[Strangely, this post did not appear. The system labeled it as a 'draft' and did not post it. But here it is, better late than never.]
40 degrees Rainy Wind NE 18mph
If you think it looks cold on the LoonCam, you are right!
It is cold and windy. This year winter just does not seem to want to loosen its grip.
It has been raining most of the day and the wind just cuts through you.
As I write this, the loons are approaching the nest. They don't seem to mind the cold or the waves that bounce them up and down constantly.
Tonight is not predicted to be much better.
In fact, during the night, this rain is supposed to turn to snow. Yes, you heard it right....SNOW!
There should not be any significant accumulation but they are forecasting a slushy mix by morning. 2011, the winter that just would not quit. But then it is supposed to be in the 70s by Thursday.
Welcome to Minnesota. If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes!
The cold may slow the loons nesting down slightly but I do not expect by much.
I think they have taken ownership of the nest and everything is now in motion for a new nesting season. In all liklihood, there are already two eggs starting to form inside the female's body. And when it will be time to lay them, it will be time. No matter what day of the week. No matter what the weather is.
I would expect that she will lay the first egg sometime in the next week.
Once things start to happen, they happen pretty rapidly.
You have seen some slight nest building activity when they have been up on the platform. But that is not yet serious nest building. It is almost as if they are becoming comfortable with the nest once again and taking ownership of it.
But when we get close to the first egg being laid, she will become much more serious about building a true nest. Moving material from all around her. Making sure everything is just right. Waiting for the arrival of the first egg which will call that nest home for the next 28 days.
It could happen tomorrow.
It could happen a week from now.
But now is not the time to miss a minute of this wonderful adventure with our beautiful loons.
Now is the time to twitter and tweet and facebook and instant message and my space and blog and email and telephone everyone you know and tell them to join you in watching this miracle unfold before their very eyes. And to let your children's and granchildren's teachers know so that they can help the kids appreciate and understand what nature is providing all around them.
The stage is ready. The audience takes their seats. A hush falls over the audience. The actors are waiting in the wings and making brief appearances from behind the curtain.
Soon it will be showtime!
Some of you, especially in the Twin Cities area may be interested to know that KARE11 tv asked me if I would join them for their Saturday morning show. A little while ago I got an email that said it will be in the 9:40am slot....although if you know television at all, that could change at a moment's notice. But tune in if you get a chance. For the rest of you around the world, if you cannot watch it live on line, they will probably provide a program link for the show. See you then.