Aldo Leopold Wetland

Yesterday, once again, I had to run some items to the high school; my son forgot his track shoes and uniform. Not a problem, because the route to school, as I have mentioned before, runs through a wetland wildlife preserve area, giving opportunity to view various water birds. A pair of Canada Geese had just waddled out of the water and into the tall grass in this photo below: (I think this wetland is named after Aldo Leopold, but I'm not completely sure. I'm happy this land along the Wapsipinicon River has been allowed to return to its natural wetland state after years of iffy farming attempts.)


Below is an American Coot couple, decked out with white tail-feathers, white beaks, and creepy red eyes
Back at home a short time later, this Baltimore Oriole shown below announced his presence, for the first time this spring. He urged me to send greetings to Kate - AKA CountryGirl, who resides much closer to Baltimore than we Iowans do. (He also told me he enjoys her blog, with the great writing and gorgeous photos; and he's quite confident her satellite system will be a success!)

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Speaking of wetlands, if it doesn't quit raining pretty soon, the whole state of Iowa will be declared one!