Wintertime in the Backcountry Backyard

Only after it starts to get real cold do we see the Dark Eyed Junco around this neck of the prairies. There were several feeding together today.

A hungry Black-Capped Chickadee cracking open a sunflower seed. He has to hold it between both feet and hammer away with his beak, feeding is a lot of work!

Switch Grass bending under the relentless artic blast that moved in overnight early Saturday

This clinging bit of Big Sagebrush looks all alone. Last year's unforgiving winter snuffed out all of the other hardy shrubs but this.

What ever happened to that dreamy Indian Summer we were all enjoying this fall?

The old Ponderosa Pine doesn't even notice the artic cold, its just another day as far as this tree's concerned

Sandhill Cranes

Along with Canada Geese, various ducks and other waterfowl, these cranes can be seen at a protected refuge Near Ashland, Nebraska.

For more, go to: Nebraska Game & Parks - Sandhill Cranes

Little White Heron

Hmmm.... not having much luck IDing just exactly what type of heron this little guy is. Seen in the Platte River valley near Ashland, Nebraska.

My Little Chickadee

Always in line, patiently waiting their turn after the sparrows have had their fill. Sure, they get run off by the jealous sparrows who don't much like sharing amongst themselves, but the Black Caps always come back to our feeder each breakfast and dinner for their meal.

Thank goodness they're so patient!

Elk Spotted

Master of the Autumn Prairie

The buffs are already sporting a nice thick new winter coat of fur.

Turkey Day!

Platte River valley, southeastern Nebraska

Wind Cave, South Dakota

Horse Country

 

Custer St. Park, 2009 

The Color of Autumn Leaves

After lastnight's snowfall the sun broke open a brand new, warmer day raining down upon our apple tree, and its leaves seem to be somehow a deeper shade of gold than before.

Too Close for Comfort?

Can you see him? Out there lurking in the thick brush?

Yep, that's him...

And he's B-I-G!

It may look like I scrambled up a tree to safety to keep some distance between myself and a hungry bear, but that wasn't the case ;)

These Black Bears are kept a safe distance from watchers thanks to a high walkway at Wildlife Safari near Mahoney State Park. The animal life is allowed to roam, and the people keep their distance.

Face to Face

Whitetail

American Bald Eagle

Sunset Lake

Junior's scout pack had a service project of cleaning one of the area lakes today. In the meantime, I was able to sit back and watch the sunset :)

Painted Turtle

I came across a pair of these guys, crossing the road to see what was on the other side.

Mourning Dove

Barred Owls

This pair of owls are cared for at the Chet Ager Nature Center. Unfortunately due to injury they are unreturnable back to the wild. But as a tradeoff they will not fall victim to the many possible depredations of the wild. They will never go hungry or fall victim to disease in their new home.

Time to Cool Off

A beautiful Summer day! Will post some more pics from today...

Backcountry Backyard

Roasty