Spring is in the air, and many research activities are picking up at Erken. This spring, it’s not only researchers who think it’s fun to work at Erken, but the farm nearby has brought new cow neighbors who are extremely curious. The cows are still getting used to their new surroundings, so if you are visiting Erken, you may encounter them on the road, so please drive slowly and carefully. Last week the cows wanted to learn more about the SITES Water program and were caught trying to use the boats. The cows may be curious, but they also seem to be kind new neighbors at the station and are starting to settle in to their new surroundings.
On the island, where SITES Water research activities are most concentrated, another interesting situation with wildlife has occurred. The water birds, including terns, geese and ducks, are taking the opportunity to build nests anywhere they can, sometimes assuming the research infrastructure is designed to support nesting activities. You can capture a livestream looking out from the island here. This camera is also used within the SITES Water program to monitor such things as ice on and ice off dates (explore lake ice cover data from Erken).
Cows exploring exploring lake Erken (Photo from Erken staff).