Birding Karval Colorado

Farwell to karval

2010-07-28T13:14:00.000-06:00

I wanted to express a sincere thanks to all who have helped me and my family. We have made some wonderful friends and grown so much. I have experienced the wonders of the short grass prairie. I photographed birds and scenic beauty. All I can say is the prairie is a vast open space filled with life and tremendous opportunities. So as I leave the community I have loved my time here and will take a small part of Karval with me. Some of it may have blown to New Mexico ahead of me.

So as I prepare to disconnect my computer for now. I say thank-you. Until we meet again.

A Peach of a Tree

2010-07-27T21:17:00.002-06:00

The wonders of Karval are still amazing me - as I sat early in the morning enjoying the cool breezes coming in the window. My attention was constantly drawn to the peach tree. It seemed to be alive with movement. Patiently, I waited for some clue as to the identity of the bird in there. After a short time, other visitors came to add to the tree. At one point, there were five unusual ornaments and a couple of flashing lights to boot.

Have you ever seen a Logger-head Shrike

as it shoots across the yard?

A black, gray, and white comet

flashed before me- what a sight!

A pinwheel of alternating shades

in stark contrast to each other

perched the little masked bandit,

ready to take breakfast.

Constantly, positions changed.

Racers burst forth in a flash of stripes

from fence to tree to bush then grass.

The peach tree made a nice pit stop

while cruising in and out of the yard.

Astonished, I watched

as four others joined the first-

a family in formal attire

Blood-orange heads moved among the branches-

black wings with bold white patches.

Another morning friend greeted my weary eyes.

Yellow, orange bolted from the leaves.

On the fence he stopped - then the fiery meteor halted,

safely back in the tree.

Orioles moved about as mobile fruit on the tree.

One never knows what gift awaits just outside the door,

but I know the Giver of it.

Karval Moutain Plover Festival Sightings

2010-05-04T19:24:00.003-06:00

This is the final tally of the birds sighted at the Plover Festival. It was a great weekend and a fun time with fellow birders. The weather was warm and sunny. What an amazing way to see the area. Thanks to all the local ranchers for the visit to their land and sharing the wonders of the short grass prairie. None of this would have been possible without the many helping hands in our community.

One of the highlights of the festival was the trio of Broad-winged Hawks. It doesn't get much better than this.

This weekend was the 4th Annual Karval Mountain Plover Festival. We
were graced with good weather, great company and some pretty decent
birding. The Karval Community Alliance thanks all the participants and
invites all to attend next years event scheduled for April 29, 30 and
May 1, 2011
65 species were detected:
Wood Duck
American Wigeon
Mallard
Blue winged-Teal
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Redhead
Bufflehead
Scaled Quail
Eared Grebe
Great Blue Heron
White-face Ibis
Turkey Vulture
Broad Winged Hawk (3 spotted by K. Corwin on fri evening, 2 were re-
located sat. am, straight south of Karval in the wood lot south of the
fertilizer plant)
Swainson's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Golden Eagle
American Kestral
American Coot
Killdeer
Mountain Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Lesser Yellowlegs
Wilson's Phalarope
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Great Horned Owl
Burrowing Owl
Northern Flicker (Red and Yellow shafted)
Say's Phoebe
Western Kingbird
Loggerhead Shrike
Horned Lark
Northern Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Rock Wren
House Wren
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Orange-crowned Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle's and Audubon's)
Nashville Warbler (same wood lot as Broad wings)
Spotted Towhee
Green-tailed Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Lark Bunting
Grasshopper Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
Pine Siskin
House Sparrow

Please consider adding the 5th Annual Plover Festival to your birding
adventures in 2011

Seth Gallagher
Stewardship Director
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
Fort Collins

Mountain Plovers Returned Today

2010-03-30T20:40:00.000-06:00

A beautiful morning walk was made more grand by the songs of dozens of Western Meadowlarks and the ever present Horned Larks chattering away. As I listened to the morning chorus, a familiar and welcomed song rose from the field.- Mountain Plover? I stopped in my tracks and waited. There again it came...and another. I have been waiting for this day. I have seen in the last week the return of Red-Winged Blackbirds, Say's Phoebes, and Killdeer. Spring is really here, and it is exciting.

As I continued my walk to school. I heard plovers again. This time I found three and watched them for ten minutes or more. The male would call to the female as he stood on the ground near her. He would tuck his body low to the ground and spread his wings out like a fan. He would dip and call and then wait. This repeated action was exciting to see on my first sighting for the year. As I waited and watched, I heard the call of a Burrowing Owl somewhere in the same field. I had a fabulous morning and can't wait for tomorrow's chorus.If no birds had been seen, then the moon setting was worth getting out early for and enjoying the spectacle.

What will be the new bird for tomorrow?

New Arrivals

2010-03-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

It has been fun to see the change in bird life. Migration is on. The changing weather has been all over the charts - snow and ice, sunny and warm. In the middle of all of this, the birds have started to come in. I have seen the arrival of hundreds of Mountain Bluebirds and American Robins. The brilliant blues are in stark contrast with the foggy days. Many Western Meadowlarks have come into the area. Some have been here during the winter, but now are seen in mass singing throughout the day. My first sighting of Brewer's Blackbirds was yesterday.

Notable exits are the majority of the Rough-Legged Hawks and many of the Ferruginous Hawks. The last of the Snow Geese are moving north, leaving the Arkansas River area. I hope to soon be hearing the calls of other birds as they make their entrance - Sandhill Cranes, Mountain Plovers, Burrowing Owls. Then, the songs of birds will fill my early mornings. I can't wait for them.

Mountain Bluebirds in a Spring Christmas Tree

The dull overcast day, plain and uninspiring.
The sameness spread across fields of gray
with fog that hadn’t lifted.
Heavy frost coated everything.

Yet even in a dark closet,
one can find a treasure –
something unexpected
and wonderful.

The pine tree flocked with ice
delicately decorating each needle,
stood near the abandoned house,
alone and apart.

Twinkling in its branches,
hundreds of blue lights
moved in and out,
tinkling like bells.

Standing out against the
obscured backdrop,
they came and went.
A Victorian tree, simple and refined,
adorned with birds of vivid blue.

A Walk on an Icy Morn

2010-02-21T13:37:00.019-07:00

Bird News

2010-02-21T13:08:00.005-07:00

Over the past week some birds are newly arrived. A flock of Mountain Bluebirds were a pleasant surprise, the brilliant blue in stark contrast with the bland browns of winter fields. They seemed to sneak into the area between storms. We have also had American Robins come back into town.

It seems that the first signs of spring are here, but no real sign of spring in the air. It has also been the start of the birth of some of our most notable locals, calves and kids. We hope they hold up against the snow and the blow.

Winter on the Plains

2010-02-13T11:42:00.006-07:00

It has been a long time since I have posted anything. I am now feeling the need to breathe some life back into the winter through writing about it with hopes that spring will be back sooner. I guess I have as much control over the length of the winter as a ground hog in Pennsylvania who gets prodded into making an early appearance every year, his underground burrow being much preferred I'm sure. At least I can see the changes day to day. I have been working on several posts at the same time. So I will start reporting them as the wonders of a new season fast approach.

Wintertime on the Plains

A time of watching…
watching the storms roll in…
watching the temperature drop…
watching the wind blow the snow around…
watching the hawks, coyotes, and rabbits…
watching…

The cold stiffens everything …
the frozen silhouettes of cattle in the fading light…
the wooden hawks perched on power poles…
the rabbits in utter stillness.
No shelter is quite enough to warm their blood
and set them all in motion.
Only the warm rays after a cold night can free them.

A time of frosty wonder…
window art in its many crystal forms decorate every pane…
plants laced with a shroud of powdery confection.
I hear the snow speak in high-pitched scritches,
compacting underfoot, a frigid complaint.
My breath rises - as a cloud around my face it clings.

The sulking cold seems to linger,
then crawl slowly off to explore somewhere else.
The sun shines.
The snow melts.
Activity resumes.
Cold forgotten.
Hawks fly.
Rabbits run.
Cattle mill about.

Icy fingers no longer stroke cheeks
and send shivers down spines.
Winter’s changing moods keep us all hopeful that tomorrow
there will be sun on our faces and warmth in our hearts.

Wintertime on the plains –
A time of watching…
watching storms move out…
watching the temperature rise…
watching the snow melt…
watching the hawks fly…
watching the coyotes hunt…
watching the rabbits hop, nibble, and explore…
watching…

Coyote Chorus

2009-10-29T19:17:00.003-06:00

I love to lie back and close my eyes
when listening to beautiful music.
The subtle harmonies and
running lines intertwined,
soothe my mind and transport me
with each wafted note.

The sounds of nature feel, smell, and taste
like a distant symphony-
the reeling song of coyotes
circling around some unseen campfire,
joined in tribal pow wow.
Quiet at first, a woman’s throaty cry
rises in joyful expression
followed by men and children
not to be outdone.

One, then another voice adds
counterpoint, harmony, dissonance - each gives
vitality and sincerity to what I hear.
Their fur-covered heads, thrown skyward,
releases a heart full of sound.
Ears like feathers erect in the moonlight.
“Come join me - Gather in my circle,”
as family around a piano.
“Sing this song.” “Do you know… ?”
Sing until every familiar tune is exhausted.
Make your own harmony, descant,
and aria. Sing out of sheer pleasure!

This is the coyote chorus.
Any may listen… or none,
for they sing for themselves.
I lean back, close my eyes, and listen.

Plover Lover – October 2009

Success! Thanks to Community Effort

2009-10-26T20:16:00.007-06:00

Who you goin' to call?

Well, not ghost busters. The Karval community hosted an impressive half-day for Partners for Conservation. Visitors from several states converged on the town. Ranchers, government agency representatives, and local students let the world know where Karval was.

Russell Davis' Ranch hosted these folks throughout the afternoon. Karval High School students presented the RAW (Ranching and Wildlife) youth program for these dignitaries and impressed the crowd with their abilities. Ranching skills were demonstrated by Cole on horse back; Abby and Max showed branding and ear tagging; Mr. Jones led a roping demonstration; pond ecology of the prairie was described by Taylor and David with fish, frogs, and turtles; shelters and nest building took place under the watchful eyes of Joni, Courtney, and Taylor; and a visit to the tree pasture added a bird of a different color. Fish and Wildlife and Division of Wildlife helped to catch critters and provided excellent help in putting it all together. Additional expert presentations from the conference members were given, and much was learned and experienced.

Later in the evening, a wonderful meal was prepared for these conference attendees. Local talent from the high school and community engaged the group with energy as they presented songs of many different genres. Fun and laughter were enjoyed by all, and a patriotic tribute to our unsung heroes in the military capped the evening's numbers. Those who shared were pleased to have been so warmly received.

Local art was taken home by participants, and money was earned for the school with photography auctioned to the eager audience. An event like this was only possible through the effort of the Karval Alliance members and community members who willingly put every part of this wonderful event together. To name one is too few. To name all impossible, for someone would surely be left out.

So a great big thanks for a day well worth the effort. This is why living in Karval is so much fun.

Cranes

2009-10-26T19:48:00.007-06:00

The weeks pass so quickly as fall blends into winter. The wind howls some days. The sun warm on other days. As seen in the last post the ice and storms of winter have come early. They don't last but serve as a reminder that this summer will end. As I watch the changes the serendipitous always occurs. This time it is large flocks of Sandhill Cranes. I wrote this after such a fortunate day.

The Day the Cranes Came

The golden glow of the afternoon sun
fell warm on my skin.
The frost of morning long since gone.
High overhead the ragged “V”
of cranes drifted.
Small groups sailed together
like grey flags connected by a string.
So many scattered across the sky
north, south, east, and west.
Where did they come from?

I watched them spiral ever onward
like the change of season
marked by calendar,frost,and wing.
Now nearer, just overhead-
each long neck stretched out as an arrow,
wings fletched these shafts,
feet nocked and launched.
What message did they carry?

A melancholy cry rose on the air.
Trumpeting their arrival-
one voice followed another chanting some ancient song,
all joined in intricate intervals.
The woven sound, loud,then soft, warbled,
and rang through the air.
"Winter is on the way"
as sure as the song of cranes.

Plover Lover – October 2009

Crystal Wonderland

2009-10-13T19:00:00.019-06:00

Chicken wire never looked so good.

Ice glazed apple tree

Sunflowers on ice

Nine feet of crystal

Barbed wire never felt so cold and cruel

Flowers in an icy blanket

Timothy under glass

Frozen pine tree art

Delicately frosted

A perfect ice flower

Crystal Corn
Frozen where she blows

WOW! What a weekend of beauty. Nature's Ice Sculptures.

I Heard the Corn Talking

2009-10-04T13:48:00.001-06:00

My morning walk to school - so dark -
no moon to cast shadows in the dim predawn.
Only stars lit my path - so dark - little could be seen,
so quiet, no bird song, no hum of insect, no breeze felt on my bare hands, only the crunch of my feet on the dirt road gave life to the eerie expanse.

I rounded the corner-
I heard something unusual-
the corn field talking-
no I swear I heard them rattling on.

As I looked I saw only row upon row of khaki jackets and outstretched sleeves on tall slender frames. I turned away the sound intensified - did I catch motion out of the corner of my eye? I looked away, there. I looked back, it felt like a game of “Red Light, Green Light” with stalks of corn. I didn’t seem to be winning.

I heard dry parched throats hoarse, that crackled, and scratched faint soothing sounds. Calm voices whispered from row to row. They begged me to listen - to join them. The chorus continued as I paused now and then - until at last the sun made its grand appearance.

Then all fell silent - only a brown corn field remained, no games, no songs, and no whispers, only warm light bathed the tawny field and complemented the glowing red dawn spread as a blanket over them.

Every day I hope to catch the corn talking, bright stars shine above. My feet crunch a quiet warning. The corn, in hushed voices, tries to pretend they can fool me. Is it the song of the breeze on leaves or timid voices heard by sensitive ears? Come and listen.

Plover Lover
October 1, 2009

I Sometimes Think of Clouds

2009-09-20T17:01:00.007-06:00

As I drove home from church in Limon, I saw the very kind of clouds that bring me back to times in childhood where I would lie on my back and pretend I saw mythical creatures and even some common barnyard friends. I longed for the past, or at least a present with warm sun on my face, cool grass on my back, and a gentle breeze to carry my thoughts as high as the clouds. A couple of years ago, I wrote this poem after watching the clouds. You may need to use your imagination and float into my magical world.

Clouds

Opalescent ice sculptures stood massive,
a power greater than themselves, concealed,
beautified and intensified by white hot edges.
I entered

I drifted through random figures
each soft frosted surface evolved,
intricate crystallized subtleties,
hanging from the blue tiles

milk flowed like fog spilled on the floor
ever changed,
works of art shattered by a thought,
melted by inattention

I touched hard lines of castles,
soft folds of fleece,
plump cheeks, round noses,
and angular sails,

a tree, a bird, a rabbit, a lion
carved deeply in ice
I floated by them,
undisturbed

the cotton candy scent drew me
nearer the boiling cold collection
amid the shifting menagerie
I saw a litter of kittens
tumble in the indigo paint

shades deepened, gray, mauve, azure, cobalt
the colors of the stormy sea
white capped edges,
foam and spume erupted over each piece

lying on my back warm in the sun
time ceased
one artist after another displayed their wares
towering toward the grassy jade sky

I looked down on them all and smiled
the sky prickled my back
I jumped down, content to know
I can visit again tomorrow

Plover Lover
July 21, 2007

Summer Photos

2009-09-12T16:34:00.041-06:00

Color Me Blue
Coneflowers

Sometimes You Just Have To Stand Alone
Cactus Blossom - Wow
Butter, Eggs,or Summer Sun - I love the color

I would like to share some of the summer's favorite photos. Many are the wonders of this particularly wet summer. The green held throughout and brought on billions of bugs and bushels of blooms. Some might call them weeds, but they are nevertheless beautiful. Yes, they make me sneeze, too. Hope you enjoy some of my summer fun. By the way, did you see the clouds today? Well, that is a tale for later in the week.

Burrowing Owl

Rough-Legged Hawk
Lizard
Mail Run Before the Storm
Artistic Welding at the Bucklen Ranch
Silhouettes Against the Storm
Bull Snake, Blow Snake, Gopher Snake
Lord of the Pasture

A Thrasher by any other name would still be Brown.

Fox News

2009-09-05T13:46:00.017-06:00

In order to prepare for a youth trek this summer, my wife and I took time each morning to walk and get in shape. We went south of our place and followed the dirt road for 3-5 miles. It was wonderful to see the birds and flowers emerge along the side of the road.

We took our baby along in the stroller and really enjoyed the time to talk and see what we could see. Some days, we saw the local birds in their favorite hang-outs. Sometimes, the horses would come across the field to greet us. On one special occasion, we saw a swift fox.

No, when we got closer it was more than one. We had lucked into a whole family. They were out there sunning themselves. We sat and watched them for a time - so much for getting in shape. I finally climbed over the fence and slowly approached.

Every few steps, I stopped and took a couple of pictures. The foxes didn’t seem to mind me, so they let me approach. The adults disappeared into the burrow, but the kits stayed to eye me curiously - until I got about 30 feet away. I was so caught up in this that I failed to get the really great shots. It was more fun to watch them crouched low, or sprawled out, or occasionally leap into the air after a grasshopper. Their huge golden eyes were captivating to watch. Being the smallest of the fox family, they appeared more cat-like than anything. They have no flowing red coat, but are still amazing creatures to interact with.

We saw them grow up over the next few weeks and then finally came the day when none of them were seen at the den. We missed seeing them on our walks. Maybe next year.

I wrote this posting in July and forgot to get it published on line. It was such an unusual experience to get so close and see the innocence of youth. No fear existed and the behavior seen was so personal. Our families met and shared a brief moment.

Who Stretched Forth the Heavens?

2009-08-31T20:21:00.008-06:00

How black was the night. I had looked forward to the evening planned and anticipated learning about the stars. Experts came with telescopes and enthusiasm. We had a wonderful time with the visit of members of the Astronomical Society of Colorado. They came to the Karval area for fun and some of the darkest nights anywhere. They shared with the community more than we could have dreamed.

Our eyes finally adjusted to the nighttime sky; we began our individual tours, with a sky so big we didn’t have to share our own personal view. The Milky Way stretched out before us, more like a cloud obscuring our view of stars than billions of stars blurred together.

Lines of interested people waited for a chance to see a close up view of Jupiter, or a nebula, or even Neptune. Just as amazing were the constellations pointed out by knowledgeable guides with powerful laser pointers. There are no lines in the sky to help you see Sagittarius as a teapot; or Scorpius a twin-tailed scorpion; the Big Dipper directing us to Polaris in the Little Dipper; Cassiopeia the queen, a distorted W; Draco the Dragon snaking along; Cepheus the king, a tilted house. Who can follow the Dipper’s handle and arch over to Arcturus in the constellation Bootes and spike downward to Spica in Virgo? We all got the chance to try our hands at identifying constellations.

Millennia of stars, stories, and celestial events spread before us. The longer we looked, the more stars seemed to appear. We saw several satellites slowly trace a line across the sky. No evening could be complete without a few falling stars, flaming bits of interplanetary dust flashing brilliantly toward earth. Chatter with friends made the time spent even more spectacular.

Distant Thunder

2009-08-31T20:20:00.005-06:00

We have had quite a summer of rains. Out here on the prairie when it rains, it pours, and usually it doesn’t rain. Over the past few weeks the weather radio sounded the alarm - Severe weather warning in Southern Lincoln County - Thunder storm alert with possible tornado sightings. The bands of storms tore through the area and carried with them some impressive hail. Damage by the large hail stones marked the storms’ paths. On one such evening, we watched the storms, with nearly constant lightning, passed to the south. At the same time, another storm crashed through to the north. We wondered, “Will we have a garden in the morning?” To our delight we were spared damage all summer. Corn fields destroyed to the north are evidence of the fury.

An artist’s brush could never have captured the lightning displayed so many times this summer. The variety of colors reflected in the clouds…the intensity of light blinded us for a time..the lightning bolts like claws tearing the fabric of the sky…the distant rumble of thunder almost soothing, followed by the thunder so close it shook the earth like a passing freight train. Power this great reminded me that I am not in control. There was fear in the storm, but also beauty, wonder, and awe.

Five Mile Falcons

2009-08-31T20:19:00.001-06:00

It has been a rare treat to see a pair of Peregrine Falcons on county road S. Over the past two weeks, one then the other has positioned itself on the power pole five miles west of Karval. I never expected to see one - let alone two. I first saw the female with her dark head and brownish back. I thought it was a Prairie Falcon, more common in the area. I stopped to see her as she looked around and slowly lifted her wings in flight.

Then last week, I saw on the same pole what I thought was the same bird. When I got the car near and stopped, I could tell it was a male Peregrine Falcon - the black medieval mask dark against the white of the breast. I watched for several minutes before he took flight over the fields. The long, pointed wings - powerful like a jet fighter. I made a return to take a photo yesterday, and as would be expected, they were not there. However, I can still see them imprinted in my mind. Another amazing bird has been added to my Karval list.

Back to School Marks the Gathering of Birds

2009-08-31T18:29:00.005-06:00

Well, everyone it has been too long since I have posted anything. It has been an event-filled summer. I must say I spent a lot of time recapturing my garden from the weeds. I left on several short trips and no one told the weeds to wait for me to get back.

We are now back in school- and busy is the operative word. So now the weeds are trying to gain ground again. We love the fresh produce and have enjoyed the corn finally ready to be slathered with butter and devoured. The beans and beets are now taking a back seat.

Every time we enter the garden the birds leave in small flocks. As the evenings cool and the days shorten, the birds begin to gather for the migration south. Congregating Lark Buntings are crowding the fence wires. Many large groups of Robins are in the neighborhood trees. In some of the rain-filled lowlands, small groups of shore birds are arriving. Some of the early immature birds getting a head start. Families of Swainson’s Hawks have taken rows of power poles. Burrowing Owls are still overseeing their favorite haunts.

All of the rains have greened up the prairie and have given Prairie Dogs a new place to establish homes. Fields of ripening corn and sunflowers are thick with birds hiding out. The ever changing farmlands are still drawing my attention. A photo in the morning light can’t capture the mood of sunrise on a field of sunflowers or the sun creeping up greeting a new day.

Of Weeds and Things

2009-07-10T19:58:00.005-06:00

A garden seems like a simple thing - turn the soil, plant the seed, let the sun shine, and wait. Then the sun shines and warms the earth. The early risers spring into action, but where are the corn and beans? A healthy crop of weeds tangle each row. Pull the thistle, kochia, grass and armfulls of unknown citizens. Finally, in the clean spaces, the corn and beans lift their heads. Squash, carrots, beets, and chard stretch upward and touch the sun.

Now the competition has begun. In each row, like painted lanes for a race, they jump into action. Weeds take the early lead in one row, while vegetables inch forward in another. So the summer proceeds. The hares-pace weeds always outdistance the tortoise stride of the produce. So I sit and watch the race...and weed. The removal of some doesn't seem to change the race much. There always comes a replacement hopping into action. The crops now strong and tall, dwarf the speedy weeds, putting every ounce of energy into growth. It just takes time, patience, and faith that the race will go to those who wait and weed.

Watering the Garden

The cool, clean stream of water
began its course down the row.
In the early morning light
the sun painted it silver-gold.
Like molten metal it flowed.

The thirsty soil clutched
and pulled at it.
So slowly the ribbon unrolled;
edges tripped and crawled
forward over piled grains.

The gentle curl of glass
wound around clumps of rock-hard clay
and lifted a leaf and carried an ant
on its back.

The saturated earth, now black,
pushed the stream on -
reaching, stretching, soaking
it inched.

Finally, at row's end,
the burnished trail shone brightly
from splashing entry to placid pool.
Its march now complete.

Plover Lover
July 10, 2009

Getting to Know You

2009-06-15T16:00:00.010-06:00

Have you ever had one of those extra special personal interactions with wildlife that you never dreamed could happen? Well I have, and they keep me out looking, waiting for the next time that nature reaches out a feathered wing, a leafy branch, or a furry tail. The more time I spend outdoors, the more I love the small and simple things - so common and yet not.

As I went out this morning for a walk with my wife and new 7 month old daughter, I found the lighting perfect to capture some great images. I have been taking plant photos for another project that I am working on. There are so many new plants (weeds) that I don't know, having never lived on the plains, that I want to identify, so I take close-up pictures of plants to research later. I compose my shots carefully to show the common in unusual ways, so now I have quite a collection of Beautiful weeds. What a calendar it will make some day.

Well, that is not really the story that I wanted to tell. When climbing fences and taking my time to find something to add to my plant collection, I found myself face-to-face with one of my very vocal neighbors (Cassin's Sparrow). So why not photograph him too? He must have known he was my subject for a special photo shoot today. At close range, he permitted some great poses. Although not brightly colored, nor unusual in appearance, his flight and song make him a real treat to see so closely. I always consider this a gift and always appreciate it. After taking many pictures and having front row seats to his flight display, I wanted to get a picture. I am finding it almost impossible to do with my digital camera. The shutter and autofocus seem never to be in sync. I sometimes get a blur of wings or a blank shot of the sky. Maybe that is why I take pictures of plants. They don't seem to leap out of way.

There he sat on the barbed-wire and begged me to come closer. I failed miserably in getting a flight photo, but was then given a much better gift. As I leaned up against a power pole to steady myself and get a little cover, he popped up from the brush onto the fence wire about 15 feet away. As I was directly in line with the fence, my camera focused on the post in front of him. So I leaned out for a better view, and the bird seemed to feel my desire for a better shot. He started to hop and walk, foot-over-foot, down the wire toward me. I just stood there gawking and never even thought about getting it on film.

Before I knew it, he was only 6 feet away behind the fence post. Then, as if to play peek-a-boo, he leaned out and looked around the post at me and then leaned back. He did this several times before jumping into the air and landing on the wire agian. I could nearly reach out and touch him. He displayed several times as I tried to take some arial photos. It seems such a small thing, but the interaction was so real. I am better for having experienced it and to have taken the time to slow down and see and hear.

Is this sparrow only common like a weed, or is a weed a flower fit for framing? I only know that I will continue to collect beautiful things: weeds, flowers, sparrows, rocks, and images. My world is like a buffet with so many things to taste. I love to take some of everything, for I may find my new favorite, but will always come back to the common everyday things so familiar to me.

My Personal Air Show

2009-06-05T19:27:00.022-06:00

I have spent more time in the yard this past couple of weeks since school let out. The garden is doing well and so are the weeds. We had some good heavy rain that saved me watering the yard, however it just about washed my garden out. I have hoped the plants know how to push through the mud that covers them. It has taken a few extra days but now they seem to be growing fine in sunny weather.

While in the yard a new song captured my attention. I finally got a look at the bird singing it. It is a sparrow that I was not familiar with. It has a long tail and nearly constant song. I had to take some time to identify it- so I took my camera out and did my best to get a picture of it. Its song identified it to be a Cassin's Sparrow. It is one of my new favorite birds. I love birds that sing with heart and soul. A song filled with joy and energy, not for any particular purpose, but just for fun. Their favorite stage is on top of a yucca, or a conveinent wire. I have only seen Cassin's Sparrows one other time, but now they are my constant companions singing, making my time in the yard more pleasant. Their early morning songs accompany my dreams, punctuate my work, and sing me to sleep at night.

They have no striking colors or patterns but have captured my admiration for two reasons. The first is their song which varies little and yet is a tune that gets stuck in your head. The second is their amazing flight display. I have to say it reminds me of a jet fighter landing on an aircraft Carrier. They launch themselves straight into the air and then with head reaching to the sky, feet stretched forward to the ground, tail cocked back as if a parachute land ever so gracefully in the weeds. They repeat this many times throughout the day. I appreciate the break from my yard work, which will assuredly be there after a bird break, and listen and watch.

One of the commonest visitors to the yard is the Horned Lark. They are not particularly concerned with my presence. They will land in the garden with me and sing their chime-like song, or find some fast food to nibble on.

Over the last few months I have learned to love the great maneuverability in flight they have. They are constantly on the road and seldom have a problem waiting till the last moment and darting off just in the nick of time. When with a partner they seem to delight in complicated synchronized flying- as if performing in a military air show. They carve their way across the fields. Flying low they veer suddenly upward and just as suddenly weave an intricate pattern with wing man tucked neatly in position, never missing a beat. Bursts of speed are followed by separation of the team, only to again resume the show. Was this show meant just for me, or simply a time to feel the wind beneath powerful wings and try something new, just because they can?

The Smell of Rain

2009-05-28T13:36:00.010-06:00

As I walked home from school one day. I was followed by a darkening sky and strengthening breeze-an approaching storm. The thick, black, velvet curtain was suddenly drawn across the sky behind me. "Can I make it home?" I made it only half way before I was caught in the rain. I love the rain and took a mental image-amazed by its many faces. Sometimes you can feel the rain coming and sometimes you can smell it. This is one of those times when the native smell of dessicated air is gradually replaced just before the storm. As I mulled over how to describe this image. These words gave life to what I saw and smelled.

The Smell of Rain

This land where water is scarce and the
pungent odor of dust rises up your nostrils
like the smell of empty grain sacks.
Stiff dry plants crackled under foot -
the browns of life wanting - filled the vast expanse.

Always a hint of grit in your teeth,
ever-drifting sands prowl looking for respite,
anchored only when slowed by some tenacious plant
somehow clinging to this land like a weathered homestead.

The hope of rain is eternal -
clouds carried by need and fervent prayer often build
and sail on without a single tear.
In this land rain is more precious than gold,
distant clouds black with rain drifted in with the promise of life.

Before she arrived, a cool assurance piqued my interest
as I stood and faced the wind and willed it forward.
The breeze delivered the welcome message -
the smell of rain approached - slow on turtle's feet.
This sun-baked land now drank deeply and grasped at her passing skirt.
As I walked, I now could smell the wet earth
alive with energy released by soaking rain.

The smell of life, of wet rain-filled soil
are better medicine than rest.
Each passing storm with hope and longing, taunts my memory,
and conjures up the image of the prairie alive with oceans of green,
sprinkled with constellations of blazing color.

The smell of rain proves this is no mirage -
but an awakening of the senses, and the earth.
Growth and hope are as secure in this land
as the unyielding plants that breathed deeply of the smell of rain.

Plover Lover
May 7, 2009

Another School Year Is Over

2009-05-28T13:19:00.005-06:00

So busy, that is all that can be said as any school year comes to a close. Final everything, final concert, final trips, final games, meets, tests, and graduation. All were a success in their own way.

My first year in Karval was a success and a great welcoming. I welcomed spring and warm weather. I welcomed planting the garden to the song of birds. I look forward to time to do yard work, study, plan, make curriculum, write poetry, read, bird watch, sing, hike, and play. It is finally here and first on the list- rest and get the garden in. Now that I have time, the home list continues to grow faster than the garden weeds. I am excited to have the summer to get things done one task at a time. It is wonderful to be a teacher and have time to get ready for the next year and reflect on the past.

Mountain Plover- Dreams

2009-05-11T16:04:00.005-06:00

As the season transforms itself from spring, the call of the Mountain Plover is heard less often. The now familiar sound still brings me to attention. I hope to see the flight display again. It is hard to put into words the feelings one gets seeing something unusual and rare. It is like finding a buried treasure or climbing a mountain peak. The scene just can't be described, only experienced. The Falling Leaf Display, as it is called, is performed over the nesting grounds. The male flies into the air, plummets with wings held in a tight "V", and drifts back to earth. This repeated dance is accompanied by the call that echoes across the prairie as to say, "Whee, here I come... look at meee!" Oh, the things we will do to impress our lady friends. In a time of anticipation, I penned these words, hoping the real event would be as vivid as my imagination. They remind me of finding my own treasure and the crystal clear view standing on the mountain peak.

The Mountain Plover

From falling leaf to falling leaf
how strange it was…
I saw the plover flying near
up, up - on powerful wings they flew

So high its ascent,
almost beyond sight
then in an instant tumbled
down, down - as a wind-blown leaf might do

Then up again to higher points
it all began again
feathers ruffled, he plummeted
Swiftly, swiftly he blew

And many a hidden secret told
by the pattern of wing and tilt
what purple, what gems displayed for her
below, below - he knew

October 2008
Plover Lover

SBJ'S- Small Brown Jobs! Who Am I?

2009-05-11T15:17:00.016-06:00

As I sat in my car on the far side of Karval lake a small visitor came and posed for me. I took several pictures and found him a challenge to Identify. Much smaller than the White-Crowned Sparrows that were in the Salt-Cedars with him. He had distinct markings on his face, and back. The streaked crown and color on the back ruled out Chipping Sparrow for me. The noticeable facial pattern made me question Brewer's Sparrow. They seem to have a less distinctively marked faces. Could this be a Clay-Colored Sparrow? Experts out there get out your field guides and give our SBJ a name. By the way his song was a low buzz of two to four syllables, much lower pitched than Chipping Sparrows.

Chip Clouse-American Birding Association

2009-05-11T15:14:00.002-06:00

CO birders,
Apologies for the late post.
The 3rd annual Mountain Plover Festival took place in Karval, Lincoln County, CO this past weekend. Beginning with dinner and an evening bird tour on Friday and ending with breakfast, another tour and then lunch on Sunday, the festival was a big hit. The folks of Karval really rolled out the red carpet for their out-of-town visitors. Saturday featured three meals, two bird tours, and fabulous entertainment on Saturday night. There were vendors selling their wares, a photography contest with wonderful prizes, and a silent auction that left me with a much lighter wallet! The weather was a bit nippy in the mornings but the wildlife was well worth it. Bird guides included Seth Gallagher from RMBO, Katy Fitzgerald from USFWS, Ken Morgan and John Koshak from CDOW, and yours truly. Local guides included Dan Merewether, Carl Stogsdill, Russell Davis, Jeff Thornton, Mark Carling and Steve Bailey. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out! Check out the Karval Community Alliance website at http://karval.org/home and science teacher Mark Carling’s Karval Birding Blog, at http://birdingkarval.blogspot.com. Both sites feature some photos from the fantastic weekend. The Fri & Sat bird list is on Mark’s blog and the complete list including Sunday is posted below.

Wood Duck – Sun only (female only)
Gadwall – Sun
Mallard
Blue-winged Teal – Sun
Northern Shoveler – Sun
Hooded Merganser - Sun
Ruddy Duck
Eared Grebe - Sun
Western Grebe – some displaying was observed
Double-crested Cormorant – Sun
White-faced Ibis
Northern Harrier – check out Mark’s post on the displaying male on Saturday
Swainson's Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk – Sun
Golden Eagle - Sun
American Kestrel
American Coot
Sandhill Crane – Sun (a one-legged bird with an obvious stump. It was hopping, feeding, and flying OK though)
Killdeer – broken wing display and nest found at Karval Lake
Mountain Plover – nice displays from one bird in particular on Sat morning
Spotted Sandpiper
Dowitcher spp. – Sun (too far for definite ID to species)
Wilson’s Phalarope – Sun
Black Tern – Sun (probable but not confirmed - 2 seen only by me as they were flying away)
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Great-Horned Owl
Burrowing Owl
Long-eared Owl – Sun (very cooperative and the second best bird of the festival)
Northern Flicker
Say's Phoebe
Cassin’s Kingbird - Sun
Western Kingbird
Loggerhead Shrike
American Crow - Sun
Horned Lark
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Rock Wren
House Wren
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler-both Myrtle & Audubon
Summer Tanager – Sun (nice male and probably the best festival bird, except for Mtn Plovers, of course)
Green-tailed Towhee
Spotted Towhee
Cassin’s Sparrow - Sun
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-Headed Cowbird
House Finch
House Sparrow

67 species – I made a stop back at Karval Lake after lunch on Sunday and added Great Egret, then down at Jeff Thornton’s family property, where I saw a male Lark Bunting and a Black-crowned Night Heron. My goal was 70 and I hit the nail on the head.

Tell your friends about this great little festival and come check it out next April. You won’t be sorry!

Chip Clouse
Outreach Coordinator
Birders’ Exchange Coordinator

American Birding Association
4945 N 30th Street, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, CO 80919-3151

Somebody's Knocking

2009-05-08T05:38:00.006-06:00

This is one of the strangest things that I have seen. Our resident Northern Mockingbird seems to want in to the kitchen. Over and over again he attacks the window. So my wife captured it on film. I think he is seeing a reflection of a rival and wants to maintain his territory. At any rate he is making a mess of the window. Birds do the strangest things.

A Week of Photo Friendly Birds

2009-05-06T07:23:00.043-06:00

Here are some of the week's photos. I have to say the birds were very cooperative. I have so much to write and so little time with the end of school events and yard work. I must admit I am getting little yard work done.

Northern Mockingbird attacking the kitchen window.

Cassin's Kingbird showing his colors in the early morning light.

Lark Sparrow in the yard.

Robin's nest with a new family underway.

Pine Siskin watching a very strange birder.

Orange-Crowned Warbler at Karval lake with several of his friends.

Lark Bunting finally stopped long enough for a photo op.

Flying Burrowing Owl

Wait! Just a minute for the shutter to close. Too, Late.

Burrowing Owl waiting for me to take the photo.

Lark Bunting Chorus lined up for the group photos.

Cassin's Kingbird was waiting for me to see that he was not the Western Kingbird that I thought I was seeing.

Sage Thrasher at Karval Lake kept me chasing him down the fence line before I snapped this.

Double-Crested Cormorant on Karval Lake.

Common Grackle with nesting material in down- town Karval. What a noise they can make.

Chipping Sparrow in trees near abandoned home.

Students Say it Best

2009-04-30T19:32:00.005-06:00

I wanted to share the excitement of birding and nature with my elementary class. They were asked to make observations of birds for a few weeks. They would have to document the description of the bird - even if they didn't know what it was, write where they saw it and what it was doing. After several days I asked them to write a reflection about their experiences. They came to me excitedly and reported often about their discoveries. I was thrilled to share the joys they experienced. I hope you enjoy the words of my students.

They shared their discoveries about bird behaviors and their amazing lives. Who would have thought a young girl would see with her heart, observe the fierce drama of a falcon capturing a dove, or experience the intense feelings of seeing a hawk fallout as the birds were captured between severe spring storms. I wish I were as lucky as they in seeing these wonderful events that only nature can provide. I hope they may continue to see with their hearts and look at the small and simple things that can enrich their lives. The following are the words of my students.

"I own a cockatiel. Cockatiels natural habitat is the outback areas of inland Australia. You can purchase cockatiels in a pet store. They range in price from $20 to $100. Cockatiels are grey bodies, white winged, yellow headed with orange cheeks. The bird was singing the lovely song, pretty girl and he sings to us and he is a funny bird to have. He can whistle thank you when you give him food." ~ Peyton

"One morning I was talking to my grandma on the phone. Then I saw a little plump bird that was brown. It was a House Sparrow. Then I saw a Grackle chasing another bird. He was black with greenish shiny feathers. I was so excited when I saw a Robin jumping on the tramp." ~ Liz

"One day I was eating breakfast when I asked my dad if I can go to work with him. He said 'sure', I went with him to his bosses’ ranch. He was talking to his boss when I got bored and started seeking through the old tall trees. All of a sudden I saw a gray turtle dove sway out of a tree gleaming in the sun. Then I saw a big falcon come out of the same tree, swoop down in midair and caught the gray dove for lunch." ~ Marissa

"One day I was walking around at the lovely brick Karval School. I saw a beautiful black-spotted, yellow beaked Starling, Sitting on these two tall, shiny, blue lights that we walk through. It was calling another bird over and I loved the sound of it. Every time it made a sound it would move its head. It was a little bit shiny on its little wings. I think this Starling was very interesting to watch it had different ways to move and talk." ~ Kaylee

"One day in Don and Janet's back yard I spotted a red, black, brown, and gray male House Finch. Also, I saw a dark and light brown female House Finch. They were eating away. They were also making a huge mess, cracking the sunflower seeds open and throwing them all over on the sidewalk. They were very picky eaters. The male was on the right side and the female on the left. They were bobbing their heads left and right as they were chomping on delicious seeds. As they chomped away a big black bird with greenish, shiny tint on its head came up and just scared it off. He flapped his wings in their faces and they fluttered off." ~ Janna

"One day I went to my grandmas’ house and flying around their house were big beautiful hawks. The hawks were coming by the dozens. I couldn’t believe it. They were very obnoxious. They hovered over the house for over an hour. We couldn’t find out why the silly hawks were there. They glided around and around forever. From a distance they looked like a tornado! It was scary but fun at the same time. It was awesome!" ~ Taryn

"One day I saw two beautiful gray, black, and red Robins. One was plump and rounded and small. The other was small, skinny and rounded. Their skin was shiny. It was a cold rainy day after the rain stopped. It was a beautiful day. The Robins were calling to each other. The male was showing off and the female strutted over to the male. She sounded like she was singing-'Row, Row, Row Your Boat.' It was a beautiful tone. They dashed off to the West." ~ Maggie

"Last Friday about 50 hawks were hovering over my house. When they were chattering it was obnoxious. They would perch in the tree and call each other. They stayed there for about five minutes. All the hawks were brown with a hint of white. It was very interesting. After they were done at my house they went and visited my neighbors. They were all perched in their trees. You could barely see their tree. It was amazing." ~ Jaci

"Once I was in La Junta when I looked out the window and saw a beautiful Long-Billed Curlew. It was a big bird about three feet tall. It was black and a beautiful brown. We stopped for about 25 minutes and had all the big cars’ windows rolled down. The noise was very, very obnoxious. It was a big long billed bird. It was close to White Woman Creek. It didn’t move a muscle so we thought it was dead and then it moved its big old head. That is when I saw it truly in my heart." ~ Mackenzie

Nearly 70 Species?-Karval Mountain Plover Festival

2009-04-27T09:50:00.006-06:00

This is my incomplete list of birds seen of Friday and Saturday of the Plover Festival. I know many additional birds were seen on Sunday. I will change this post when I get the updated lists tomorrow at the Karval Community Alliance meeting. It was quite a good representation for the area. The wind and cooler temperatures tolerable because the birds came out into view.

Mallard
Ruddy Duck
Western Grebe
White-Faced Ibis
Northern Harrier
Swainson's Hawk
Red-Tailed Hawk
American Kestrel
American Coot
Killdeer
Mountain Plover
Spotted Sandpiper
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared Dove
Mourning Dove
Great-Horned Owl
Burrowing Owl
Northern Flicker
Say's Phoebe
Western Kingbird
Loggerhead Shrike
Horned Lark
Cliff Swallow
Barn Swallow
Rock Wren
House Wren
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
Northern Mockingbird
European Starling
Yellow-Rumped Warbler-Myrtle's,and Audubon's races
Green-Tailed Towhee
Spotted Towhee
Chipping Sparrow
Vesper Sparrow
Lark Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-Crowned Sparrow
Dark-Eyed Junco
Red-Winged Blackbird
Western Meadowlark
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Common Grackle
Brown-Headed Cowbird
House Finch
House Sparrow

A Bit of Old Fashioned Community News

2009-04-27T09:05:00.021-06:00

This year's Plover Festival was marked by great fun, great food, wonderful guests, and cooperative birds. The weather was not the 80 degrees that we had all week, but good enough to see birds and enjoy our time.

Our first evening we took a trip to find Mountain Plovers and Burrowing Owls. We were not disappointed in our search. We found our target on the first tour. This was a new life bird for one of our guests. What a thrill this is. We also spent some time trying to find the Swift Fox that is usually hard to find.

We had a sandwiches and a treat of homemade ice cream provided by the Willing Workers while we talked and exchanged stories. Our first star gazing event was not to be. The overcast skies would not disperse and only a handful of stars were seen before bedtime. This was a disappointment after starry nights for several days.

A very early start came for the Karval Alliance members. By 5:00 am we were cooking breakfast for all - a hearty meal before venturing out into the cold morning air. This time we found more Plovers, and the Swift Fox. We wound our way through country roads calling out, "Stop!" Our attentive bus driver was up to the challenge.

We spent the morning at the Weinegar-Davis Ranch. Russell Davis, a gracious host, took us through his productive cow-calf operation. The cattle were certain our bus was a large load of feed and we had quite a following. At one point, it seemed they were all lined up for the port-a-potty. The cool morning slowed the activity of the birds for awhile, but as the chill left, the birds came out. A very knowledgeable crowd was pleasantly instructed in the ecology of the short grass prairie - a meaningful discussion about how to balance ranching and wildlife.

We returned for lunch provided by the Friendship Circle. We then went to Hugo State Wildlife Area and Kinny Lake area to see if we could add to our list of birds. Many Burrowing Owls were seen and a few more Mountain Plovers as well. We encountered new species at the lake and could see side by side views of the Myrtle's and Audubon's Warblers. Western Grebe, American Coot, Spotted Sandpiper, Song and White-Crowned Sparrows, and Northern Harriers were seen.

We had a chuck wagon supper from the Sophomore class. Roast Beef and baked potatoes restored energy in this staging area for birders and community members. The first photo contest winners were announced. Much of the beauty of the area was captured and displayed. Entertainment followed as local students performed along with teachers. Fun, food, and festivities concluded the day with energy and a sense of accomplishment.

Sunday morning brought many of the same crowd out for one last chance to add to the weekend's sightings. Breakfast was again a hearty one put on by the Karval Lions Club. No one should have left hungry after another excellent meal. Time was then spent on a bus crawling through fields - a visit to Karval Lake and the old Peyton Ranch with mixed grass habitat with Dan Merewether leading the way. The weather improved as the day wore on. Lunch was served by the Karval FFA. Bellies full and sun in the sky made for sleepy, happy birders returning home after a great weekend in the short grass prairie surrounding Karval. A great Big thanks goes out to all the community groups and experts who made this another successful Plover Festival.

Harrier Maneuvers

2009-04-27T08:38:00.010-06:00

We walked from the parking area to the end of Kinny Lake. We saw Yellow-Rumped Warblers, White-Crowned Sparrows, a Western Grebe, and American Coots. We watched a male Northern Harrier fly close to a cattail area with some small morsel in its talons. It was very intent on showing the gift to a potential mate. He continued to pass over the area. We never saw her, but he was trying to get her attention for several minutes. He finally flew over the rise and out of sight.

As I turned to scan to my left. Wow! did you see that? I turned to see one of the most spectacular things I have ever seen. (He must have heard birders were coming). A male Northern Harrier was putting on a show. The beautiful black wingtips and gray body so vivid against the sky. He was a striking athletic specimen. He would rise high in the air flying nearly vertically and then do a half turn and go over backwards- I would say a somersault. He repeated this over and over. Up, up, up, then a rapid half twist and fall, fall fall, upside down and swoop close to the earth. It was so graceful and controlled. I just stood there watching. I had my camera and never even thought of catching this on film. No video clip could have captured the moment, nor the feeling of awe. We saw this unusual display many times as he laced the sky. Every few minutes he worked his way across the horizon. For 30 minutes this image was burned into my memory. I can still picture it in my mind and it sends chills up my spine. A small thing perhaps, but not to me, for I may never see this scene again.

Birding Humor

2009-04-27T08:13:00.005-06:00

How can you find so much fun in a yellow school bus? Out to look for birds we bundle up for the morning chill. The windows begin to fog and viewing becomes a challenge. Off goes the heater and the bus clears but not the mind. Early morning humor is light-hearted banter and sometimes unintentional.

Quotable quotes include descriptions of where the Burrowing Owl is standing in the field. "It's near the prairie dog mound."..."Which prairie dog mound?"
"That's a prickly pear."
"It's on the sandy patch to the left, but it's behind stuff. You can't see it now."
"Now, he's at about 11:30 from that cow pie."... "There are only about 300 cow pies!"
"It's on that light mound out there, in front of the lone brown horse."..."Which horse?"..."Look for the owl and you'll know which horse."
"To the left of the windmill, in front of that pine tree. Way out there."..."I can't see it in the binoculars."..."Oh, there it is, it just flew off."

Later in the day at the lake it is time for snacks in the bus. "Do you have any chocolate?"..."I'll take a granola bar, cause there aren't any donuts."

"Look at that! What is that?"..."It's a bush."..."No, there was a bird there before."

"I'll give you a dollar to eat this." (It was a dead bullfrog tadpole.)
"I'll give you a dollar to move the bus out into the field." (Bus driver was at the restroom.)

A fun day for birds and a lot of one dollar bets. Many puns and much laughter for all. A great bunch of folks to spend a day with. Quick wits, vivid descriptions, vague directions, patient bus drivers, and fabulous birds.

Last Minute Updates

2009-04-24T15:37:00.017-06:00

This morning was a great day to walk. I took extra time to get to school. Every few feet something new would come out and beg me to identify it. I can't say that I knew all of them at first. I had time to photograph some of them and could tell by the picture what they were. I saw my first Turkey Vultures in the area. They were very photogenic. The first Myrtle's Warblers of the season were in the trees near the school. I got to see a mixed flock of Chipping Sparrows and a few Brewer's Sparrows. It was fun to add a few more species to the possible list for the Plover Festival that starts today. All totaled I have seen just in town and my walk 27 species today. I will see what I can add after the tours tonight. Hope to see you there.

Now for a birding quiz. What is the bird in this photo? I will look forward to your knowledgeable answers.

Birds Active-Weather Beautiful

2009-04-23T19:10:00.015-06:00

This mornings' walk yielded a few new birds to the spring arrival list. Chipping Sparrows were seen in many trees and fence rows. The electronic sounds of this years first Northern Mockingbird were heard long before I saw it. I stood and watched for several minutes. It was fun to hear all of the songs imitated. I expect to hear many more in the coming weeks. One lonely Lark Sparrow was also seen in the trees adjacent to an abandoned house. On the way home I saw the angular wings and flight pattern of a Mountain Plover pass in front of me. I had my camera and took a few photos. They are quite distant, but still good for my first permanent record of them. In the fields near my home I heard a first Savannah Sparrow as well. The plover festival is nearly upon us. I am excited for the school week to end a to get into the field. I hope to see some of you here in Karval.

Mountain Plover Flying High

2009-04-22T08:39:00.009-06:00

I spent the evening working in the garden and found it a relaxing pastime. Especially when off in the distance the Mountain Plover kept me entertained with an arial show. The loud raucous call always preceded the flight high into the air. Silhouetted against the setting sun the plover climbed. Checking the wind it careened toward the ground. It appeared to be more of a falcon's stoop than a plover winging across the sky. Over and over it repeated this scene. If birds can experience the joy of flight, then this certainly was joy. I marked my progress in the garden by the call that came about every five minutes. First I saw it display to the West, then it continued to the South, for almost two hours I enjoyed this spectacle. I have heard of the Plover's flight display during mating season. They call it the "falling leaf "display. I'm not certain that I saw this, but will continue to watch in anticipation. As the sun set the bird called less, and ceased to display. The intermittent show was something to remember always.

Untouched Earth After Heavy Rain

2009-04-21T20:00:00.011-06:00

After heavy rain the dirt roads become soft and rutted. Then the work begins for the county road crews. After a thorough grading the smooth road is invited my footprints. I love to be the first to step on the fresh, clean surface. I noticed that I am not the only one to step in the soft wet smoothness. I followed the tracks of a coyote for nearly a mile. I passed many tracks of cottontail rabbits hopping along. I got to see the tail imprints and long hind legs of kangaroo rats. Cats crossed in several places and birds delicate imprints followed them. Later, there were dozens of antelope tracks moving from prairie to field. A quarter mile down- I saw hoof prints of them returning to the prairie. One can never take for granted the smooth road after the storm. It is a highway to more than vehicles. You never know who had come before.

April's Birding

2009-04-21T19:35:00.011-06:00

As some of you are planning to come to the Plover Festival. I thought I would compile a list of what species I have seen so far this month. It has been filled with blizzard conditions, rain, heavy winds, and finally some sunny weather. So here is the list seen in my walks and time at Karval Lake. I have not traveled extensively in my birding and have heard others report species I have not seen yet. I hope that we see them all and more at the festival. It sounds like a great time. I am a new comer to the area and am excited to get my feet wet-so to speak. The birds are listed in the order seen. The last on the list were from this week. (47)

Rough-legged Hawk
Prairie Falcon
Canada Goose
Redhead Duck
American Wigeon
Bufflehead
Canvasback
Double-crested Cormorant
Horned Lark
Mountain Bluebird
Western Meadowlark
Great Horned Owl
Killdeer
Eurasian Collared Dove
Mourning Dove
American Robin
Common Grackle- first of the season
House Finch
European Starling
House Sparrow
Sharp-shinned Hawk
American Crow-first of the season
Red-winged Blackbird
Say's Phoebe
Northern Flicker-first of the season
Rock Dove
American Kestrel
Mountain Plover-first seen, others heard but not identified until now by call.
Burrowing Owl-first of the season, heard male calling in predawn
Vesper Sparrow-first of the season
Brewer's Blackbird
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Golden Eagle
American Avocet
Northern Shoveler
Northern Pintail
Mallard
Ruddy Duck
American Coot
Green-winged Teal
Northern Harrier
Loggerhead Shrike
Rock Wren
White Crowned Sparrow
Swainson's Hawk-first of the season
Red-tailed Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk

Hometown Hospitatiy

2009-04-15T21:26:00.003-06:00

Today was a wonderful day of birding. I was able to identify 29 species of birds, because I was able to take a private tour after school of a friends' ranch . Visiting ponds and range land we saw the regulars- Horned Larks, Western Meadowlarks, and Mourning Doves. But to our surprise we saw a large bird land. We stopped the truck and soon we saw a Golden Eagle rise into the air. Then another flew up, behind the hill a third was seen and finally a forth took to the air. I have never seen four Golden Eagles in the air together. We drove around the hill to flush them again. The immature birds were gliding low in the afternoon winds. What a priceless gift that was. I wish you could have been there.
As we visited several scattered ponds we saw many species of waterfowl- Mallards, Northern Shovelers, Northern Pintails, Ruddy Ducks, American Coots, Teal, American Avocet, and Killdeer.
What a spectacular day to talk of the homesteads here and the people who made their early homes in this vast prairie. We talked of the importance of water and the types of plants growing in each area on the ranch. A working knowledge of the interactions between nature and ranch life is everywhere present. I am the novice here. I wondered how to find my way back across the ranch to the gate. I conclude that I really need to spend more time in this countryside.
In just a few minutes before school and a tour after. I find myself immersed in a place that is becoming part of me. Beauty, peace, and friendship exist in Karval. I find joy in my common everyday experiences, home on range, where the deer and the antelope really do play.

Morning Concert

2009-04-15T21:10:00.006-06:00

My early morning walks continue to unveil new sights and sounds. In the predawn hours when one expects silence. I am awed by the intense volume of birds singing vespers. A huge chorus of Horned Larks create an excitement for others birds to join in. Soon the Burrowing Owls hoot, hoot away with them. Next, I hear the throaty sounds of the Mountain Plover with their own sincopated rhythm. In counterpoint the Say's Phoebe sings the descant. The warblings of Robins and cooing of doves tie the morning symphony together in a wonderous morning concert. The closer to sunrise it gets the quieter everything becomes. A new set of birds awaken and sing a new song. The common songs of town birds, House Sparrows, House finches, Starlings, Grackles, Collared Doves, and yet, the resonating songs hang in the air from the previous concert. Maybe late comers singing familiar songs as they go about their day.

Prairie Poetry

2009-04-12T17:55:00.008-06:00

Reflections on Sunrise

Tongues of flaming fire
poured over tiers of smoky clouds-
each wave spread across
the ripples of the sky.

Morning had broken and
spread as wine on the vaulted ceiling.
Calmly, slowly, it spread its many fingers
to the far reaches of the horizon.

Nothing seemed beyond its reach,
yet, as wave gave way to wave,
the cloven march brightened,
then faded into after thought.

My heart warmed by the touch of God’s outreached hands.
I felt His arms of safety surround me like a red flannel blanket.
He let me free-only the afterglow remained, ever painted in my heart.

Plover Lover
October 24, 2008

While watching the rain soak and nourish everything. I reflected back on the changes that so quickly come and go across the prairie. I have experienced some incredible scenes in our wild, wide open spaces. The running antelope in full out expression. The swirling snow blocking out the sun. The wind cutting into soil and polishing each object too set in its' ways to move. The sun, a ball of fire sitting on the prairie grass. The hoot of the owls, and call of cranes, the rising songs of meadowlarks, the constant lilt of horned larks, and plantive cry of phoebes. Towering clouds as black as night charge through, followed by sails of white in the great blue sky. The heavy rains- pouring waterfalls onto the dry thirsty earth. Choosing one place and laughing at another. Landscapes as brown as paper sacs, wrinkled and torn. Green as far as eye can see, pushing up after rain. Multicolored swatches of blooming wildflowers springing up as far as the prairie itself. In this harsh defiant land even the beauty defies the imagination. Spend some time and find out what a day can bring. It penetrates people- as down to earth as the living things bold enough to live here.

Karval birds as changeable as the weather

2009-04-09T18:09:00.013-06:00

A true sign of spring; rain, snow, wind, and blow. A favorite time of year for me. A time looked forward to- baby animals, buds on the trees, new flowers, and warmer weather. By this time most of the calves are born and surviving the changeable weather the best way they can. Lambs are seen in roadside pastures enjoying a free meal. Soon there will be hungry mouths to feed as the birds pair off and nest. I can’t wait to search for nests and young.

As ranching duties increase, so does the final round of activities at school. Spring is best described as busy. The birds seem to have received the message. Rafts of ducks on every large and small pond- flocks of birds in the fields and trees all in some stage of doing what must be done. Some are moving north for the nesting season. Mountain Bluebirds in large flocks come through and in a few weeks leave for the summer. The Buffleheads, Redheads, Scaups, Widgeons, and geese will move to larger sources of water- so the great diversity will soon end. We are their staging area and I am happy about that. Others are coming for the summer Mountain Plovers, Common Grackles, House Finches, and Blackbirds will begin nesting. As for the owls- they are on nests with young and always on the verge of being blown out of the tree.

Still anticipated is the coming of the small songbirds- Warblers, Flycatchers, Kingbirds, to mention a few. Karval might seem remote and desolate, but the birds know where we are. So I’m glad to see what the short grass prairie has to show.

Morning commute

2009-04-08T10:27:00.012-06:00

As I walk the two and a half miles from home to school. I look, listen, and record the birds seen. It has been a healthy choice for me. I am in better shape and have marked the arrival of each new spring bird. It has been a blustery spring and the walking cold, but filled with the song of birds. As I walk past fields and farm houses. I hear the changing songs match the habitat.

The songs change as the sun comes up. The Horned Larks tinkling away in the darkness accompanied by the occasional rattle of Western Meadowlarks. As I proceed the Meadowlarks start into full song just before the sun rises. In the distant grove surrounding an abandoned farm house is heard the Say's Phoebe's nasal call and the mellow song of Mourning Doves. As I approach town the song of the Eurasian Collared Doves drift in. The busy chatter of the House Finches is welcomed along with the erratic and noisy calls of Common Grackles, House Sparrows, and the occasional Killdeer.

As I retrace my steps home in the afternoon. I see many of the same birds. Yet a surprise is always around the corner. One afternoon I heard a strange new song and looked into the field and saw a Mountain Plover take off and land a short way off. It was the first of the season and the first time I have ever heard the song. Another Mountain Plover was seen and heard in the field near my house when replacing shingles that had blown off in the last huge wind storm.

A peaceful, calming time to reflect, unwind and enjoy the birds along my selected path. It's worth waking up before the suns first light to capture the perfect chorus and spectacular light stretching its wings.

Bird list for this week of walking:
Horned lark
Western Meadowlark
Great Horned Owl
Say's Phoebe

Mountain Plover

Mourning Dove
American Robin

American Crow

Red-winged Blackbird

Eurasian Collared Dove
Northern Flicker
Rock Dove
European Starling
House Sparrow
Common Grackle
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Killdeer
American Kestrel

Birding in the Wind

2009-04-04T21:37:00.001-06:00

This morning, the wind was blowing at 40 mph and the only birds I could see outside my front window were horned larks and flying tumbleweeds. What was the point of going out in weather like that? However, the birder in me won out. After all, who knew what might show up at the lake during migration? So, I hopped in the car and drove the 5 miles to Karval Lake.

My blustery trip was well-rewarded with 22 birds seen on the journey. Species in the water included American Coot, American Widgeon, Redhead, Bufflehead, Mallard, Green-wing Teal, Northern Shoveler, and Yellowlegs. Red-winged Blackbirds, Western Meadowlarks, and even a White-crowned Sparrow blew in for brief appearances. The Great-horned Owl, nesting along the road just east of town, huddled in her swaying nest, faithfully protecting her young.

I thought the Mountain Bluebirds had headed north last week, but they popped up again. Maybe the north wind blew them back from Wyoming!

It's great to see these birds coming in time for the Karval Mountain Plover Festival on April 24-26.

Spring firsts for this week:

Common Grackles were seen in town.
Burrowing Owls were heard calling in the fields.
Sharp-shin Hawks were spotted in town.