Sage Grouse Heaven
We hit the Sage Grouse jackpot on this trip to Wayne County, Utah.
Category: Behaviors
The Most Popular Burrowing Owl On Antelope Island
Whenever Burrowing Owls take up residence in a burrow close to the road on the island they quickly become “discovered” and vulnerable.
Sage Thrasher Bilateral Wing Display
Male Sage Thrashers perform what is called the “Bilateral Wing Display” during courtship and territory establishment. Yesterday morning I was able to photograph the behavior on Antelope Island and though I wish I’d been a little closer I had decent light, a pretty good view of the bird and he performed for me for several minutes so I shouldn’t complain.
Magpie – Anticipating Take-off Direction And Getting Lucky
Typically this is a shot I would have missed because I’d have anticipated the wrong direction for take-off.
Prairie Falcon Hunting Grasshoppers In A Storm
Grasshoppers are not typical prey for Prairie Falcons. Studies indicate that the main foods taken are other birds (Horned Larks and meadowlarks are favorites), small mammals and lizards but in a pinch they do consume flying insects, including grasshoppers. This bird was intent on doing just that.
A Collaborative Effort To Protect Nesting Birds
I’m delighted to see government agencies and conservation groups working together to protect vulnerable nesting birds.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers – Trading Places
I’ve seldom seen parental duties so enthusiastically and evenly shared as in this mated pair of Williamson’s Sapsuckers.
Iridescent Magpie In Flight (and an “early bird” of another species)
Before we get to the main event of this post I must report that a pleasant surprise awaited me on Antelope Island yesterday morning.
Bison And Birds
Starlings, cowbirds and even magpies have an interesting relationship with the bison on Antelope Island.
Magpie Ballet With A Stick
Ballet and sticks may not typically go together but that combination still comes to mind whenever I see this image.
Meadowlark – Singing, Foraging and “Gaping”
Yesterday morning this Western Meadowlark surprised me and gave me an intimate glimpse into its world.
Pied-billed Grebe Beating Up On A Fish
One Giant Step For A Chukar
In the past I’ve referred to Chukars as “rock hoppers”. This image gives some indication as to why.
Peregrine Falcon On Prey And In Flight
I don’t often have opportunities with Peregrine Falcons in flight but this bird changed my fortunes for the better.
Mountain Plovers In Utah
Mountain Plovers are uncommon throughout their range and rare in Utah but I’ve had my moment in the sun with them and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
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The Most Popular Burrowing Owl On Antelope Island
Whenever Burrowing Owls take up residence in a burrow close to the road on the island they quickly become “discovered” and vulnerable.
Sage Thrasher Bilateral Wing Display
Male Sage Thrashers perform what is called the “Bilateral Wing Display” during courtship and territory establishment. Yesterday morning I was able to photograph the behavior on Antelope Island and though I wish I’d been a little closer I had decent light, a pretty good view of the bird and he performed for me for several minutes so I shouldn’t complain.
Magpie – Anticipating Take-off Direction And Getting Lucky
Typically this is a shot I would have missed because I’d have anticipated the wrong direction for take-off.
Prairie Falcon Hunting Grasshoppers In A Storm
Grasshoppers are not typical prey for Prairie Falcons. Studies indicate that the main foods taken are other birds (Horned Larks and meadowlarks are favorites), small mammals and lizards but in a pinch they do consume flying insects, including grasshoppers. This bird was intent on doing just that.
A Collaborative Effort To Protect Nesting Birds
I’m delighted to see government agencies and conservation groups working together to protect vulnerable nesting birds.
Williamson’s Sapsuckers – Trading Places
I’ve seldom seen parental duties so enthusiastically and evenly shared as in this mated pair of Williamson’s Sapsuckers.
Iridescent Magpie In Flight (and an “early bird” of another species)
Before we get to the main event of this post I must report that a pleasant surprise awaited me on Antelope Island yesterday morning.
Bison And Birds
Starlings, cowbirds and even magpies have an interesting relationship with the bison on Antelope Island.
Magpie Ballet With A Stick
Ballet and sticks may not typically go together but that combination still comes to mind whenever I see this image.
Meadowlark – Singing, Foraging and “Gaping”
Yesterday morning this Western Meadowlark surprised me and gave me an intimate glimpse into its world.
Pied-billed Grebe Beating Up On A Fish
One Giant Step For A Chukar
In the past I’ve referred to Chukars as “rock hoppers”. This image gives some indication as to why.
Peregrine Falcon On Prey And In Flight
I don’t often have opportunities with Peregrine Falcons in flight but this bird changed my fortunes for the better.
Mountain Plovers In Utah
Mountain Plovers are uncommon throughout their range and rare in Utah but I’ve had my moment in the sun with them and it was an experience I’ll never forget.