Bird Grab Bag

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks were singing for us along a stream south of Moweaqua, Illinois.

A Scarlet Tanager in a very dark canopy on the north side of Indianapolis.

A Dickcissel sits on a Musk Thistle at Conner Prairie.

An Orchard Oriole was feeding in a White Mulberry tree along the White River at Conner Prairie.

A Summer Tanager was singing a way in an oak tree in Fayette County, Illinois.

An Indigo Bunting in the grass in Marion County, Illinois.

Kankakee Sands BioBlitz 2012

This weekend was the Kankakee Sands BioBlitz 2012 in Newton County, Indiana. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the land, learn about the flora, and spend time with other biologists. The weather was good, sunny with a breeze; the ticks and other pests weren't too bad, and tons of flowers were blooming. I didn't take near as many pictures of some of the amazing flowers as I should have, but I spent a lot of time taking notes and trying to absorb it all. Of course, I did not force myself to stay focused on only plants.

Whorled Milkweed (Asclepias verticillata) was blooming abundantly in the wetter areas of the sand prairie at Unit D.

This Carrion Beetle (aka Burying Beetle or Sexton Beetle) caught my eye while walking through the sand prairie on Friday. These insects bury the carcasses of small animals. Apparently, they can release an awful smell when picked up, but I was not chosen. I did make sure it didn't crawl up my sleeve, though. This individual is possibly Nicrophorus marginatus.

Old Plainsmen (Hymenopappus scabiosaeus) was just about done blooming on the edge of the sand blow-out.

This strange little plant was something I had never seen before. Sand Jointweed (Polygonella articulata) was blooming in the sand blow-out.

I was taken aback when I spotted these Lark Sparrows Friday evening. Since these are prairie birds, I do not think of them in Indiana. I found out later from TNC staff that they breed on site.

We found a Fowler's Toad as we were heading in for the day on Friday.

I am pretty sure that this little fellow sitting in a willow clump is an immature Orchard Oriole.

The State Endangered Henslow's Sparrow welcomed everyone to the headquarters on US41. These birds serenaded us all day long, trying to get a song in edgewise with the Grasshopper Sparrows and Dickcissels.

Lobelia spicata confused us the first day when we found several plants in fruit, but not with flowers.

Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge

A Northern Harrier watches the sunrise from his roost in the marsh.

Greater Roadrunner on top of a bluff.

Western Kingbirds were everywhere, and fairly noisy as well. Cassin's Kingbirds show up at the refuge, so I had to keep my eye on them.

A gorgeous Bullock's Oriole shows off briefly. I could hear orioles in several different trees, but I had very little luck catching glimpses of them. Of course I was also looking for Hooded Orioles.

Rock Wren

Black Phoebe

Taking my siesta in the shade beside Upper Pahranagat Lake. The day got up into the nineties, and I had gotten on the road by three, so it was nice to relax.

Last Saturday I visited Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge near Alamo, Nevada. The refuge is located in a valley on the edge of the Great Basin and Mohave Desert. The variety of habitats, including lake and wetlands attract many birds. I struck out on several birds (Verdin, Phainopepla, several different Thrashers), so I might have to go again if I get a chance.

Orchard Oriole

I had been hoping to get some good looks at some Orchard Orioles today at Fort Ben. They have such a great song and their coloring is very unique.

Orchard Oriole

Today I was working in Vermillion county, IN. The day was beautiful, I saw a box turtle, ate blackberries, raspberries, and gooseberries, I saw some turkeys, some frogs and toads, and then I got to see a pair of Orchard Orioles. I enjoy every chance to see this oriole.