There is much to see and do outdoors this time of year. When winter is finally in the rearview mirror and spring has sprung, it is as if life comes gushing out from everywhere.
This time of year is about as good as it gets when it comes to viewing nature. But it goes quickly, so be sure to make some time to enjoy it! Here are a few ideas on how to be sure to not miss out on this amazing spring show.
Most everyone lives near a National Wildlife Refuge here in North Dakota. A fantastic way to enjoy nature is to visit a local refuge during spring. Many of them have auto tours, upon which a person can view the wildlife from the comfort of the car, as well as perhaps take some short hikes. All the refuges have information available online to help you plan your trip. As for me, I will be taking at least one trip down the auto tour at J.. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge. That is always time well spent.
By the way, many of the refuges have blinds in which a person can watch the spring dancing of sharp-tail grouse. Everyone should see that display at least once in their lifetime. Oftentimes local media will run a story on the availability of the blinds, and of course the refuge website likely has the information on a blind if one is available. And of course, many of you could probably watch the show in a nearby pasture!
Now is also a good time to take a walk through some local woods. The trees haven’t fully leafed out yet, so the visibility is excellent. Plus the warblers are or will be passing through soon. They pass through twice a year, of course, and add an interesting dimension to any woodland excursion.
There are lots of other options as well. But when the sun goes down, please remember that the Lyrids Meteor Shower will run from April 16-25. The peak activity will come on the night of the 22nd and early morning hours of the 23rd, with perhaps twenty meteors per hour. The Lyrids are known to occasionally produce meteors with comparatively long-lasting trails. During the peak period we will have a first quarter moon that will set a little after midnight. So if the sky is clear, viewing could be quite good.
Chuck Lura
Natural North Dakota is supported by NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center and Dakota College at Bottineau, and by the members of Prairie Public. Thanks to Sunny 101.9 in Bottineau for their recording services.
