DRYING TIMES?  Rain chances are backing off some for the Fireworks today, as only a slight chance remains after a half inch fell over the last two days. We take a look at totals thus far through the upland rearing season, talk about some smaller birds and fire safety in our Outdoors Roundup for this Fourth of July.

Featured Photo:  All American. An eagle lands on a shoreline branch. Simonson Photo.

 

WEATHER (Bismarck Forecast):
Today:  Thu 7/4 – Chance Rain – Hi 72, Lo 58, Wind NE@6
Tomorrow:  Fri 7/5 – Similar – Hi 74, Lo 59, Wind E@7

 

SOLUNAR (Bismarck Times):

Sunrise        Sunset
5:55AM       9:40PM

Moonrise      Moonset       Overhead    Underfoot
7:56AM       11:29PM      3:48PM        3:18AM

 

Moon Phase:  Waxing Crescent (5% Full)

 

EDGE HOUR:  7:30-8:30AM.  Moonrise will again extend the early bite in our Edge Hour.

 
DAY RATING:

 

OUTDOORS ROUNDUP:

MIDDLE MOISTURE.  June in ND is an important stretch for pheasants and upland game as hens sit on their nests incubating eggs and chicks hatch toward the end of the month.  The northwestern corner of the state saw significant departures with excess rain, while much of the state’s pheasant range stayed within 25 percent of normal, good news generally as typically too wet during this crucial month is bad for pheasant recruitment.

THE WORD. For a recap of the seasonal movements through North Dakota and some great photos, including a cardinal sneaking west of the Red River, visit the ND Birding Society page.  The organization is dedicated to promoting the study of birds, stimulating public interest in them and preserving their populations and habitat.

 

BANG!  Happy Independence Day out there!  Keep an eye on the fire index in your area (things should be generally okay) and remember there are restricted areas where fireworks cannot be used – most notably the state’s WMAs.