Lark Sparrow and Cranes

Kind of a shame to not be able to capitalize on such a "posed" photographic opportunity as this Lark Sparrow presented, but lighting was a bit of a challenge.

Who doesn't love cranes????

Peregrines

Peregrines still active!  Youngsters ready to leave boxes, and parents doing great job bringing food in!

Osprey

It's osprey season!  Will post some more soon.  First bird was getting harassed by red winged blackbirds and crows alike!

Peregrine Banding at City Center

Peregrine chick from City Center. 
Photo Amber Burnette.

Here is a video of peregrine chicks being banded at City Center/Multifoods/33 S. 6th Street.   Click on this link. 

Downy Woodpeckers

Had lots of opportunities to watch and photograph Downy Woodpeckers at nest cavities so far this year. 

Bobolinks!

The team I band birds with is working on collecting data on representative prairie species in local habitat.  Certainly saw bobolink - though the male did not make an appearance in our nets.

Neighborhood Merlins

Local merlins fledged in last couple of days.  Seems a week or so early, but not sure what "normal" or "typical" timing is anymore. This year there were just two youngsters.  (Assuming it is same pair that had three last year.)