Abundance of Pelicans

American White Pelican on Missouri River

This summer the water level in the Missouri River has been higher than normal. One result is that more small fish, called lake herrings, are coming through the intakes at big Oahe Dam. The herrings come through the dam stunned or freshly killed, and are a delicious banquet for many species. Gulls, terns, cormorants, vultures and Ospreys all get their share. But the birds that are the most conspicuous fishermen are American White Pelicans. There are more pelicans at the dam this year than anyone can remember seeing before. Add to the sheer numbers the fact that these birds are stark white and huge (nine-foot wingspan!), and they are a spectacular sight.

Time for a Chat

Yellow-breasted Chat, Icteria virens

I thought it was time to have a little chat. Well, that's that.

Another Rare Gull

Sabine's Gull

A report on the rare bird hotline said there were Sabine's Gulls at Big Bend Dam. So I checked it out this morning and found five of them. Here are a few pictures showing the distinctive pattern on the bird's back and upper wing.

Sabine's Gull below Big Bend Dam

Sabine's Gulls breed on the far northern tundra of Canada and Alaska, and usually spend the winter in warm oceans away from land. Every year a few birds stray to inland lakes in the fall. I was fortunate enough to find these gulls that had done just that. The Sabine's Gull is number 350 on my life list.

Weekend in Nebraska

When your name is Valentine, why not make the most of it?

I just got home from a wonderful weekend in Valentine, Nebraska for the fall meeting of the Nebraska Ornithologists' Union. I connected with some old friends, met some new friends, and saw some great birds. The Valentine area is truly where east meets west. Eastern deciduous forest, western pine forest, and sandhills grasslands all come together in this unique place.

The beautiful Niobrara River Valley

Our field trips took us to Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, and Smith Falls State Park.

Smith Falls, at 63 feet, is the highest falls in Nebraska

Woodland birding is OK, but there is nothing like being out in the open country looking for birds. I saw a dozen species of sparrows and thirteen species of raptors, including the handsome Ferruginous Hawk pictured below.

A Ferruginous Hawk hunts over the Sandhills

Bird Devotional 34

Barred Owl (Photo by Paul Roisen)

Barred Owl, Strix varia

“When men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint.” Ecclesiastes 12:4

It was five o’clock in the morning and the temperature was close to zero. I met my friend, and we joined three others for a few hours of owling. It was our goal to call up a few Barred Owls for the Christmas Bird Count taking place in Sioux City, Iowa that day. We parked as close as we could to the area we believed contained barred owls. Then we walked some distance before stopping to play a recording of Barred Owl calls. We had no response at first. Then, after two hours of listening in the pre-dawn, frigid stillness, there were two responses. Two hours; zero degrees; two Barred Owls that we heard, but did not see; a typical morning of owling.

I love listening to bird sounds. Listening to birds singing makes me grateful to God for my sense of hearing. It also causes me to ask to be spared the loss of hearing that often accompanies aging. In today’s passage from Ecclesiastes, the writer admonishes us to, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’” Among the signs of aging listed by the writer is the loss of hearing. He woke up when birds were singing, but their songs were faint. Most of us dread growing older, and complain endlessly about the aches and pains that accompany the process. However, there are promises in the Bible specifically directed to older people: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4) and “Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?” (Job 12:12). Long life also brings with it responsibilities: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:18). Let us honor those who have come before us, and let us ask God to bless us with His wisdom to share with others.

Thank you Lord, for sustaining me as I grow older. Help me to share your wisdom with those who come after me. Amen.

In My Weed Patch

Clay-colored Sparrow in my overgrown garden

Late yesterday afternoon my weedy garden-patch was overrun with dozens of Field Sparrows, Lincoln's Sparrows and Clay-colored Sparrows. A few weeks ago I was feeling a little guilty about all those weeds and unsightly flower heads, but if I had removed all of them, what would the sparrows be feasting on now? So if you have weeds in your yard...well, you've procrastinated this long, let them go a while longer. The birds will love you for it.

Tom's Finch

Lincoln's Sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii

Yesterday I saw my first Lincoln's Sparrows of the fall migration in my own backyard. My garden has degenerated into nothing more than a patch of weeds, and the sparrows love it. The Lincoln's Sparrow was first identified by John James Audubon in 1834. While on a trip through eastern Canada, a companion of Audubon, Thomas Lincoln, shot a small bird and showed it to Audubon. He determined that it was a new species, and named it Lincoln's Pinewood-Finch. As a shorter form, Audubon sometimes called the bird simply Tom's Finch. Later scientists re-classified it as a sparrow, but the Lincoln's name stuck. I took the above photo a few years ago in the mountains of Colorado where the birds breed in moist willow patches. Lincoln's Sparrows are migrating through South Dakota right now, and will spend the winter farther to our south.

The Sparrows Are Coming!

Savannah Sparrow

Late September marks the beginning of the sparrow migration in South Dakota. Yesterday while driving back to Pierre I saw the first large groups of Savannah Sparrows with a few Vesper Sparrows mixed in. For the next month or so there will be thousands upon thousands of little sparrows of more than a dozen species migrating through here. This may not be exciting to some, but for a true birder it is heaven! I will keep you posted on what I find.

Or-ni-thol-o-gy

Franklin's Gull & Ring-billed Gull at Big Bend Dam

or-ni-thol-o-gy, n., the branch of zoology dealing with birds.

Ornithology is the study of birds. The name comes from ornis, the Greek word for bird. An ornithologist is a scientist who studies birds. One of the things I once read about the passion of birding was that a birder should not call himself an ornithologist unless he really is one. Now, I do not have a degree in ornithology. In fact, astronomy is the only science course I took in college. So yesterday when a physician's assistant saw my shirt with the word, ornithology, and asked if I was an ornithologist, I said, "no." Then I told her that I was merely an avid birder with no scientific training, but that I did belong to SDOU, the South Dakota Ornithologists' Union. Nearly every state has a group or association for people interested in ornithology. I am also a member of the IOU (Iowa Ornithologists' Union), and this weekend I am going to attend the fall meeting of the NOU (Nebraska Ornithologists' Union). It's rather nice of the real ornithologists to let me join their unions, don't you think?

Songs Grow Faint

"When men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint."

Ecclesiastes 12:4

Dickcissel singing on a July morning

I haven't been feeling well for the past few days; I have what is probably an ear infection. For the past few days my right ear has been stuffed up and I cannot hear very well. My first response to anything my wife says is, "What?" In a few hours I will call the doctor's office and make an appointment. All this has got me to thinking about life, mortality, old age and hearing loss. Here is a biblical description of old age: "When men rise up at the sound of birds, but all their songs grow faint" (Ecclesiastes 12:4). I know how the writer feels. This morning I am awake before dawn and there are birds out in my back yard. But I know if I went out there I would not be able to hear them. The difference between me and the writer of Ecclesiastes is that I know my hearing loss is just temporary. I have faith that when the doctor is finished with me, I will be just fine. I am going to write a devotional about all this, so check back on Sunday and see how it turns out. Maybe I will be able to find something good about growing old!

Bird Devotional 33

Bill holding Sharp-shinned Hawk (photo by Marlene Krause)

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus

“Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south?” Job 39:26

Hawks by their very nature are reluctant to cross large bodies of water. During migration they must find land routes between their breeding and wintering grounds. Hawks that nest in Canada are faced with a decision when they reach the shore of Lake Superior. Do they proceed west into Minnesota, or do they head east across southern Ontario? Those that elect to fly along the western shore of the lake are funneled past Duluth, Minnesota and a row of high hills known as Hawk Ridge. Thousands of various types of hawks pass over Hawk Ridge each autumn. Scientists conduct research by capturing and banding some of these birds. Data collected from this research helps to verify migration patterns and population trends. On a brisk September morning my family and I visited Hawk Ridge and toured the banding station. I was allowed to hold a just-banded Sharp-shinned Hawk while one of the naturalists spoke to the assembled crowd. Afterward I walked to the edge of the overlook and released the hawk while cameras recorded the event. Sensing its opportunity for freedom, the bird flew up and away from the crowd for about fifty feet. It then hesitated, as if it were collecting its bearings. Slowly the little hawk banked to the left, gaining altitude. When it straightened its course it disappeared over the ridge, heading due south.

Bill releasing Sharp-shinned Hawk (photo by Marlene Krause)

Reading today’s Bible verse and thinking back on the wonder of the hawk migration in Minnesota, I am still amazed that the birds can find the way to their winter homes each year. How did the hawk I released know which way to turn when it left my hand? The only answer I have to the question, “Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom and spread his wings toward the south?” is a humble, “No.” As Job said, there are “things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 42:3), and I remember the words of Paul, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20).

Lord, thank you for the wonder of migration and the lessons you teach me as I observe your creation. Amen.

Sub-species Confusion

Red-tailed Hawk, light juvenile............Red-tailed Hawk, adult Harlan's

For a correction to this post,

go to this December 5, 2009 blog post.

There are at least 13 different sub-species of Red-tailed Hawk, some with dramatic differences in plumage. Then add to that the fact juveniles don't look the same as adults, and you often have a difficult time determining if indeed it is a Red-tail. Oh, did I say Red-tail? Many Red-tailed Hawks do not even have red tails. So how do you know if the bird you see is a Red-tailed Hawk and not something else? The first thing I look for is the shape. Then I consider the habitat and the habits of the bird. Then I look to see if it has the light colored, V-shaped "backpack straps" like the bird on the left. Not all Red-tails have those marks, mind you, but it is a good field mark when they are present. It has taken me years to be confident in identifying Red-tailed Hawks. So if you are having a tough time, all I can say is: "Practice, practice, practice!"

Closer Than a Brother

"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Proverbs 18:24

My sister joining me in "looking for loons"

on Moose Lake in northern Minnesota

Does the above picture look vaguely familiar to you? Well, that's because I cut out my half of the photo and posted it over on the left-hand side of this blog. I have always felt a little guilty about that...you know, leaving my sister on the cutting room floor, so to speak. Well, today is Marlene's birthday, and I thought it was about time to publish the entire photo. Last month on my birthday she traveled 280 miles just to spend the day with me, bring a few presents, and take me out to eat. What is she getting? Well, why don't we start with a nice "Happy Birthday, Sis."

One of my favorite pictures of my sister is this one where she is holding an elegant, little Philadelphia Vireo. Notice that I cut most of her out of this photo, too. In spite of all the abuse I have given her over the years (and continue to dish out), she still wants to go out birding with me every time we are together. So what is the answer to the line from Proverbs quoted above, "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother?" Why, a sister, of course!

Hummingbird Tongue

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Showing the tip of her tongue

I have seen hummingbird pictures showing the bird's long, narrow tongue, but I had never photographed that part of the bird's anatomy myself. Yesterday I caught this bird sticking out her tongue. So I looked up a few things about hummingbird tongues. They use their tongues to lap up nectar from flowers or feeders, with as many as 13 flicks of the tongue per second. The tongues are forked on the end, and can extend out more than twice the length of the bill. This bird better use that tongue to slurp up a lot of energy. She has a long trip ahead of her before winter hits.

Hummer at the House

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Female

Last night while seated at the dinner table, I saw a flash of green fly past the dining room window. I craned my neck in order to see the hummingbird feeder, and sure enough, there was this female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. I had not yet seen one in the eleven months we have lived here. The hummingbird feeder was hanging there mostly out of hope and faith. We went out on the deck later and waited patiently for the bird to return. When she came back I was able to get a few shots in the fading light. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds do not nest here in central South Dakota, but a few migrate through here in the fall after their breeding season in the Prairie Provinces of Canada. After feeding last night, this bird most likely resumed her long journey toward the tropics.

Gull Mantles

Ring-billed Gull, California Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull

Showing their mantle colors

This photo shows the adult Lesser Black-backed Gull I saw last week in the company of an adult Ring-billed Gull and an adult California Gull. The Ring-billed Gull is farthest to the left; its mantle is light gray. The California Gull is in the center; its mantle is a slightly darker gray. The Lesser Black-backed Gull is on the right; its mantle is almost black. Mantle color is one of the ways to differentiate the various gull species, but is most useful when you can compare birds standing side-by-side as we have here. So what is a mantle? Here is a definition:

mantle n. the plumage on the back and folded wings of certain birds when it is all the same color

Gulls are confusing creatures. (And I haven't even mentioned immature gulls!) I found this Bible verse that sort of sums up the confusion of gulls and their mantles: "Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with confusion as with a mantle" (Psalm 109:29). But when you are identifying gulls, don't rely entirely on mantle color. Also look at the overall size of the bird, the bill size and markings, leg and feet color, and any head and wing markings that are present. So if you are anywhere near a body of water, get out there and look at some gulls! If I can find them in the middle of South Dakota, you can find them too.

"Harlan's Buzzard"

Red-tailed Hawk (Harlan's sub-species)

For a correction to this post, please see the blog entry for December 5, 2009.

Last week I found this very dark hawk perched on a fence post along highway 34 east of Pierre. I turned around and went back to get a better look at the bird and take a few photographs. This hawk is a Red-tailed Hawk of the very dark, Harlan's sub-species. Harlan's hawks were first identified in Louisiana by John James Audubon who named them "Harlan's Buzzards" in honor of his friend, Dr. Richard Harlan of Philadelphia. Though Audubon believed them to be a separate species, later scientific analysis showed that they are actually a form of the highly variable Red-tailed Hawk. Harlan's hawks breed in Alaska and northwest Canada and spend the winter on the southern Great Plains. This one was undoubtedly on its way south when it stopped to rest on a central South Dakota fence post to see if it could find some lunch.

Bird Devotional 32

Canada Goose family, Branta canadensis

“Appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him.” Psalm 61:7

As I was watching an Osprey catch a fish at a small roadside lake in western Wisconsin, another spectacle was taking place on the lakeshore. When the Osprey first appeared in the sky above the lake, a family of Canada Geese was lounging in the grass at the edge of the water. The instant the male goose saw the Osprey, it was on high alert, its neck outstretched and its eyes fixed on the menacing raptor. Meanwhile, the female goose ushered the six goslings behind her and stood ready to defend her brood should the need arise. The two adult birds maintained this posture until the Osprey caught a fish and flew away. I am sure the geese were not fully aware that an Osprey very rarely takes any prey other than fish. It was apparent to me that the geese were ready to fight to the death in order to protect their young.

Today’s verse is part of a prayer written by David and recorded in the Bible as Psalm 61. David acknowledged that God was his refuge: “I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings” (Psalm 61:4). Then he prayed a prayer of protection for his earthly ruler: “Increase the days of the king’s life, his years for many generations. May he be enthroned in God’s presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him” (Psalm 61:6-7). Here we have a glimpse into the character of God. He is love; He is faithfulness. We can ask God for protection for ourselves and others because love and faithfulness are part of God’s very nature. Do you feel weak, vulnerable and unprotected? Then just as the goslings I observed took refuge under the protective wings of their parents, take refuge under the shelter of God’s wings. Receive His protection today.

Heavenly Father, I confess that I am weak and in need of your protection. I thank you for your love and your faithfulness. I take refuge “in the shelter of your wings.” Amen.

Rare Gull

Lesser Black-backed Gull

When I got home from work yesterday there was a rare bird report in my email inbox. Three Lesser Black-backed Gulls had been seen earlier in the afternoon at Oahe Dam. Since that is only eight miles from my house, I decided to head out there before supper. I found one of the gulls right where I expected it to be--lounging with a group of other gulls in a gravel parking lot near the boat ramp. Lesser Black-backed Gulls are unusual visitors to the central United States. They are a European species that is found in the winter on the Atlantic Coast, but in recent years they have been seen from time to time on inland lakes. The picture below shows the bird with two other gull species: You can see the bill of a California Gull right behind the Lesser Black-backed. Another California is in the left center. The other gulls are Ring-billed Gulls.

Lesser Black-backed Gull

With California Gulls and Ring-billed Gulls

September 11th

Remembering 09-11-01

"Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me because my hope is in you" Psalm (25:20-21).

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint" (Isaiah 40:31).

Butcher Bird

Loggerhead Shrike

Shrikes, such as the Loggerhead Shrike pictured above, are often referred to as "Butcher Birds." These birds are actually songbirds, but they behave more like hawks. They prey on large insects, small birds and small mammals. The summer diet is mainly grasshoppers, and the winter diet is mainly mice and voles. The "Butcher Bird" moniker comes from their habit of impaling their prey on thorns or barbed wire for later consumption. Loggerhead Shrikes are found throughout North America in the summer months and spend the winter in the southern United States. The hooked bill gives them a menacing appearance. And of course, the bandit mask doesn't hurt, either. Pretty scary-looking little bird -- especially if you were a mouse or grasshopper!

Mourning Dove Mountain

Mourning Dove

I like to take pictures of birds perched on rocks. There is a stark, austere quality about it. Do you think this looks like a giant Mourning Dove on top of a mountain?

Off to South America

Franklin's Gulls getting ready to migrate

Sir John Franklin (1786-1847)

I saw a large flock of Franklin's Gulls the other day. They have lost the full black heads and red bills of their breeding plumage and are now preparing for the long migration to the Pacific coast of South America where they will spend the winter. Curious about the origin of this bird's name (and quite certain they weren't named for Benjamin Franklin), I discovered they were named after English Explorer, Sir John Franklin. Admiral Franklin is most famous for perishing on an ill-fated 1847 voyage in search of the Northwest Passage through Canada. Earlier in his life Franklin served as Lieutenant Governor of Tasmania in Australia.

Badlands Trip

Beautiful vista in Badlands National Park

My son, Jacob, came for a visit this weekend and we went for a drive through Badlands National Park. We saw some interesting local birds including White-throated Swifts and Rock Wrens, but could not get any photographs.

Rock Pigeons out in the wilderness

After we had hiked a mile off the main road I saw some birds on top of a rock formation. It turned out they were Rock Pigeons! I was hoping for something more exotic.

Bill in the Badlands

Jacob took this picture with his camera phone as I was listening to Rock Wrens.

Badlands wildflowers

There aren't many plants out there, but you can find some that are very beautiful.

Badlands rock formation

Beautiful rock formations are everywhere.

Family of bighorn sheep

Toward the end of the day we found this family of bighorn sheep. They allowed us to approach them and they posed for photos.

Bighorn sheep

Bighorn sheep with tracking collar

Bird Devotional 31

African White-Backed Vulture, Gyps africanus

“Vultures swooped down on the carcasses, but Abram scared them off.” Genesis 15:11 (The Message)

It has been said that humans and vultures are the only creatures who will eat meat that has been dead for a long time. We purchase ours at super markets or restaurants, while vultures secure theirs any way they can. My son, David, learned this when at age 18 he took a mission trip to Tanzania with a Lutheran group. During a break from their service work, they went on an outing to Ngorongoro Crater to see wildlife. At noon they stopped at an overlook to eat the fried chicken lunch packed by their hosts. David was engaged in a lively conversation complete with gesticulations when a large African White-backed Vulture tried to steal the chicken out of his hand. David held tight to the chicken while the vulture’s beak firmly grasped it as well. They struggled for several seconds in a meal-time tug-of-war, the bird flapping its huge wings, and my son pulling hard and trying to shake the creature loose. Finally the vulture relented, and David had his prize, a mangled piece of chicken that had suddenly lost all its appeal. He slowly walked over to the garbage can, realizing he hadn't won much after all.

In today’s Bible passage, Abram laid on an altar the carcasses of a heifer, a goat, a ram, a dove and a young pigeon as a sacrifice to the Lord. At that moment, a group of vultures attempted to rob Abram of his sacrifice. Abram fought off his vultures as fiercely as my son fought his. The important difference is that while my son was forced to throw his fried chicken into the garbage, Abram was successful in keeping his sacrifice from contamination. How about us? How successful are we in keeping our sacrifices to God from contamination? Psalm 51 says of sacrifices, “You do not delight in sacrifice or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” Psalm 51:16-17). God wants us to offer our heart to Him, a heart that is contrite and deeply sorry for our sin. Allow Him to cleanse your heart from all its unrighteousness, and then you can offer your heart to God free of the contamination of sin.

Heavenly Father, I offer my heart to you as a sacrifice. As I confess my sins to you, cleanse me from my unrighteousness. Amen.

International Vulture Awareness Day!

Turkey Vultures

September 5, 2009 is International Vulture Awareness Day. So, happy IVAD everybody! Since this is OUR day, Bill asked us to tell you a few things about vultures you may not have known.

1. Our heads are bald for a good reason. We often stick our heads inside a rotten carcass in order to get down to the good stuff. And if our heads were covered with feathers, it would be a big mess. Did you ever try to get rotten, greasy meat off your feathers?

2. We urinate on our feet in order to cool them off when it is really hot. It works great. You ought to try it!

3. We can soar for hours on rising thermals of warm air.

4. We are the strong, silent type. The only sounds we make are soft hisses. But you will probably never get close enough to hear us.

5. We mate for life. Which is more than can be said for many of you humans!

6. If you get too close to us and we get scared, we will throw up on you. We have discovered that we only have to do that once and you will leave us alone.

If you want to learn more about us vultures, go to http://webvulture.com/ For more about International Vulture Awareness Day, go to http://www.ivad09.org/

Bad Feather Day

Ring-billed Gull having a "Bad Feather Day"

Many of you suffer from "bad hair days" from time to time. Since I have no hair, I really can't remember having any kind of "hair day," good or bad. But the Ring-billed Gull pictured here was having one of those days when no amount of preening seemed to do any good. Can you relate to how the poor thing is feeling?

Tale of Two Posts

Red-tailed Hawk on metal fence post

Red-tailed Hawk on wooden fence post

I don't often see a large bird, such as a Red-tailed Hawk, perched on a metal fence post. More often they use wooden fence posts or utility poles if there are no trees handy. Of course out here on the Great Plains there are many more fence posts and utility poles than there are trees. So when I saw the hawk perched on the metal post pictured above, I just had to have a photo. Don't you think the bird looks uncomfortable? The footing appears a little precarious. The bird at the left looks more relaxed on the weathered, old wooden post it has chosen for a hunting perch.

Lumberyard Birding

Juvenile Barn Swallow begging for food

I went to the local lumberyard yesterday. When I pulled into my parking place, I glanced at the patio paving stone display at the front of the building. There was a tiny juvenile Barn Swallow begging for food. It was perched on one of the brick pavers with a patch of plastic grass for a backdrop. I knew it wouldn't be long before an adult brought some food. Sure enough, in a few seconds a blue streak came past, pausing briefly above the young bird. I knew I would have to be quick if I were going to capture the event with my camera. Finally, after four attempts, I got the photo below. The adult bird did not even land. The food exchange was an entirely aerial feat. Yes, I eventually did go inside and conduct my lumberyard business. On the way back to my car I found the Barn Swallow nest under a light fixture just a few feet above the paving stone display. The little fledgling hadn't gone very far.

Adult Barn Swallow performing a fly-by feeding

Blue Jay Humor

Blue Jay

I took this Blue Jay photo last March at the home of some friends. When I saw it again recently I was reminded of this quote from Mark Twain:

"It ain't any use to tell me a bluejay hasn't got a sense of humor because I know better." -- Mark Twain