In order to see Prairie Chicken that is found less and less each year, some states of the Plains, like Nebraska, have habitat that will allow them to breed there. It is grassland that sustains them with little interference from predators and humans. We journeyed about 20 mile NE of Grand Island on a road by the Taylor Ranch to watch their ritual at 6:30 in the morning as light showed and the dawn broke forth. It was a marvelous sight and even though we were some distance from them (300 yards) the significance was not lost. These are the Greater Prairie Chicken as there is an Endangered Lesser P.C.
were 8 in this lek that we counted. It wasmagnificent.
Here is another male jumping for joy. The ladies just watch and walk around them.
Other venues included a Boy Scout Lake where we picked up 9 species of birds and among them was the beautiful Ruddy Duck. One WMA (Wildlife management area) we sought was "under reconstruction" and it was almost impossible to recognize it as a viable wildlife area. I am sure in a few years it will be more acceptable for birds and animals. One of the better sites was a park just a few miles from the motel that is dedicated to the Mormon Trail that went through there. . There is a lake that is situated with this camping and picnic park ( a very large one) and had many waterfowl that we observed. There were Scaups, Cormorants, more Ruddy Ducks, Green Winged Teal, Shovelers, Red Headed Ducks, a Spotted Sandpiper. The surprises today were the Greater Yellowlegs, White Pelican, Tundra Goose, and a Brown Headed Cowbird. There were 32 species in all . Yesterday we counted 40 , but the sites were much better habitat and we traveled more miles to get them.
We ended the day with a stop at Ruby Tuesday for dinner and inasmuch as I am still limited ineating many foods I settled for a crab cake, baked potato and a delicious cranberry/pineapple "Berry Fresh" cooler. Ruth said the hamburger she had was the best in many years It dripped on your fingers and was a perfect 'medium rare'.
In the evening we post our pictures (some 200 tonight), label them and compile them together.
Tomorrow we will venture a distance away with a loop tour SE of Grand Island. There are some 25 sites in all and even f we don't see them all, it will be new territory and away from the Cranes and the Prairie Chicken for away. There are still many Cranes here, but they can go all at the same time when the time is ripe and their "bellies are full of corn". Catch you tomorrow.
this winter, so moisture is a severe problem. Rain is expected tomorrow evening.
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