Sapsucker

We did make it up to the cabin for the weekend. Dave launched the plane Friday afternoon. We went to check on it later that evening to make sure the floats were not leaking. Sinking the plane is a bad way to start the season. The weather was fine for flying so we went up on Saturday morning and came home Sunday evening.

There was some winter damage at the lake but not bad considering the colossal forces all that snow and ice put on our various structures. Half a dozen trees were broken, one of our ramps snapped and we could see some buckling of a metal brace on the porch roof. Otherwise, unscathed. The place looks generally ratty, normal for this time of year. In two weeks or so, everything will be leafed out and lush.

Trumpeter swams flew by in pairs, honking. Two were drifting near by, then took flight. Their wings sounded like canvas flapping. It takes a lot of effort for them to get airborne. An otter glided by, quiet. Loons called in the distance. And that rapping sound, just outside the kitchen window? A red-breasted, yellow-bellied sapsucker.