Gary R. Soper Wildlife Photography
Female Red-winged Blackbird
March 23, 2018 – Perched on a branch amongst the cones and catkins of an Alder tree, a female Red-winged blackbird momentarily halts her search for insects as a large flock of Rusty Blackbirds suddenly and with an explosion of noise ascend from the swampy ground to the high branches of the surrounding trees.
Eastern Bluebird perched in a small tree
March 19, 2018 – A brightly colored male Eastern Bluebird perched in a small tree overlooking its’ territory appears to be taking in the warmth of the morning sun. The nesting season is here for the Eastern Bluebirds as they seek out small cavities in trees, old woodpecker holes, or a man made nesting box along a fence row. The males can be seen bringing material to a possible nest site hoping to entice the females with their excellent choice and seductive wing display. The male Bluebird is very aggressive towards other males that enter its’ territory as is the female towards other females. Soon the female Bluebird, upon excepting the offer from the male, will complete the building of a nest, selecting the right materials, and constructing the nest just the way she wants it. In about 15 days a new generation of Eastern Bluebirds will hatch into a world with many challenges.
Sandhill Cranes
March 5, 2018 – Sandhill cranes have been seen in the area for the past month as they have been working their way north. Flocks small and large can be seen in the wet areas and agricultural fields across Northern Illinois and Indiana with larger concentration south of the Kankakee river valley near Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area. It is also a good time to spot Golden eagles as they seem to follow the crane migration in both spring and fall. One was recently seen gliding low over some pine trees near the Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands prairies.
Golden Eagle near Kankakee Sands
Short-eared Owl Perched
March 9, 2018 – The light had changed on the prairie as it neared the late part of the afternoon. The sun, now in the western sky, cast a warm glow that saturated the earthy colors at the Kankakee sands. It was like a switch had been thrown when they suddenly appeared, the Short-eared owls were up and hunting! Two of the owls swooped in working together to drive away a Northern Harrier that was gliding low just above the prairie in search of its’ next meal. Two other owls could be seen perched on small bushes that stood above the tall brown grasses to the north. The irregular flight path of the hunting owls had them flying away but quick turns brought them back towards me for a fly by and then away again as they continued their search for prey. A cloud bank above the western horizon quickly narrowed the window of light needed for my camera, but a quick drive though the Nature Conservancy’s Kankakee Sands located 7 more of these remarkable owls. Swooping and banking as the light grew dim the Short-eared owls took over the evening skies at the Kankakee Sands while the Northern Harriers and Rough-legged hawks found their roosts for the night.
Short-eared Owl