Overdue Appreciation

Early this morning, as I was taking in an exceptional audio and visual festival of warblers, it dawned on me that I have never expressed my appreciation to the conservation-minded landowners who have protected so much of the Wapsipinicon River corridor that I enjoy paddling along and observing wildlife in.

Tom and Diana - You are special people - unsung heroes - who have protected the habitat that attracts wildlife of all sizes and species. Without your efforts, much of this fragile habitat may have been destroyed, effectively eliminating the annual ritual of enjoying migrants (and residents) as they pass through the area. Thankfully, some even nest in your habitat.

To you Tom and Diana I say “Thank You!” I do appreciate what you have done. I am thankful for your efforts to make the Wapsipinicon River watershed a better place! Thank you!! You are very special people.

Following are some (certainly not all) of the wildlife photographed early today, as the timber was waking. The singing of the birds was incredible as many seemed to be attempting to sing louder and better than the others.

Species are identified in the captions.