Western Meadowlarks are now singing by the gazillion from their elevated perches on Antelope Island so I’m getting some opportunities for take-off shots.
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.
I have to constantly remind myself that just because a particular bird is common doesn’t mean that it isn’t a worthy photo subject. I seldom post images of species like House Finches, American Coots and Horned Larks simply because they’re ubiquitous and that’s my shortcoming, not theirs.
Typically this is a shot I would have missed because I’d have anticipated the wrong direction for take-off.
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.
I’m delighted to see government agencies and conservation groups working together to protect vulnerable nesting birds.
Before we get to the main event of this post I must report that a pleasant surprise awaited me on Antelope Island yesterday morning.
One of the species whose return I most anticipate in the springtime is the Sage Thrasher.
I enjoy the variety of getting different numbers of birds and varying backgrounds in my swan flight shots.
Usually any photo opportunity I have with Golden Eagles is fleeting but this bird and a companion were the exception.
Starlings, cowbirds and even magpies have an interesting relationship with the bison on Antelope Island.
Ballet and sticks may not typically go together but that combination still comes to mind whenever I see this image.
Nineteen days has shown what I believe is a remarkable improvement in the snout injury of this coyote.
Yesterday morning I was finally able to get relatively close to some Tundra Swans at Bear River MBR.
Yesterday morning this Western Meadowlark surprised me and gave me an intimate glimpse into its world.
