READY TO ROCK. Spring is here, and all around us animals are competing for mates and getting ready to beget the next generation.  We talk about some of the more vocal and showy species of birds engaged in some springtime strongmanning in today’s Three Things.

Featured Photo: Puffery.  A rooster pheasant with full red eye patches stands tall and puffs up to ward off a nearby opponent. Simonson Photo.

DAILY CONDITIONS:

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Wed 5/2 – A bump in the afternoon. Hi 66, Lo 42, Winds N@15, G25.
Tomorrow:  Thu 5/3 – Warmer with westerlies. Hi 73, Lo 40, Winds W@13, G20.

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):
Sunrise: 6:26AM Sunset: 8:54PM
Moonrise: Fol. Day Moonset 9:01AM
Overhead: 4:23AM Underfoot: 4:47PM
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous (94% Full)

EDGE HOUR:  8:30 – 9:30AM.  Extend the early bite with moonset in today’s Edge Hour, just before the front hits.

DAY RATING:

THREE THINGS

THE STRUT. Tom Turkeys are in full strut, showing off those massive tailfans to any hen that will give them the time of day, and the spring hunting season is about halfway done (last day is May 20) in ND.  The most dominant gobblers will get the girl(s), and it isn’t rare to see two toms get into a rundown with each other, when the baddest one on the block has to defend his harem of hens.

A CALLING.  In rural areas and on the edge of town, it’s common to hear the *crunk-unk* of a rooster pheasant at dawn and dusk.  These boisterous birds are letting others around them know that the hens within hearing distance are their mates, and other males should be forewarned that a cockfight will ensue should they stray too far into that territory.

HEARING RED.  In the southeast portion of the state and into Minnesota Lakes country, where they’re just becoming established, cardinals set the tone for spring with their series of whoo-eet, whoo-eet, whoo-eets.  These more colorful members of the blackbird family are also aggressive, with males being known to attack their own reflections in picture windows on houses.

Prepare for Battle and Stay Sharp!