Tag: “bill duncan”

The Marsh Chicken

birds, Species Spotlight, wildlife

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.

IMG_0564“Suspiciously Sora”

IMG_0554“Sora with Snail”

IMG_0538

“The Marsh Chicken”

wildlife

“There are those who say that only spring is beautiful, and hie themselves to a warmer climate for the winter months.  There are others, who, without the means of fleeing from the beauties about them at all seasons, waste their happiness with complaining.  And there are some who must even go to Europe for scenery, and poets as well.  But give me my native land at all hours of the day, all seasons of the year, and for all the years of my life; because its beauties, its interests and its ennobling influences are intended for its sons above all others.  And have no fear, all who may doubt, that anyone by trying may get far more of use from a stroll over its hills, than even I did on this momentous ‘Tramp in November”

-Aldo Leopold

IMG_6538

“Autumn Regality”

The Sedge Wren

birds, wildlife

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.

IMG_8897“Sunshine & Song”

IMG_9034“Con Fuoco”

Upland Sandpiper

birds, wildlife

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.

IMG_8651 “Upland Sandpiper, Dunn Ranch Prairie, 2013”

IMG_8737“Upland Sandpiper in Flight, Dunn Ranch Prairie, 2013”

Ozark Bill Travels West

wildlife

Going on four months ago, Steve and I made a road trip to the western half of the state to find some birds of the plains, run with bison, and generally harass any other creatures that we might encounter.  Our primary destination was Dunn Ranch Prairie, a Nature Conservancy tallgrass prairie habitat, but there were other stops along the way.  This looking like a week that winter is first saying its hello, I thought it might be time to remember July.

Our first stop on our journey was Tucker Prairie CA, located near Columbia.  This was a small patch of prairie, located within sight of busy Interstate 70.  On an isolated Persimmon tree near the parking pull-in we found these guys.

IMG_7984“Four Patient Ones” 

Here’s Mom trying her best…

IMG_8068“Is That All You Brought?”

Dad helped out once in a while.  Here he brought a dragonfly…

IMG_8078

 “Are You Sure It’s Dead?”

This is where and how we left them.  We knew they were within mere days of fledging.  We also knew we were at risk of staying and watching these guys until they did.  With our heads full of second thoughts we continued our trip to the north-west, wondering and hoping the young ones the best.

With dutiful mom watching over how could anything go wrong?

IMG_8178“Mom”