Obviously, I speak Barred and Screech-owls fluently - others I think I can do are mocker and chat, titmouse - but not much more.

Believe it or not, I have a non-birding friend who can do an unbelievable Cedar Waxwing - with his voice, not a whistle!

The Barred Owls were certainly a highlight of the morning (as was the Pileated pounding away right over our heads - man was that loud!).  If I had been standing out of sight, I would swear there were 3 Barred Owls calling.  No matter what they threw at you, you matched them note for note right back - PERFECTLY.  You have an incredible talent.  Not all that useful, but an incredible talent nonetheless.  Lol.  (You too, Chuck!)

B

At Secor Park, we had at least 4 Hooded Warblers, another Pileated and a couple of Barred Owls that indulged in some conversation with me.

A change this year will be the closing of the ENTRANCE gate one half-hour before sunset. This gate previously closed at sunset when the Wildlife Drive officially closed for the day. However, we had a problem last year with people entering the refuge just before the gate closed and staying far late after sunset. The exact time that visitors must be out of the refuge will be posted at the entrance to avoid any confusion for visitors.

Contrary to what we previously posted, we will not establish a "no stopping zone" for a half-mile stretch on either side of the  eagle nest. The refuge has determined that the eaglet will be old enough to fledge before the route opens, based on measurements taken when it was banded early this month (see May 9 posting).

Go to our Facebook page if you would like to see a photo of the very large, healthy, female eaglet in the Wildlife Drive nest. Like and follow us there to stay on top of all the most recent news at the refuge.