that he'll take my word for it that it is, in fact, Mr. Brokaw, but I walked right by him, it was totally him...and yes Mom, he's as handsome in real life as you think he is on the news.

We even had some birding in downtown St. Paul--this is a common yellowthroat that was feeding on some insects up in one of the many trees in the park--this was one bad ass yellowthroat--it chased any house sparrow (about a third the size larger) that came near it. We were impressed.

It was after this point that things got a bit weird. Caitlin and I decided to head towards headquarters to fill up our water bottles, gather more brochures, and eat our lunch. We were looking forward to coming back in the afternoon. We knew the protest was about to start and were curious to watch it. On our way back, several police cars sped past us. NBB sent me a text saying that protesters were being sprayed on Minnesota and 7th Streets--the direction the cars were headed. It was not far from where we were--we could hears some distant screams. We made it to headquarters and NBB continued to send updates. We could see some police activity outside our window. They didn't seem too tense, so we didn't worry. We ate our lunch and headed back outside.

We could see about two or three blocks away, people dressed in all black were marching--they were headed the opposite direction we were at that point and figured we were safe. We got in touch with our immediate boss to tell him that we were safe and not to worry if he heard any news reports about protesters getting arrested or sprayed with pepper spray. He suggested that we call it a day, that we look too similar to police in our park service uniform and could be at risk (it's true, someone pointed to us and said, "Check it out, the National Guard is here."). We felt safe and saw that the group was several blocks away, going in the opposite direction. We told him we would try to press on, but would head back if we felt unsafe.

It's amazing how quickly things deteriorate.

The sounds of police sirens increased, a helicopter followed overhead, crowds were going in every direction. Soon all sorts of law enforcement vehicles were around us on the streets, sirens blaring. Caitlin and I both suddenly felt unsafe. Just as we were about to change direction, I turned around and said something along the lines of "Holy Crap!"

Riot police were running towards us. Now, this photo is blurry because Caitlin sensibly grabbed my arm to drag me away shouting, "No pictures! Run NOW!"

I couldn't help myself, I never thought I would be in a situation to have a large group of riot police running towards me. It was a memorable moment.

We dashed across the street and tried to find an open building to duck into and maybe get up to the sky way and out of the protesters way. I called NBB to tell him we were safe, but with all the people yelling around us and the constant din of sirens, it didn't quell any of his concerns. I learned later in news reports that the VAST majority of the protest was peaceful. Smaller groups broke off to just cause mayhem and that was what was coming our way. NBB kept texts coming of updates where pepper spray and tear gas was being sprayed. Fortunately, we were indoors so we weren't affected--it was very windy, I'm sure lots of people got some residual spray.

We made it to the sky way level and could look down at the forces mobilizing. Two groups of riot police were assembling to direct the coming mayhem makers. They were breaking windows, slashing tires and taking whatever wasn't bolted down and dragging it into the street.

The small crowd went right under our sky way bridge and continued to drag signs and sandbags in the road. There were quite a few photographers mixed in to capture the action. A few guys were throwing sharp metal objects in the direction of the police cars. Watching the crowd swarm was like watching a flock of starlings dart around in the fall. It was hard to concentrate on one person's destruction.

Several squad cars followed. A group of officers walked in front of the cars picking up debris left behind by the melee. It was strange to watch people swarm in with the group to join in the destruction. I could see nothing on them--no signs of why they were mad, no messages, they just seemed to be swept up in causing destruction. Again, I would like to say that this was a small break off group of the protest--the majority of the protesters were peaceful and got their message across--and stuck to the planned route.

When the crowd was corralled to the top of the hill, we could see clouds and all sorts of debris--orange cones and signs being tossed high in the air--it was surreal.

We saw at least one arrest. It was amazing at how well the guys who were breaking windows and slashing tires blended in with the crowd. It was kind of the birding equivalent of picking out a Ross' goose from a flock of 20,000 snow geese. There was a large group assembled in they sky way to watch the protest. I looked to my right and found myself standing next to a Minnesota icon: Klondike Kate

She was in booth near the sky way getting her portrait painted. If you follow the St. Paul Winter Carnival, you'll know who Klondike Kate is. Weirdsville. Talk about a random moment, watching a riot and standing next to Klondike Kate, and me in my ranger uniform.

We eventually made it back to headquarters. We could see some of the damages the rioters left behind--including smashed store windows and slashed tires on squad cars. We debriefed with our bosses and drank lots of water. I couldn't believe how one minute we're talking with out of towners, pointing out birds and the next, dodging unpredictable crowds. Bus service was temporarily suspended and I wasn't sure how I would get home to Minneapolis. One of the admin staff was kind enough to drive me home.

The numbers of riot police greatly increased, large groups were everywhere. It was so strange to see in sleepy downtown St. Paul. When I walked in to our apartment, NBB gave me a long hug, he'd been following the news and Twitter updates. I told him I was so grateful, he really helped us avoid some nasty intersections with the trouble makers that could have gotten us swept up right in the thick of things. We were closer than I really preferred.

Looking forward to a quiet day with birds of prey at The Raptor Center tomorrow.