Week of November 16th - 22nd

We welcomed Hastings Middle School!

The 8th graders of Hastings Middle School came to Eagle Bluff in two halves; the first half came from Monday - Wednesday, and the second came from Wednesday - Friday. Both halves did tremendous jobs at keeping their food waste down to zero and becoming "Zero Heroes" as well as both groups earning Eagle Eye Awards! While they were here, they were also able to experience Archery, Oneota, Pioneer Life, Group Challenges, Wildlife Ecology, Winter Survival, Competitive Orienteering, GPS Pathfinders, East Treetops, and South Treetops.

Phenology:

• American Kestrels are still around. See photo above by Jim Williams.
  
• A Mosquito was seen.
• One morning, one of Eagle Bluff's Pond was covered with Ice.
• A Woolly Bear was seen crossing the road.
• Almost all of the Buckthorn Leaves are gone.
• A Red Fox was seen crossing the road.
• A Coyote was also seen crossing the road.
• A Flock of Canada Geese was seen flying in a westerly direction.
• A Deer Tick found its way onto a staff person.

Thought for the Week:
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Thomas A. Edison

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
Several species of bird were named for Wilson, including Wilson's Storm-petrel, Wilson's Plover, Wilson's Phalarope and Wilson's Warbler. The warbler genus Wilsonia was also named for him by Charles Lucien Bonaparte.

This Week's Question:
How did the American Kestrel get it's name?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Week of November 9th - 15th

We welcomed DFO Task Force, Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School, Alice Smith Elementary, St. Odilia School, The Comforters, and Church of the Resurrection.

On Monday and Tuesday the DFO Task Force held trainings for Law Enforcement Officers in dealing with Stalkers.

On Tuesday, the students of Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School arrived for a day of shooting .22 caliber rifles and shotguns at our rangers as a part of their agricultural program.

On Wednesday, the 6th graders of Alice Smith Elementary arrived for a visit until Friday. While they were here, they were able to experience Pioneer Life, Beginning Orienteering, Group Challenges, and East Treetops.

The 8th graders of St. Odilia School also arrived on Wednesday. They were able to participate in Group Challenges, GPS Pathfinders, Archery, South Treetops before leaving on Friday.

The Comforters arrived on Friday for a weekend of quilting.

The Church of the Resurrection arrived on Friday with their 8th-10th graders to have some meeting time and to participate in Group Challenges and South Treetops on Saturday before leaving that day.

Phenology:

• This week is peak for Waterfowl Migration on the Mississippi River. See above photo of migrating Tundra Swans by Jim Williams
• Six Bald Eagles were seen kettling over a cornfield.
• An Eastern Chipmunk was seen.
• A Belted Kingfisher was seen by the Root River.
• Corn is finally being harvested.
• Ice is forming on small creeks.

Thought for the Week:
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson and bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
Ovoviviparous is a zoological term that refers to animals that produce eggs but retain them inside the female body until hatching occurs, so that "live" offspring are born.

This Week's Question:
What bird species are named after Alexander Wilson?

Week of November 2nd - 8th

We welcomed St. Peter's School & Academy of Saints Peter and Paul School, Christian Heritage Academy, Fillmore Central Middle School, Susan Lindgren Intermediate, Northfield Middle School, ALPHA Retreat, and the South Suburban Church.

On Monday, St. Peter's School & Academy of Saints Peter and Paul School came together as one group to Eagle Bluff. They brought their 6th graders for a Monday - Wednesday trip. While they were here, they were able to experience Forest Ecology, West Treetops, Oneota, and Group Challenges.

The 6th graders of Christian Heritage Academy also arrived on Monday. They participated in Group Challenges, Earth Exploration, Root River Hike, and West Treetops before leaving on Wednesday.

Fillmore Central Middle School arrived with their 7th graders on Monday and departed on Wednesday. The local school from Preston was able to take Group Challenges, Trees & Keys, GPS Pathfinders, and South Treetops while they were here.

The 6th graders of Susan Lindgren Intermediate also arrived on Monday. This year, the whole 6th grade class came together. They were able to participate in Winter Survival, Pioneer Life, Wildlife Ecology, Fungus Among Us, Treetops, and Oneota before leaving on Wednesday.

Northfield Middle School brought their 7th graders on Wednesday and left on Friday. While they were here, they were able to experience Group Challenges, Stream Lab, Karst Geology, Beginning Orienteering, GPS Pathfinders, Treetops, and Competitive Orienteering.

ALPHA Retreat arrived on Friday and mostly had group time, but also found time to go on East Treetops before leaving on Sunday.

The South Suburban Church was also at Eagle Bluff over the weekend with their 7th - 12th graders. They mostly had meetings, but also went up on South Treetops.

Phenology:

• We are losing about 3 minutes of Sunlight a day, and we still have over an hour of sunlight to lose before the Winter Solstice.
• Spiders were seen ballooning with their silk.
• It reached 70 degrees this weekend.
• A Red-bellied Snake was seen warming itself on the road.
• An Eastern Milk Snake was found in the Schroeder building (the office building).
• A flock of Tundra Swans were seen flying over head in SW Minnesota.
• Hunting Season has begun!

Thought for the Week:
"It's not half so important to know as to feel. If facts are the seeds that later produce knowledge and wisdom, then the emotions and the impressions of the senses are the fertile soil in which the seeds must grow."
Rachel Carson

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
When alarmed, the Least Bittern will freeze in place with its bill pointed up, turns its front and both eyes toward the source of alarm, and sometimes sways to resemble wind-blown marsh vegetation.

This Week's Question:
What is the meaning of "Ovoviviparous"?

Week of October 26th - November 1st

We welcomed Rochester Montessori, Holy Redeemer, Minnetonka Middle School West, Faithful Shepard, and held our annual Haunted High Ropes.

On Monday, the 4th - 6th graders from Rochester Montessori arrived and stayed until Wednesday. While they were here, they were able to experience Insects, Earth Exploration, Pond Life, and West Treetops.

The 5th graders from Holy Redeemer also arrived on Monday. They took Wildlife Ecology, Pond Life, West Treetops, and Pioneer Life before leaving on Wednesday.

Minnetonka Middle School West 5th graders came to Eagle Bluff in two groups, the first half arrived for a Monday-Wednesday trip and the other half came for a Wednesday-Friday trip. While they were here, they participated in Oneota, Group Challenges, Root River Hike, Group Challenges, Treetops, and Beginning Orienteering.

The 8th graders of Faithful Shepard came to Eagle Bluff on Wednesday. They were able to experience Group Challenges, Forest Ecology, East Treetops, and Stream Lab before leaving on Friday.

On Friday, Eagle Bluff held our annual Haunted High Ropes event. About 100 people came out to experience our decorated West Treetops course at night. A good time was had by all!

We Hope everyone had a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Phenology:

• A large flock of Cedar Waxwings were seen. See photo above.
• White-tailed Deer are starting to scrape trees, meaning the males are starting to go into rut.
• Because of all of the rain we've had lately, the Root River is high.
• Farmers are beginning to harvest their crops.
• A Deer Tick was found on someone.
• Woolly Bear Caterpillars are still on the move.

Thought for the Week:
"As my father stretches to understand my journey I realize that maybe you can't change the world by your actions alone, but you can change yourself. And when you do, the world around you may change by attempting to understand you, as we all try to understand each other."
John Francis

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
A Rough-legged Hawk is named because of their feathery legs that keep them warm in cold climates.

This Week's Question:
What does a Least Bittern do when it is frightened?

Week of October 19th - 25th

We welcomed Academia Cesar Chavez, Valley View Middle School, St. Dominic School, Highlands Elementary, GFW Middle School & Prairie Lutheran School, SEA Program, Electric 8 Quilters, SABS Quilters, and Boy Scout Troop 226.

On Monday, the 6th graders of Academia Cesar Chavez arrived for a trip until Wednesday. While they were here, they were able to experience Group Challenges, Fungus Among Us, West Treetops, and Root River Hike.

Valley View Middle School also arrived on Monday with their 6th graders. They were able to participate in Animal Signs, GPS Pathfinders, Treetops, and Oneota before leaving on Wednesday.

St. Dominic School came to Eagle Bluff with their 5th graders and stayed Monday through Friday. While they were here, they took Archery, Rock Climbing, Trees & Keys, Wildlife Ecology, West Treetops, Stream Lab, and Forest Ecology.

The 1st - 5th graders of Highlands Elementary arrived on Wednesday and were able to experience Group Challenges, Oneota, Fungus Among Us, Archery, Pioneer Life, Rock Climbing, and West Treetops before leaving on Friday.

GFW Middle School & Prairie Lutheran School also arrived on Wednesday with their 8th graders and left on Friday. While they were here, they participated in Group Challenges, Karst Geology, Earth Exploration, Competitive Orienteering, and Treetops.

The SEA Program arrived for a day trip on Thursday with its 9th-12th graders. They enjoyed a day of Group Challenges and South Treetops.

The Electric 8 Quilters came to Eagle Bluff for a weekend of quilting.

The SABS Quilters also came to Eagle Bluff to enjoy a weekend of quilting.

Boy Scout Troop 226 came with their 6th - 12th graders for the weekend and experienced Rock Climbing and East Treetops.

Phenology:

• The Dark-phase Rough-legged Hawk has made its first appearance of the fall and winter season! This hawk (an arctic bird) has been migrating to Eagle Bluff for over 10 years! See photo above.
  
• Turkey Vultures were spotted, and were possibly the last ones before they return in spring.
• There are still some Eastern Bluebirds that haven't migrated yet.
• American Robins are still around.
• A White-throated Sparrow was seen at a bird feeder.
• Dark-eyed Juncos have also returned to the area.
• The last of the Tiger Salamanders are heading into the woods for the winter.
• White-tailed Deer are herding together.
• A Coyote was spotted.
• Eagle Bluff had its first measurable Snowfall.

Thought for the Week:
"The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, 'What good is it?'...To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering."
Aldo Leopold

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
The Eastern Chipmunk can store up to 8 pounds of food in its burrow.

This Week's Question:
How did the Rough-legged Hawk get its name?

Week of Oct 12th - 18th

We welcomed JWP Middle School, Highlands Elementary, NRHEG, Mabel-Canton School, Burnside Elementary, Winona Middle School, Lisa's Scrapbook Group, WSU, and St. John's Lutheran.

On Monday, the 6th graders of JWP Middle School arrived for a trip until Wednesday. While they were here, they experienced Group Challenges, Earth Exploration, Oneota, and South Treetops.

The 5th graders of Highlands Elementary was also at Eagle Bluff from Monday - Wednesday. While they were here, they took Wildlife Ecology, Stream Lab, East Treetops, and Group Challenges.

NRHEG also arrived on Monday with their 5th graders. They were able to experience Archery, Pioneer Life, West Treetops, and Pioneer Life before leaving on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Mabel Canton Schools' 5th graders arrived for a day of Root River Hike and a visit from Backwoods Buttercup.

Burnside Elementary's 5th graders arrived on Wednesday for an overnight stay. Their students took a variety of classes including Archery, fungus Among Us Wildlife Ecology, Animal Signs, Root River Hike, Stream Lab, Treetops, and Rock Climbing.

Winona Middle School arrived on Thursday with their 6th and 7th graders. They were able to experience Beginning Orienteering, Pioneer Life, and South Treetops before leaving on Friday.

Lisa's Scrapbooking Group arrived on Friday for a weekend of scrapbooking.

College students from WSU arrived on Saturday for an afternoon of East Treetops.

The 7th-9th graders from St. John's Lutheran came to Eagle Bluff on Sunday to experience East Treetops.

Phenology:

• Blue Jays are grouping together in preparation for the winter. See above photo by Jim Williams.
  
• A Tufted Titmouse was seen in the area.
• A Red-headed Woodpecker was also seen.
• Eastern Bluebirds are still around.
• A Red-winged Blackbird was heard.
• American Goldfinch males are changing from their mating plumage to their non-mating plumage.
• Eastern Chipmunks are still active.
• An Eastern Fox Snake was seen.
• Box Elder Bugs and Lady Beetles are making their way inside our buildings.
• There has been too much rain lately to harvest crops.
• The Leaves by the Root River have dropped.

Thought for the Week:
"A failure is a man who has blundered, but is not able to cash in on the experience."
Elbert Hubbard

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
The name Siskin is derived from its sound or chirp. Thus, this bird’s common name is really “pine chirper.”

This Week's Question:
How many pounds of food can the Eastern Chipmunk store it its burrow?

Week of October 5th - 11th

We welcomed Spring Grove Schools, Maple River Middle School, Dakota Hills Middle School, Lanesboro Elderhostel, Holy Spirit School, Highlands Elementary, Park Spanish Immersion, Fungus and Friends Nature Seminar, SauVesper, Boy Scout Troop 309, All Saints Church, and Boy Scout Troop 110.

The 7th graders of Spring Grove Schools arrived on Monday for a visit until Wednesday. While they were here, they were able to experience Trees & Keys, South Treetops, Wildlife Ecology, Oneota, and Beginning Orienteering.

Maple River Middle School also arrived on Monday with tier 8th graders. They participated in Minimum Impact Camping, GPS Pathfinders, Group Challenges, and South Treetops before leaving on Friday.

Dakota Hills Middle School arrived with their 7th graders on Monday for a 3 day visit. While they were here, they were able to take Oneota, Group Challenges, Pond Life, and East Treetops.

The Lanesboro Elderhostel came to Eagle Bluff on Tuesday afternoon for a Raptor Program.

The 7th graders of Holy Spirit School arrived on Wednesday. They experienced Group Challenges, Oneota, Forest Ecology, and South Treetops before leaving on Friday.

Highlands Elementary also came to Eagle Bluff for a trip from Wednesday - Friday. While they were here, the 1st - 5th graders participated in Archery, Oneota, Wildlife Ecology, Karst Geology, Insects, Rock Climbing, and West Treetops.

Park Spanish Immersion also arrived on Wednesday. The 5th graders took Pioneer Life, Fungus Among Us, Earth Exploration, East Treetops before leaving on Friday.

The Fungus and Friends Nature Seminar went out and found several different types of fungus.

SauVesper is one of our fundraisers. SauVesper and the Best of Eagle Bluff alternate through the years. We raised over $9,000 with just the auction! The menu was white radish salad, beet soup in roasted acorn squash, prussian roast pork, himmel und erde (heaven and earth) mashed turnips, potatoes and seasoned apples, sweet & sour brussel sprouts, cider poached apples with candied walnuts, rum cream and cider syrup.

Boy Scout Troop 309 arrived on Sunday for South Treetops.

All Saints Church also arrived on Sunday afternoon for South Treetops.

Boy Scout Troop 110 did East Treetops on Sunday afternoon.

Phenology:

• It Snowed today!
• Trees are dropping leaves.
• Milkweed Pods are opening up.
• Walnuts are dropping.
• We had our first Hard Frost last week.
• Soybeans are getting harvested.
• Red-breasted Nuthatch was seen our Minimum-Impact Camping Class site.
• A Great Horned Owl was seen on a telephone pole.
• Scarlet Cup Fungus is at its peak right now.
• There are still some Turkey Vultures around.
• Cedar Waxwings are still around.
• White Pine Trees have shed their old needles.

Thought for the Week:
"You expected to be sad in the fall. Part of you dies each year when the leaves fall from the trees and their branches were bare against the wind and the cold, wintry light. But you knew there would always be the spring, as you knew the river would flow again after it was frozen."
Earnest Hemingway

NATURE TRIVIA QUESTION

Answer to Last Week's Question:
Ruffed Grouse drum by cupping their wings and rapidly beating them against the air.

This Week's Question:
Where did the Pine Siskin get it's name (the "Siskin" part)?