Winds of Change

With definite harbingers of spring appearing each and every day now, we decided to venture out to say farewell to our wonderful winter residents at Nixon Farms. Only one Short-eared Owl remained, but it gave us a good show. It first appeared 3 feet off of the ground in the middle of the paved road 300 feet in front of us. Upon spotting us, it took a sharp right and settled in the meadow beyond the large bales lining the side of the road. It was there that he posed.We also searched one more time at the Fellows Lake Spillway for our favorite winter bird, the Northern Shrike, but I believe that it had long again left this southern sanctuary for its more suitable northern climes. Fellow's Lake had a few Horned Grebes, Lesser Scaups, Pied-billed Grebes, and Bufflehead, but was largely bare.

Of course, with spring in the air, we had hopes of finding new arrivals. Our birds of the day were a flock of 65 Greater White-fronted Geese at the Horse Ranch on AA highway. Although they were way the heck out there, I managed to shoot some identifiable photos through my scope.
All in all, it was just a wonderful day to get out, and by the way, it's time to get out again before the cold front changes everything once again tomorrow. And so, Martha and I are heading to Table Rock Reservoir today. Could a Western Grebe or Greater Roadrunner be in my future? I can only hope. See you in the field!