2022 Kansas Trip – Semipalmated Sandpiper

I can’t believe it’s been more than a year since this trip and I still have quite a few photos to share. Not much time or gumption to post much lately. Here are some photos of one of the more abundant shorebirds we had on this particular visit – the Semipalmated Sandpiper. It was fun and interesting to see so many individuals up close. You can really see variations in individual plumages at this time of year, as I hope this collection shows

2022 Kansas Trip – Blue-winged Teal

It’s about time I begin posting more from our Kansas trip from last April. The Blue-winged Teal is one species that is easy to find at Quivera NWR and Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area. Dave and I had some great light on this evening. We set up low and waited for the Teal and Shovelers to drift by.

Return to the Kingdom of Quivira

I have previously discussed and shared a number of our photos from previous trips to Quivira NWR.  Steve and I recently returned from a short trip to central Kansas and I wanted to share a quick photo.  Last year we had sure looks and photos of Hudsonian Godwits.  This year one of the highlights of the trip was finding a group of 23 Marbled Godwits.

Marbled Godwit
Marbled Godwit

We were a bit earlier this year than last and this combined with a longer, cooler spring, bird species diversity and overall numbers were a tad lower.  Constant abusing winds made the cool temperatures nearly unbearable to sustain for long, especially with two dudes who dressed for spring.  But, we just worked a little harder and made the best use of good light, higher temps and calmer winds when we could find them.  Another unforgettable trip.

Birds of Quivira – Final Thoughts

A Muddy Profusion
A Muddy Profusion

Today I am presenting the final images that I plan on sharing from the trip that Steve and I made to Quivira NWR way back this past May.

Godwits and A Dowitcher
Godwits and A Dowitcher

These Hudsonian Godwits were a pleasure to watch.  See below for a shot of them in rest.

Godwits
Godwits

Surprisingly, we seemed to have more Yellow-headed Blackbirds than Red-winged, but we did have plenty of Red-winged to watch as well.

Red-winged Blackbird
Red-winged Blackbird

No trip to the grasslands is complete without a Quail…

Bobwhite Quail
Bobwhite Quail

We watched this female/juvenile Yellow Warbler take a bath in one of the creeks that run through the reserve.

Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warbler

What a collection of birds, photos and memories these few days in the Kingdom of Quivira provided.  We can’t wait to visit again.

Kingdom of Quivira
Kingdom of Quivira

-OZB

Birds of Quivira – Belted Kingfisher

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

While at Quivira, Steve and I happened upon one of the most patient, cooperative wild birds I have ever come across, this male Belted Kingfisher.  It stayed perched, except when taking off to grab a prey item, as we slowly crept closer in the car.

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

In the photo below, the bird winds up to bash a crayfish that it eventually swallowed.

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

Thanks for visiting!

Belted Kingfisher
Belted Kingfisher

-OZB

Birds of Quivira – White-faced Ibis

White-faced Ibis
White-faced Ibis

The White-faced Ibis are pretty abundant at Quivira and Cheyenne Bottoms and across the Great Plains in general.  It is believed that this was primarily a western species that has been slowly moving eastward during the past century.  Nesting grounds are still rather patchy and infrequent, but they have been documented to nest at both Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira.

White-faced Ibis
White-faced Ibis

-OZB