Still Here . . . So Far So Good

You'll recall that in yesterday's post I commented that Chuck's would hold birds IF we had sufficient rain to inundate the place. Well, given the 2.7" of rain that was sloppin' around in the gauge this morning, I'd say we're well on our way. Looks like we got just enough water to sheet-over the fields, but not enough to hold significant amounts long term . . . that's perfect if you ask me.

New game plan: time to put the re-lift in the ditch and begin the arduous task of flooding the west side. Have water, will move it. All I've got to say to the birds is that if they know what's best for 'em, they'll stay out of that hole. 100 birds holding in that field on a sunny day will yield more results than 1,000 anywhere else on the farm.

The YouTube video below won't do justice to the number of birds that are hanging out on Homer, but you get the idea. We're still loaded with those pesky specks, and keeping the light geese out will almost certainly be a challenge, but if the weather doesn't change dramatically and the rivers don't top their banks, we might be able to hold a few of these birds for the opener. FYI, the Cache @ Patterson is presently staged at 4.92'. As you're probably aware, base moderate flood-stage for the river is 8', and that'll barely get her out of her banks. She's predicted to crest dead center at 8 feet on November 14. If we don't get rain between now and then, we may be okay.