Saturday -- June 2, 2007
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.1     Water Temperature: 80

Thursday -- June 7, 2007
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.2     Water Temperature: 80

There are a number of wood ducks congregating around the Island. Usually in groups of twenty four or so. It seems strange that there aren't many ducklings with them, I only saw two. This morning I walked out and was surprised to see a dozen wood ducks feeding under the mulberry tree.

The ripe berries are also attracting orioles and it is pretty much guaranteed that all visitors to the island will see one of these orange and black beauties.

Friday -- June 8, 2007
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.3     Water Temperature: 79

I went night fishing last night. I wanted to go out at night because when I was out there on Tuesday night the surface of ther river was alive with fish, I was completely surrounded. At one point I hit the side of my canoe to make a noise and to my surprise fifty fish jumped simultaneously from the river. Last night was no different, fish everywhere. I was even getting wet from the fish splashing near the boat. I thought we were in for a big night of fishing but strangely the fish weren't biting. We figured that it must have been the channel cat that were feeding at the surface and we did manage to catch a couple, but that was it. The fishing wasn't great but it was a very beautiful night and before we knew it was midnight.

Tuesday -- June 19, 2007
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.0     Water Temperature: 85

There was a beautiful walleye pike caught near here last week. The fish was huge and the tender white fillets completely covered my plate. MMMMM...good.

There were dozens of bluegills and a couple of bass up at the head of the Island. The clear water makes it easy to spot them.

The beaver has been thrilling the late-day swimmers this week. Usually we don't see it during daylight hours but recently its been seen casually swimming near the ferry before dark.

Its sad to think the oriole will be finished nesting soon. Its been so great seeing them in the mulberry tree everyday.

The camp-out on the Island is this Saturday! Make plans to be here, the weather looks like its going to be perfect and the music is guaranteed good.

Wednesday -- June 20, 2007
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.0     Water Temperature: 84

The baby wood ducks have emerged from their nest and can be seen around the Island. There was a nest in a cavity of the sycamore above the horseshoe pit, about twenty five feet up. One evening, just before dark I heard what I thought was the wind rustling the leaves but soon realized what I had heard was the sound of the newly-hatched wood duck chicks as they made their death-defying leap through the branches to reach the ground and the safety of the open water. I stepped onto the Captain's Float and as I looked up river I saw a frantic mother duck herding twenty fluff balls toward the river, running back into the woods to get the last one to the safety of the river. Once in the river the tiny chicks sprinted across the water, looking more like little speed boats than newly hatched ducklings. I don't think it was an accident that the chicks made their run for the river just before sundown, some kind of survival strategy.

Thursday -- June 21, 2007
Water Level at Little Falls: 3.0     Water Temperature: 84

Happy Solstice

The wood ducks came back! I was surprised to see our newly-hatched chicks feeding in the field with their mother this evening. Unfortunately, my presence made them dash for the river.

Last evening was sunny and perfectly beautiful and no one came to the island. Tonight was cool and rainy and I had over a dozen swimmers and fishermen. Strange.