Up until about a week ago, all the local watering holes were ice- and ice-fisherman covered. I believe that dynamic has changed and the time ice fishing is over- the time of birding has begun.
Someone documented a Caspian Tern in our local reservoir yesterday, so as soon as I was able, I headed out to see if it was still around. After a couple of wet, snowy, muddy miles, we departed the reservoir with no Tern added to the year list, but we did get Pelicans, Northern Shovelers, and a Double-crested Cormorant. So that was nice.
On the way home, we decided that a quick stop at the Lake Helena causeway was in order. I mean, I had 40 minutes until I needed to be at work.
We arrived at the Causeway and stopped- geese, goldeneyes, Buffles, some gulls. And then we were able to witness a lovely clash.
A Bald Eagle soared in from the south only to be accosted repeatedly by an Osprey (first sighting of the year). They went at if for several minutes and, in the end, the Eagle went back south and the Osprey headed north to its perch.
No fishermen, no other birders, just the Labrador and me. Last year, we sat for 15 minutes and watched two Sandhills do “their dance” only a couple of miles away. It pays to get out – even for just an hour – get a little muddy and really be in nature.
I would have been on-time to work if it hadn’t been for the two Mountain Bluebirds in my alleyway that borders my backyard. I’ve never had bluebirds as a ‘yard bird’.
Nice way to start the day- perhaps tomorrow I will find the Caspian!
Nature, every day. 
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