Walked down the Bergen trail from the upper fort today. Here are some pics of the flood and also some from out on the Mendota bridge. I couldn't see the bridge to Pike Island though it may have been blocked by the trees but usually I can see it going across the Mendota bridge so it may be all the way under water.

 Kiosk in front of the visitor's center.

Native American memorial.

Sargent Lake parking lot. 

Road to visitor center from near Sargent Lake parking lot.

Visitor center from Mendota bridge. 

Yes, the visitor center was open. Jill had to hike down the Bergen trail same as I did.

FSSP is closed due to flooding

From the DNR site:  "Fort Snelling State Park is currently closed. We are experiencing many flood impacts at this time. The main roads and all trails in the Park are currently under water. Please check back for updates."

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/fort_snelling/index.html

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Black-crowned Night-Heron fishing at the Snelling Lake boat launch.  He stayed even when two people came by with their dog and launched a canoe.  Photos taken Sat 6/14.

Gray Catbird. Found along main road on river side. Note rusty color under tail.

Barred Owlet

I finally got a few photos of one of the baby owls!  I think this is Parker, the non-banded owlet.  In his usual place, but a bit closer to the big tree that touches the road.  His mama was across the road keeping a close eye on her baby (and on us photographers, I imagine!)

Two Little Deer Friends

Saw these two little deer at FSSP sticking very close to each other.  They were rubbing faces together for a bit - very cute.  Photos taken Sunday 6/8 from the main road before the first beach parking lot.

One-legged heron

Here's a link to a photo on the FSSP Camera Club Facebook page. It's a one-legged Heron!
https://m.facebook.com/groups/182758201742798?view=permalink&id=799773683374577

Just an FYI - As we are taking our flower photos for this months challenge, please be aware that this particular yellow flower is called Leafy Spurge and is considered a noxious weed/invasive plant.  There is more information on the DNR website.

If you are in an area where this plant exists, please make sure that you wipe off your shoes as you leave the area to help prevent the spread of the seeds of this plant to other parks.    :)

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/invasives/terrestrialplants/herbaceous/leafyspurge.html

Barred Owl - This is the mother of the two owlets (named Bling and Parker).  She sat very nicely for quite a while, which really helps with the photo taking!

Painted turtle near closed gate going to Picnic Island. Had to lay flat on the ground to get this angle. Photo taken last weekend (6/4/14).

What part of the park?

6/4/2014

Barred owl babies are out and about. In the wooded area next to the beach parking lot closest to the fishing pier end. 

First one looks like the older of the two. Second one was banded by the Raptor Center after someone saw it on the ground in the water below the nesting area and called them.