April 22

Rain.  I hear it hit the roof outside as I awaken.  Still, I get up, go get my daily coffee, and wind my way through the neighborhood toward the Lake.  It's all one-way traffic now, so if I want to see any one spot in particular, I have to back-track through the neighborhood first.

I see a lone eagle cross to the eastern side of the lake.  Nearer to shore, three wigeons are foraging on the lawn: two females and one male, but I do think the larger flock has migrated.  Perhaps these three decided to become year-round locals.  They are with a lone male Gadwall.

Next along, a carp or catfish, is breaching the surface of the water; I've been looking for them, so was excited by the sighting, alas, it was the only one.  Near the fishing docks, an osprey flies overhead, fish in talons, no eagle to intercept.  Assuming it made it safely to the nest.  A pair of Wood ducks swims under the dock in front of me.  Also, the coffee stand is open today.  Been closed.  I didn't go close enough to read the sign (probably says "one customer at a time.")  The nearby Starbuck's has re-opened as well, though only for mobile pick-ups. Big banner out front, green balloons marking the proper entrance.

The water level seemed low, it's been dry for the past month.  Steady rain all day.  I was soaked by the time I made it back home.  But the people were sparse, and air was clean and balsam-y from the cottonwoods, leafing out in orange-tinged green.  No cotton fluff, yet.  Allergies getting a bit of a break from the rain.