With the longer day length and position of the sun, our summer bird residents have been making a slow return to the Prairie Heritage Center. In the past week, we have seen the eagles leave the area around the Center. A few Kildeers are back as well as the Redwing Blackbirds and Robins. Even a Meadowlark was seen today! Below is a picture from one of our bird watching events. Last year, from the Center down to the Little Sioux River canoe access, we spotted 53 types of birds.

This coming Saturday, April 3rd, we will be looking for the pasque flower (see above photo) on the Waterman Prairie. The pasque flower is one of the first prairie plants to bloom in the spring. This is the second event of the "Seasons on the Prairie Series." The hike will begin at 1:00 p.m. and we will meet in the parking lot of the Waterman Prairie. Directions are as follows: From Highway 10, take Wilson Avenue south approximately 1.5 miles. The road is gravel and will curve around the base of the hills. Continue on Wilson Avenue up a large hill. The parking lot is on the east side. Besides good exercise, it should prove to be very informational.

Please note that our hours on Good Friday, April 2, will be 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. We will be open on Saturday and Sunday as usual.

Center Happenings

We had a very successful Eagle Watch Day with approximately 230 people visiting the Center. Despite the rain, fog and cold temperatures, the eagles cooperated and were at the Center for everyone's viewing pleasure! An awesome bird program by Lee Schoenewe was enjoyed in the afternoon. Several eagles are still in the area around the Center. Hopefully they will decide to make the valley their permanent residence!

This Thursday evening, March 18, Naturalist Charlene Elyea will be presenting the Bird House Building program. This is a great way to create a place for wildlife in your own backyard. You can build a robin shelf or a wren house - your choice! Be here at 7:00 p.m. and bring a hammer if you have one. Call us if you need further information.

I saw the first robins at the Center this morning and ducks and geese are in the air as well - all welcome signs of spring!! The Little Sioux River is running fast and furious (some large ice blocks have been racing by) and you can get a good view of it right now from our windows. That reminds me - it won't be that long until our 2nd Annual Canoe Race - we have just selected the date - August 14th! Below is a picture from last year's race.

Happy March!

Spring has arrived....finally. Today is gorgeous here at the Center - blue skies, eagles in the air, the sound of snow melting and almost 40 degrees. Don't forget to stop by on Saturday, March 6 - Eagle Watch Day. From 9 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. you can view the eagles, learn more about birds, and do some bird-related crafts. At 2:00 p.m. Lee Schoenewe, local bird expert, will be presenting a program on birds which you won't want to miss. He has also donated a hand-carved eagle walking stick for our raffle. Tickets are $1 or six for $5. The walking stick is on display and is very special. Drawing will be held Saturday and you need not be present to win! Eagle activities will also be going on in nearby Linn Grove the same day. See you there.