Friday we start – April 1st, the first day of the 2011 migration monitoring season. Usually, by this time, we would have all the nets up but not this year. I’ve been waiting patiently for the snow in the net lanes to melt but it’s a slow process it seems – just not warm enough. The sun is hot, though, so we went around this morning and cleared the centre of the lanes of snow in the thinking that this will give the sun an opportunity to open them up through melt. We’ll see….I’d like not to have to clear them all out by shovelling. Either way, we’ll have to get the nets up later in the week.
Often when people come to Ruthven for the first time, they stop at the front gate for directions. First contacts often can shape a person’s view of the site. Ruthven is fortunate to have a staffing group that is both cordial and knowledgeable. If you have any questions about Ruthven – historical, biological, or otherwise – stop in at the Gatehouse. They’ll make you feel welcome and you’re sure to come away from the experience further ahead.
Rick