Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge offers opportunities to fall in love with nature not only on special holidays but any day you visit. During this week alone the geese have been back again, browsing at the Refuge, three otters were spotted by the low water crossing and the birders tallied 70 bird species. And for those who love Bluebirds, a special treat February 11, when Refuge Manager Kathy Whaley gives a Second Saturday presentation on the blue beauties.

Kathy’s presentation will begin at 10 am in the Visitor Center meeting room and will include general information on eastern Bluebirds, as well as information on the three Bluebird trails at the Refuge, and will be followed by a panel of Bluebird monitoring volunteers, to field questions.

Speaking of Bluebird monitors, trail monitoring will begin the last week of February, and those who adopted nest boxes will begin receiving emailed reports of activity in their nest box. If you missed out on getting a box this year, plenty of photos will be posted on the Friends website and Facebook page for all to enjoy.

And finally, here is a link to “Love in the Wild” from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Enjoy!

Photo - Harris Creek Bluebird, by Bert Garcia