Chickens!

 I swear - some of the last pics to post.  We were thrilled to watch a lek of 26 Prairie Chickens the last morning we were in NE.  The morning before we had a "hot tip" from someone who was doing waterfowl surveys; after a 1.5 hour drive, we saw chicken poop, a few stray feathers, and one bird flying.  Always possible that a hawk or coyote, etc broke up the lek in display.  And reminds us that there is no crying in baseball, nor guarantees in birding.  The next morning took away the pain.  The birds were close enough to hear their calling and cackling. 

While it was dry in many of the waterfowl production and management areas, we did find a few with some birds.  Northern Pintail and Blue-winged Teal were plentiful in one. 

Other NE Pics

Lots of other birds to recommend NE by besides the cranes!  We had Dark-eyed (slate colored) Juncos, Western (and Eastern) Meadowlarks, Red-tailed Hawks, and two rotten Bald Eagles who kept harassing the Northern Pintail. 

In these last three pics, you can see one adult eagle already on the ground with something.  Another adult blew in and roiled the pintail continually so they couldn't set down.  Obviously they are looking for an edge; somebody won't look quite right, and that bird would then become the target.  I understand the predatory angle; pintail are just so sexy. 

Turkey Vulture

On a trip last Friday to La Crosse, WI to see/talk peregrines, also was able to see a Turkey Vulture land on a vliff ledge, and noodle around, as if the bird might have started some nesting activity.  The first three shots of are the bird flying in, and sitting on the ledge.  Next three are the same shots, with a red circle to help find the bird.

NE Part 2

One of the mornings we were in NE, the visibility was .2 miles.  Lots of moisture from 81 and 84 degree days.  Art-y cranes in the mist shots!

NE 2012 part 1

Had another great trip out to NE last week.  Had some challenges with my camera and lens, so was pleasantly surprised that I got any worthwhile images at all.  Interesting to be out there with 81-84 degrees during the day.  Cranes were at their peak, according to locals.  What an amazing experience.  Just standing at the edge of a river or field and watching these almost-ancient birds gather and eat/communicate is pretty humbling. 

Downy Woodpecker Tangles

We're almost at the end of current photos of Downy Woodpeckers!  This was an interesting interaction between two males a few weeks ago; they briefly tangled a few times as they both made their way up a couple of trees in a park.  It was very gentleman-y - almost like a South Park wussy-slap.  Seemed to be pretty evenly matched, too - neither emerged as the heir apparent to whatever cavity must be the coveted one in the area.

Red tailed Hawk camera in NYC

The New York Times has set up a live-streaming camera on a 12th-floor window ledge outside of the office of the president of New York University. This year we're partnering with New York City Audubon to bring you expert commentary and interactive features about raptors and their roles in their urban ecosystem.