Monday's storm was just what we needed. After several weeks with no precipitation, we were due for a good soaking. When I got off work, I headed straight for Watson Lake and Granite Creek to see what impact the storm had. I am happy to report that Granite Creek was flowing briskly-I would guess that it was running at twice the rate from just the day before.

From there I headed over to Willow Lake and then to Willow Creek to see how they were looking. Just the day before Willow Creek was bone dry, but on Monday, it was flowing really well. I feel confident that Monday's storm will produce enough runoff to top off Watson Lake, which will allow the city to divert any extra water over to Willow Lake.

Since Monday, I have been watching the weather forecast for this coming weekend. Originally, forecast models were showing the possibility of one to three inches of snow on both Saturday and Sunday, but now it is showing mostly just rain. Whether we get rain or snow, the return to more seasonal weather patterns is good to see-especially the moisture we are receiving.

Wet weather can be a challenge for those who feed wild birds. Here is some wet-weather advice. If you provide birdseed, be vigilant in maintaining a reliable supply of dry birdseed. The key word in this sentence is 'dry.' If the seed feeders you are using don't do a good job of keeping the seed dry, you may want to consider replacing your feeders with a different style. Birdseed that gets totally water-logged is not desirable to birds and just goes to waste.

If you provide suet, you don't have to worry whether it gets wet or not. Since the first ingredient in suet cakes is beef fat, rain water sheds right off of the suet.

If you have already put some hummingbird feeders out, remember to bring them in at night if a hard frost is predicted. However, be sure to place the feeders back outside first thing the next morning, as hummingbirds are anxious to eat at first light. I have actually had the experience of hummingbirds landing on the feeder as I am carrying it outside, because they are so anxious to eat after a long, cold night.

This evening, the Prescott Audubon Society will be bringing to Prescott a special Arizona Humanities presentation featuring guest speaker Hugh Grinnell. The title of his presentation is 'Saving the Great American West: the Story of George Bird Grinnell.'

Hugh will be dressed in period costume and will impersonate his ancestor George Bird Grinnell who is credited as being the founding father of the National Audubon Society in 1905. He also co-founded the Boone and Crockett Club with Teddy Roosevelt, and he led the effort to establish Glacier National Park. Grinnell is considered the 'Father of American Conservation.'

Hugh's presentation will take you back in time to the 19th century where Grinnell traveled with the likes of General Custer and Theodore Roosevelt. You will hear in Grinnell's own words his stories as taken from his field journals, memoirs, personal correspondence and newspaper editorials. Additionally, you will enjoy dozens of 19th-century photographs, which visually capture Grinnell's many expeditions and discoveries.

This is sure to be a great program that you will not want to miss! It starts at 7 p.m. in the Fellowship hall at Trinity Presbyterian Church located at 630 Park Ave., in Prescott. The program is free and open to the public.

Until next week, Happy Birding!