Whew! Saturday was one of the grayest days on record; there was really no reason to go outside, or look through the window for that matter. So when the sun shone Sunday, we had to get out.
Flatter than a tabletop
makes you wonder why they stopped here
Wagon must have lost a wheel
or they lacked ambition one. . .
Levelland by James McMurtry
(well worth suffering the ad to hear the song in its entirety)
Big Island is a 5,722-acre state-owned wildlife area situated within a former wetland prairie, one of the largest in
A series of manmade ponds dot the area, including a 382-acre marsh. Blue- and Green-Winged Teal,
Mid-day sunlight sabotaged my photos but here are a couple.
A classic "trust me" photo, a female Northern Harrier was working the fields and briefly perched in a treetop. I've driven a lot of miles over the years to view harriers and it's great to know they have winter territory nearby.
Big
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Back at home, Fox Squirrels frolic across the river but haven’t crossed over into the yard yet this season.
13 comments:
Hi Jain...that is a vast looking area...won't want to be caught out there in a blizzard!!
Ther is no large wildlife area or reserves near me, but the state has many areas where there are plenty!!
It was 12 below zero here this morning...the sun is very warm though shining through my sliding glass door that faces direct into the south!! : }}
I have never seen either of the birds you posted ...I'll have to get a close look at them!!
Have a good week, thanks for sharing!!
Jain,
Not to "one up you" or anything like that, but my wife and I just returned from southern New Mexico. The Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge was stuffed with Northern Harriers. Every time my wife asked, "What's that raptor?" I replied, "Northern Harrier." I was right so often that it sort'a became a joke.
Hi Grammie, 12 below... brrrr! If you ever get a chance to see harriers (aka Marsh Hawks), do! They're the most beautiful of birds!
Scott, you can never see too many harriers, I always say! It sounds like a great experience!
Hey Janet! Looks like a great outing! We so enjoyed the sun Sunday and Monday too. LOVED IT. :) Bosque del Apache is one of our most favorite places in New Mexico. You must go next time you go that way. (Nov.-Jan. are usually the best for birds!)
I stood outside today listening to a hawk for about 10 minutes, announcing his presence in our field.
You've intrigued me. I guess I'll google Big Island. I'm assuming it is on/in Lake Erie?
Looks pretty desolate. but interesting.
Jennifer & Steve, I've never been that way! Whenever I have time off and two nickels to rub together, I follow my heart north. I need a reason to go southwest some time.
Wanda, good for your hawk song. I listened to a Blue Jay mimicking a hawk last week. :o) I hope you and yours are doing well. XOXO
Beyond My Garden, Big Island is in Marion County in north central Ohio. It's a curious name, given the landscape; I wondered about the name but have yet to learn.
Jain,
Your photos are lovely. I think a bird in a winter leafless tree is beautiful and your photos capture it perfectly.
I too love the Northern Harrier. Today I watched an adult male flyover the field across the river. Its pale gray and white form skimming low over the fields looked really beautiful above the grassy bank when the suns rays made everything look so golden.
I always love your posts.
Kay
Oh, thank you, Kay! A male flew over the road on my way to work last week -- d'oh! -- I didn't have my camera with me. I really hope to get a passable photo some day. They are the most handsome birds!
what a great area to live close to!
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