Learning. :)

I spent yesterday taking care of nonbirding things. I got to Baraboo about 10am. I got 6 loads of laundry done and headed for the crane institute. I got out the camera and discovered that the back door on the truck would not lock. Oops! Problem. I fooled around with it and could not get it to lock. So, I headed for the dealer. They did not have the part but gave me the part number. They then disconnected the auto-lock and locked it. I called Kentucky where I am headed and they ordered it. I will take it in Monday and they will install it. I will not be shut down that way. I will be visiting my friend Joy so we can do things while I am waiting. Joy was a teacher at the same school I am at for many years. I am looking forward to birding Kentucky. I then rushed back to the crane site but discovered my friends were right. I did not enjoy it. It is very much like a zoo. Chain link and all. I love what they are doing for cranes around the world but ... I did not even go see the Whooping Cranes. I will schedule a trip to south Texas to see them in the wild in the winter. So, I got up early this morning and drove 12 hours to St Louis where I am in a wonderful park. I was going to move on tomorrow but think I will stay two days. I feel lucky to find this place. There are not many around, even private ones. Not like out west. This is a state park so cheap and much more natural. Lots of trees and big spaces and electric all for $15 a night. Tomorrow I hunt for the Eurasian Tree Sparrow. I talked to a man who gave me very detailed directions. I will see. It will be another lifer for me. (That means I have never seen the bird before) I traveled through Iowa and Illinois today. It is corn and soybean country. Fields and fields of it. And as the song goes "the corn is as high as an elephant's eye". In some places it is like driving down a road with tall green walls on the sides. Northern Cardnials are competing with the Robins in the song department and the woodsmoke from the other campers is filling my nose. It has been a long day.
Take care, Donelda
Doneldaw@gmail.com
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