"What a thousand acres of Silphiums looked like when they tickled the bellies of the buffalo is a question never again to be answered, and perhaps not even asked." -Aldo Leopold
Here is one of the parents taking off again to go hunting. As this exposure was taken the bird was in just such a position for its long tail to be in direct light that made it through the persimmon branches. This light, effectively “blew it out”, creating an interesting effect. Of course the youngsters just want more tucker. 😉
“Hard-Working and Looking Pretty”
These three images were taken this past September during a hike that Steve and I took around the Heron Pond area of RMBS. By far the most commonly come across rail in this part of the world, the Sora, fills the perfect role of chicken in the fresh-water marshes. I never get tired of watching these guys wade out into shallow open waters to feed, ready to sprint back into the cover of the marsh plants at the least sign of danger. At just the peak of migration, I have been fortunate to see nearly 100 of these birds at Heron Pond at a given time.
“Suspiciously Sora”
“Sora with Snail”
“The Marsh Chicken”
Referred to as the “feathered mouse”, the Sedge Wren is most easily seen in his nesting territory during breeding season. During this time one must simply listen for his song and follow by ear. With patience, the vociferous little wren can be viewed. These guys were plentiful at Dunn Ranch and adjacent Pawnee prairies this past July. This species has been affected by the destruction wet prairies, meadows and wetland type habitats that they rely upon.
“Sunshine & Song”
“Con Fuoco”
Don’t forget to thank a turkey today.
“Turkey Pride”
Every since I heard of the weird sandpiper that decided to live in the plains, away from considerable amounts of water, I dreamed of seeing and photographing them. Our trip this summer to Dunn Ranch Prairie provided for that, adding a new bird to both Steve’s and my life lists.
“Upland Sandpiper, Dunn Ranch Prairie, 2013”
“Upland Sandpiper in Flight, Dunn Ranch Prairie, 2013”
Bobwhite Quail were surprisingly and pleasantly abundant across Dunn and neighboring Pawnee Prairies. We even flushed a covey of chicks along our drive. This guy was kind enough to find a nice perch to pose on.
“Bobwhite Quail”
While at Dunn we got to see our first ever Bobolink in breeding plumage. What a treat!
“Male Bobolink on Wild White Indigo”
The first bird photographed at Dunn Ranch, this Grasshopper Sparrow was trying his best to dry off following an early morning shower.
“Grasshopper Sparrow”
An image of a Black and White Warbler taken this past spring. The song-birds have begun moving south now. Things have been so busy, I’ve barely had a chance to go birdwatching to watch them pass through.
“Black and White Warbler”
Steve and I came across this pair at RMBS this summer. When disturbed, males of this species can almost be intimidating with their nasal calls and angry sounding song.
A Thousand Acres of Silphiums 