End of summer finds things winding down here again. Not much to see since the main pools have been drained pretty low. Temperatures were fantastic, around 75-80° with a beautiful cool breeze out of the north, compliments of Hurricane Earl's visit earlier this weekend.
- Great Egrets are in declining numbers (maybe 100 left) and leaving the refuge to head farther south.
- Barn and Tree Swallows are making a killing on the flies and other bugs – thousands can be seen at dawn and dusk divebombing insects.
- Speaking of bugs, not as bad as they were last month. Biting flies are relatively gone. Mosquitoes are less prevalent, however still making their presence known.
- New bug spray made with "Picaridin" only – NO DEET – worked about as well as the Deet. 20%-40% Deet stuff I was using prior was MELTING plastic parts in the car and on my gear.
- Thistles and Queen Anne's Lace are at the end of their days, but the remaining Thistle blooms still attract some wayward Monarch and Swallowtail Butterflies.
- Hunted for the Great Horned and Barred Owls at Finis Pool, but didn't hear or see hide 'nor hair of them.
- No Eagles, Ospreys or Hawks – which was kinda weird.
Here's to hoping things pick up as the fall progresses.
