July, 28 Drive by

Sunrise at the Reserve

The parent in all of us can identify with this bird in the fact that there is never enough food. Geococcyx californianus, Greater roadrunner.

While watching for a Red Headed woodpecker at the Hagerman NWR  on one of the many oil pump jack roads, I noticed this bird running back and forth in several clumps of brush chasing something . I moved a bit closer. Then roadrunner   began running  alongside of the road carrying it’s  bounty, stopping from time to time to look in clumps of brush.  I guess it had room for more food?? I saw right away the snake, but it was near the end or the run that I saw the locust in addition.

The Road runner traveled at least a quarter mile after collecting food for the chicks at the nest or hiding place. I did not see where that was.  I followed the bird until it turned and looked at me and then ran into the underbrush. I guess, that was my queue to move on. I did so after several minutes of watching the area for more activity from the roadrunner.  

 

Everyone is eating grasshoppers

Funnel Spider

Another pretty face (Turkey Vulture)

Mom brought me another grasshopper, What is up with that?
Are there no worms?

 

 

Drive By 7-20-2013

 

6-9-2013 Drive By

This early A.M. Hagerman received more rain. The colors were out of sight as the Sun broke through the clouds.

2-24-2013

 

This weekend was great for wildlife viewing.

You need to try it.

Most of the creatures were out for food.

 

Keep moving, or else I'm hungary.

Passing through

 The Sunrise was as usual 'amazing'. I pulled into the reserve shortly after sunrise.

 There were plenty of wading birds in the marshy areas. We drove out to the Sandy Point drive.

There is a culvert running under the road that allows for a collection of water 

Here is what I believe to be an indigo bunting into the Saturday bathing scenario a bit early in the day.
There was this one isolated pool of water that was a community bath house. As this photographer approached, several of these buntings flew away. This one must have had soap in it's eyes. The bird stayed long enough to see the lens, rinse off and it was gone.

 There were several following visitors to the pool of water.

We decided to move around to see if anyone was out and about.

Moving on to the open water, this Great Blue had a frown on it's face.

 Must have been the wind.

The Geese and friends were still hanging out at the Hagerman.