It's April ... — island mettle

April is a strange time weatherwise on the Island.

One day can be sunny. Another day, the snow will decide to fall again. Make that more than one day. People who live on the Island at this time of year deserve a gold star. There was one good thing that started the week, reminding me of the Island. it deserves a mention.

It was National Pet Day! Pets are very much a part of the Island. I like this type of celebration as it is not exclusive to one kind of animal. Pets help us get through challenging times. I do enjoy my friends pets - their antics, their personalities. Animals can be such characters! Oh, I had a cute dog growing up. These days I have plenty of animals/critters/creatures to enjoy observing what Nature has to offer up. Whether, it's on the Island or in Florida there is always something to see!

Sometimes, the animals are imaginary.

Other times, they can be quite surprising! We thought we were going to see birds at Ding Darling a week or so ago. As we set off, one friend did mention she had an alligator on her bucket list so we kept an eye out. The National Wildlife refuge did not disappoint!

We had such fun taking pictures that we never noticed the US Fish and Wildlife guy approaching. He had this sign with him. No, I will not say how close we were but the official was quite understanding.

The birds have been amazing this winter.. I am learning more and more. So interesting to see the variety here. I am still a newbie birding and I am indebted to Island friends who share their knowledge so readily whether the birds are found on the Island or further afield. I think Great Blue Herons like this one can be found in both Wisconsin and Florida.

We have Muscovy Ducks hanging around our neighborhood and it gets to a point we humans feel as if we are uninvited beings infringing on their territory. On second thought, maybe we are. This Spring has been really interesting with Mama and her ducklings cruising by.

Made me think of Robert McClosky's Make Way for Ducklings. I saw today that book is celebrating its 75th year. I loved those illustrations!

Back to those Island birders/photographers. Susan Ulm found this Sandhill Crane on the Island in late March. They seem so elegant and hardy, too. Mother Nature is moving things along. Hopefully, there will be a break in the weather this weekend.

I saw Susan had posted this shivering little one. Look at those feathers! Look at that pattern! That bit of color she caught is precious. Would we see it at any other point in the year? Maybe, maybe not. Thank you for taking those scenes outside your window, Susan. Makes me pause and think for a moment and that is a good thing.

...April comes in many forms no matter where we are. Look close and tiny fragments surface, kernels of moments appear.. They tickle our brains. I do find small elements in Nature interesting whether in cool, cold, or warm weather. Oh, and enjoy those pets, critters or whatever happens to be around and about.

til next time ...