Tank set day in Buffalo, Wyoming today.  Usually an early start.  The Fire Marshall couldn’t be at the site until 2:00 p.m.   I heard the wild turkey hunt was open.  Lot’s of Wild turkeys around.  Off I went late tonight.

It was my first experience with wild turkeys.  And boy it was “wild”

I am sorry but these guys are really ugly.  Though the female gobblers aren’t exactly cute either!

Reno has some unique Wall Murals. Just a few:

The wind was blowing like the Dickens this morning.  Not a lot of bird action.  If it was me I would be out dive bombing other birds using the wind to my advantage.

I am not sure that I have ever seen Mallards hunkered down in a plowed field.  Lazy or just scared of the wind?

I love the way most of the birds run on the water as they take off.  It was a little tough today with the undulating water surface.

There is a heck of a lot of “THIS” going on out at the refuge right now!

Today was a another milestone for me.  It has been about a year since I flew on our company plane.  Not for any cause other than my stupid Mental Disorders.

We have the best pilot out there-”Nate”.

I feel that way because he is not only a master at his craft (I have personally witnessed him at his best as a pilot), he is also a gentleman and someone that cares about others.  Nice traits for a pilot within reach of his passengers.  It finally occurred to me that there is no one else I trust to take off in a aircraft that finds itself 22,000 feet above the ground and flying at 320 knots and only seats 6 people.  The knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, which is equal to exactly 1.852 km/h and approximately 1.151 mph. That means today at 22,000 feet we were flying the equivalent of 483 mph on the ground. Then lands the plane like a flying carpet on butter.  Man he’s good.  I trust this man.  I really trust this man.  He is good to me.

The views were spectacular today!!

It’s the time when the pheasants are bold with color and courage.  Trying to impress the girl.  I just missed a scuffle with this guy and another suitor.    It was dramatic watching the two.  Just couldn’t get my camera out and all ready in time.  This is probably the winner.  The loser flew off.  And he looks like he is standing pretty tall and “cocky”.

American coot Fulica americana

Identification Tips:

• Length: 12 inches Wingspan: 25 inches
• Fairly large, duck-like waterbird with short wings and a short tail
• Very short, thick bill
• Frequently seen both swimming and walking
• Often flicks and cocks short tail while walking, exposing white outer undertail coverts
• Sexes similar
• Toes have lobed webbing, unlike gallinules

Adult:

• White bill with dark reddish ring just before tip
• White frontal shield with reddish oval near tip
• Slate gray head, neck, back, upperwings, breast and belly

Juvenile:

• Lacks the frontal shield of the adult
• Horn-colored bill may lack ring near tip
• Pale gray-brown head, neck, upperwings, breast and back; feathers on underparts often with paler edges

Similar species:

Common Moorhen is of similar size and shape but has a reddish bill with a yellowish tip, a white stripe along the flanks, and a brownish back.

A real common bird in our area.  And a real joy to watch.

The Bald Eagles are thinning out somewhat.    The new migrators are “flocking” in.  From now till late summer it’s an exciting time for the birders in Utah.

Is part of emergency room processes to insure that a patient must have 1 hour breaks between doctors and nurses entering the room?  Actually the waiting is not a problem this morning.  My son is here for severe abdominal pain.  At LDS Hospital they have the very best staff.  With many visits here under my belt either with my son, parent, or myself I have greatly appreciated the doctors nurses and staff.  As I wait for the results of the tests I am comforted with fact that we are in good hands.

Nothing better than Sunday morning listening to migrating birds.  Oh!  And recording what I can of the funny, crazy and beautiful animals!

The Avocets are going crazy…must be love in air.

The great “fisher”  Blue Heron.  In full camouflage I got a little more time with this guy.  What a specialist at fishing!

Like a bolt of lightning the Great Blue Heron “picks” it’s meals from the water.   I was lucky to watch for some time until………

The guy in the ford truck with the barking dog shows up.  You guessed it.  The dog was let out.  Either to ruffle my feathers or the birds.   Man people can be ignorant!