Sunday, May 8, 2011

Wildlife in the rain

For the last two days, rain has dominated the weather.  It is tough getting good pictures in the over-cast sky when the clouds are crying.  It almost makes me cry when I am trying to get some good pictures.

But across the desert and marshes I traveled.  First to the Sage Grouse lek where only the males showed up - females are nesting and males are staying available for a female that might lose its nest.


As I headed across the desert looking for new Sharp-tailed grouse leks, I found pockets of blooming Buttercups.


I also saw nine herds of elk moving from their wintering grounds to the areas for them to calve.  Many will return to Yellowstone Park about 80 miles away.


As my raptor nest study will begin next week, I started by trying to locate nests.  Three Swainson's Hawk nests were found.  But they have not started sitting on them.


Then today on the way home from Church, I watched the male Yellow-headed Blackbirds, staking out their territory and inviting the females to come to visit them.  There was a little flirting going on, but all the females have not yet returned.  Give them another week. 


Even the rain could not totally dampen the beauties in the Wilds of Idaho.

15 comments:

Monts said...

Stunning post Bill and even on dulls wet days the beautiful colours of nature can lift the spirits.

Gaelyn said...

Sure is a lot of mating and moving going on.

Mary said...

Your photos are always stunning, Bill. Rain or no rain, your patience and skill certainly paid off in these amazing shots.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Sometimes the rains just bring about a different kind of beauty, but it is still difficult with a camera in hand and lots to see and capture. I love the Buttercups as well as the Swainsons Hawk, what a beauty you grabbed. Take care~

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Janie said...

Even during the rainy days, you've been busy! The photos look very good to me.
I really like the photo of the yellow-headed blackbird.

Frostbite and Sunburn said...

Lovely post - a good day out made better because you know what you are looking for!

No more tears please, sky!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Oh -- those are pictures taken when it wasn't ideal weather? (I am just going to quit taking pictures right now ;>)...those are better than most people dream of getting when it's perfectly sunny conditions.

Wonderful birds. I have a softspot for yellow- and even red-headed blackbirds; love their cheerful chirping sounds.

FAB said...

We have only just had the first rain for nearly two months .. amazing the difference it has made to the flora and fauna.
'Not ideal condition' .. I think you did exceptionally well Bill.

Sharon M said...

Wow, very nice!

Tiffany said...

Just beautiful...what a wonderful place to live. I have enjoyed visiting your corner of the world and look forward to visiting again. Thanks for the kind comment.

Tiffany

PS: My whole house smells like lilacs today:)

Amila said...

A real lifer,this post is!

Dagmar said...

In the rain you made it shine anyhow. No tears here my friend, I'll come over with a hancky to wipe them away.

Love to be back and many thanks for your sweet comment.
Hugs Dagmar

Lois Evensen said...

What great images! Thank you for sharing.

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eileeninmd said...

Wonderful birds and a great series of photos. Thansk for sharing!