December 30 Laguna Atascosa

Finished our winter migration, now at roost at Laguna Atascosa NWR... we arrived Saturday afternoon and settled in on slab #5, one space over from where we parked last year.
First order of business was putting out the lights for rat deterrent. Other volunteers also had Christmas lights out giving the Volunteer Village a festive air.

Sunday was a beautiful day. We met with Ranger Marion, signed our volunteer agreements and picked up keys, gate clicker, and park pass. Put up the cell phone booster. Mounted on a ten foot piece of conduit, which was then zip-tied onto the top of the ladder on the back of the coach. Without the booster, cell phone usage is nearly impossible inside and only sketchy outside. 

Rain started about 1:45 AM this morning, we accumulated 1.53 inches since then with no let up in sight. Temp at very un-SUB-TROPICAL 43 degrees. 

Attended staff meeting this morning, met the Refuge manager Boyd along with other staff and volunteers and reconnected with volunteers from last year. Orientation coming up on Saturday and we start birding tours on Sunday.