Refuge Friday

I visited the refuge today, it is the last day that you can drive the entire road. Starting tomorrow, the DNR closes off a large section of the dike road so the breeding birds and their offspring have a safe place to be.

A decent crowd of birders/photographers were there and the Sandhill cranes entertained them. There was a group of 4 early on and they were very available from the road. The later two were quite a ways down the road and not easily visible. These two also provided me with the photos of the 'dancer' crane...a feature of the mating process. The male spreads his wings and jumps in the air and makes a lot of noise. Quite fun to watch.

There were Harriers, Kestrels, Great Blue Herons, Bald eagles and pheasants around..a great show. Here's a few of my favorites from the day..

Sandhill cranes in formation..big birds with a 7 foot wingspan makes it a challenge to be in close formation, but they did it..

Bald Eagle..

Great Blue heron with nesting material...

Male Harrier, aka Grey Ghost, posed for me and gave me a bunch of wonderful opportunities..

The Sandhill crane mating ceremony....The male is the main actor..

Looking grumpy and depressed..juvenile Black-crowned Night heron..

A refuge visit must include a Kestrel photo..

A Killdeer couple...

Red-winged Blackbirds are everywhere..a challenge to get a new perspective on them..