Sunday, April 25, 2010

Sunday Safari

Rain kept us home until mid-morning.

Our Wetland adventure today took us
75 miles south.

Although the clouds hung low we hoped for clearing skies.

Meadowlarks sang as we entered the Wetlands.
This wetland is divided into four units
and covers 13,929 acres.

I was inspired.

We were pleased with the number of shore birds we saw.
A few groups of Lesser Yellowlegs

with a sightening of a female
Wilson's Phalarope.

 Many pairs of Blue-winged Teal

and nesting Canadian Geese.

There is a Blue Heron rookery here.

The Herons were skittish and the wind
made for difficult photography.
It was cool, 57 degrees with a strong north-westerly wind.
A few brave butterflies, Red Admirals, Orange Sulphers
 and Dragonflies were out.

Killdeer and

Red-winged Blackbirds
were nesting.

Wildflowers in the wetlands are different
than the wildflowers in the prairies.

I have lots to learn about the wetlands.
Happy Sunday Safari.

9 comments:

Mel said...

Hola Sherry,
What a great Sunday! Such lovely birds I've never seen.
You cheer up my blue days, thanks!
Besos,
Mel

Flat Creek Farm said...

I always love your bird photos! And *all* your photos... just beautiful as always. Thanks for sharing your trip! I will travel virtually with you as it seems we never go very far from the farm :) -Tammy

Barb said...

What a bonanza of birds! I especially like the dripping resting spot of the first bird photo and your welcoming meadowlark.

Chrissie said...

Just wonderful, Sherry! I am so pleased you had such a great day :-)

Roses and Lilacs said...

Wonderful photos. I remember meadow larks being very common when I was a child. I never hear them anymore. Sad.

I worked on a wetland project here a few years ago. It was very rewarding and a great learning experience.
Marnie

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Marvelous photos Sherry. That wind was whipping this weekend. It looks like you had a great afternoon out.

Rose said...

What an amazing variety of birds you saw, Sherry! We had downpours here at times this weekend; I hope you didn't get soaked while bird-watching.

Kelly said...

beautiful place! when i get the determination to plan a daytrip with the family, i will be asking you for advice. i'm sure you know all the best places to visit in our area!

sweetbay said...

Such sweet wildflowers. Your bird photos are stellar. The fifth one down of the Meadowlark looks like a gorgeous painting.