Visiting Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area early this am, before the mid-day heat developed, a friend and I were pleased (more like ecstatic) to find a significant amount of water in the central channel and some of the pools. Whether this was a result of recent heavy rains or a purposeful recovery, initiated by refuge managers, is uncertain but the results were surely satisfying.
Only a modest number of great egrets and great blue herons had returned to take advantage of the watery landscape but just the sight of shimmering shallows was enough for us. Of course, there was, as always, a nice diversity of songbirds (about 20 species encountered this morning) and an escape to uncrowded, natural terrain never disappoints.
We certainly hope that the recovery will continue but, if this change was weather-induced, it may soon fade in the wake of the intense heat wave this weekend. Time will tell and my reports will continue.
