Monday, March 23, 2009

Wildlife O' Plenty

News Brief: We thought we were on our way to town to choir practice yesterday (Sunday afternoon) but instead we took one of our Caravans out deer hunting. And guess what? We got one. When I called my son to make an appointment in the body shop I explained that it wasn't my fault, she ran into me. I didn't run into her. He said I should then check her for an insurance card. Also, since it was daytime and whereas Dan is always pretty sympathetic he asked, "So, now your peripheral vision is going?"

The following pictures are pretty typical early spring sights along I-80, as you cross Nebraska. (The Great Platte River Road)
When we went west last week, Marilyn shot these out of the car window.
The first three pics are of Sandhills Cranes. They fairly saturate the mid portion of the 300+ mile trip across the state.
The last picture is of geese which also cover the same area. These are a combination of Snows, Blues, and Canada's.
Even though it stretches for over a hundred miles this is not a sanctuary. It is a good example of what leaving well enough alone can do for nature. For this you can thank Nebraska Farmers not the Government. The migration has continued for thousands of years with this stop along the Platte River to feed and gain strength and weight before they continue the flight. The geese darkened the sky at times because of their great numbers.

18 comments:

Ralph said...

Great pictures of the Sandhills Cranes. I thought you might have posted a picture of trophy. Guess not.
Ralph

EV said...

Geese are such high and strong fliers and so majestic in flight. I've often wished I could join them - really.

I know, iamasillygoose.

Gary ("Old Dude") said...

nice to know there are still some places where nature can thrive. Those geese would kill La Guardia, not that that would be a bad thing.

Lanny said...

Thanks for the pictures. Looks a bit like Eastern Washington and the flocks of Canada geese my father introduced Dirt to twenty-nine years ago.

Carol............. said...

Great photos!!! A hobby of mine!

Shannon said...

And I thought all the Canadian Geese were living here, lol. One of the twins asked the hubs what they were doing in a field this winter, and he replied, "Eating up my seed wheat son."

Marla said...

Nice photos. I have been watching all of the geese during my drive to and from work each day. You got your deer for the year, it' not deer hunting season yet!

Granny Annie said...

We go out hunting with the camera quite often but rarely do I get a shot as good as those!

Lucy Stern said...

So, what did you do with that poor deer that "Ran into you"? Did you bring your prize catch home?....

I love watching the birds migrate...They are so beautiful. Have a great week, Cliff and don't procrastinate.

Dan said...

Your personal stall here at the body shop is ready for you sir.

Paul Nichols said...

Great pics. Do we get a prize if we count all the gooses?

We've been worrying about you and praying for you since that big blizzard earlier this week. You OK? River far enough away? Let us know.

Rachel said...

Great photos Cliff. The second photo is my favorite. How wonderful that they can stop over there and find food. Hoorah for farmers!

Too bad about the poor deer. I'm sure she didn't mean to hit you. Dan says your stall is ready though! Nice to have two body men in the family, eh?

Jamie Dawn said...

I'm thinking those geese drop a lot of good fertilizer on Nebraska farmland.
Pretty pics!!
:-)

Your version of deer hunting is a lot different than Arkansans' version. We have these things called guns.

Sue said...

Great pictures. This is always one fowl sign of spring :).

Janell said...

Very nice drive-by shooting, Marilyn! Nice photos.

Rachelle Jones said...

I cannot wait to see the Sandhill cranes, and will be in Kenesaw Easter Sunday. I am guessing we will see plenty. My children will be in for a treat.

I actually called your son today, as I needed a referral to a good mechanic in Lincoln. We had a nice chat, and he was very helpful.

Lucy Stern said...

Cliff, look hard at some of these pictures and see if you don't have any ducks you could line up....lol. There has got to be at least 3 or 4 ducks in with that mass of birds.

Adi said...

Jim says that it is always the poor deer's fault. My Aunt Lois says that the deer is always running into her. Like she doesn't have eyes and brakes??
Is it true that there are more birds in Nebraska than cattle. We wouldn't allow that in Texas, we keep them pretty well killed off for eating. Except the whooping cranes, people get jail time for shooting them in the sanctuary.
..