Updates for Sheila's Swans

 

Thanks to our friend, Choo, for alerting us that the earlier link did not direct readers to the Lawrence Family Waterfowl Feeding project. Please follow the link below if you can help Jim and defray costs toward this mammoth effort that benefits thousands of waterfowl.

http://www.capitalgrip.com/project/detail/1 

Monticello Winter Swan Update

 

A cold winter in Minnesota means the Mississippi River in Monticello is brimming with waterfowl.  Thanks to Xcel Energy’s nearby nuclear generating power plant, that section of the river doesn’t freeze, thus creating a haven for migrating birds. 

Regular readers of this site know the incredible story of the late Sheila Lawrence, the “Swan Lady of Monticello,” who dedicated her life to the preservation and care of these magnificent animals. Today, her husband Jim continues his wife’s legacy, winter feeding not only thousands of Trumpeters but also large flocks of Canada Geese and ducks. 

Jim checked in this week and provided us with a waterfowl update. “2000 plus swans and a bunch of Canadians and mallards.  Sheila often said that their sounds were music to her ears.  Well, plenty of music here.”

The city of Monticello provides a live “swan cam” so viewers all over the world can enjoy the site of so many birds and watch Jim with his 10:30 a.m. feeding.  Follow the link below to access the webcam and also support the Lawrence family’s feeding efforts.

http://monticellofiber.com/swancam.cfm 

Please click on the label “Sheila’s Swans" at the bottom of this post to read more about Sheila Lawrence.

(photo appears courtesy of Chris Lommel Photography)

http://www.lommelphotography.com/

 

Watch Sheila's Swans

Enjoy this wonderful video showcasing the legacy of the late Sheila Lawrence, 
The Swan Lady of Monticello, Minnesota.

Follow the link below to the accompanying story and its gorgeous photos, plus an opportunity to financially support Jim Lawrence’s important work.

  http://www.capitalgrip.com/project/detail/1

Winter Waterfowl Update

Our friend Jim Lawrence has checked in with a report from Swan Park on the Mississippi River in Monticello.

“Have about 2000 swans and another thousand geese and ducks. Expect we may have more here soon as there is still open water that is holding a bunch that aren't here yet. Continued cold may push them to the river. My Sheila would be just thrilled.”

For anyone interested in a trip to see Sheila’s Swans, this might well be the time to start planning.  For directions and park rules, please click on the Monticello Chamber of Commerce link below:

http://www.monticellocci.com/pages/swans

Saturday Sightings

And a great one it is!  Four more Trumpeters just flew overhead on their way to the mighty St. Croix. Behold!  The sky is awash with white winged wonders!  May your day also  be filled with the splendor of God’s beauty.