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February 16, 2008
In spite of stormy weather predictions, four intrepid birders joined Justin Roach for a closed-to-the public tour of the Attwater's Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge. Yes, we experienced three or four brief thundershowers but the birding experience made the day memorable. We were thrilled to the complete prairie chicken display! Males boomed, danced, bowed, inflated and deflated their air sacs, raised and lowered their pinnae for a truly glorious show. A total of 13 prairie chickens were in the fields around us on either side of the road. But that's not all Two Lark Buntings were very cooperative and sat in good light for us and two Sprague's Pipits were in the road in front of the truck. While the two Grasshopper Sparrows did perch up for us, they did not stay for long that everyone had satisfying looks. Blame the rain for our having trouble flushing the Le Conte's Sparrow and not finding the Henslow's Sparrow. But, is there anything more beautiful than a male Cinnamon Teal in the open in the sunlight? Three pair were among the eight species of ducks that we saw. We also saw caracara chasing White-tailed Hawks. We ended up birding until 4:30 and had an enjoyable time. Justin was an enthusiastic, energetic, patient, knowledgeable and delightful guy. The species total was disappointing to Justin but the four of us were well pleased with our 77 species for the day. Birders should show up like golfers do...you just never know 'cause this day the weather men just had it wrong.
Bird List
~ Bernice Hotman and Frank Farese |
