Dakota Swamp 6
I’ve been on a couple of trips and this is really the first chance I’ve had to sit down and work on the photos I took while traveling.
This was a ghostly little swamp along Hwy 83 (not sure if it was North or South Dakota) with old snags standing guard. There was a storm rolling in from the southwest and that magical blend of intense light and dark gave the scene a surreal look.
There may be more shots of this swamp in the future.
Wilson’s Snipe
I found this fine fellow (that’s a gender assumption) a couple of weeks ago in about the same spot that I got a nice photograph last year.
I just love hearing the winnowing sound made during a display flight.
From The Sibley Guide to Birds: “Winnowing flight display of Common (reclassified as Wilson’s) Snipe is performed day or night by birds circling high in the air, then suddenly diving down at high speed. The rush of air past the outspread outer tail feathers produces a low, pulsing, whistling sound.
I’ve never been a fan of bright, sunny days – I think I’ve mentioned that before. I prefer a bit of cloud, a bit of grey, a bit of contrast.
I’ll take that piece of cake but… I’ll take the broccoli too.
CR 138 Abandoned Barn Window
Marbled Godwit
The godwits, both Marbled and Hudsonian, have been moving through the area. This was a willing model of a Marbled Godwit along the road at Long Lake NWR.
March Snowy Owl
The incredible irruption of Snowy Owls has to come to an end sometime but I was fortunate to get another glimpse in March when I caught a shot of this individual. I hope their “snow bird” vacation south was good to them; it sure was a nice winter gift for all the birders in the northern tier (and some NOT so northern) states.
I sure wish I could have gotten a better angle regarding the juxtaposition of the owl and conservation sign but, as you who take photos of birds know, you usually get one shot.
Hurd House
On our jaunt a few weekends ago we saw a historical marker sign. Taking a turn off and following the nearly deserted dirt road seemed right in line with the day. The road took us along Silver Lake WMA which was a treat in itself since it afforded me views of Common Mergansers for the first time this year. It was pretty much a deserted road. We passed two houses, one of which was deserted.
After driving for awhile and no further signs indicating where the historical site might be, I started looking at the GPS for avenues that would lead us back to a more main road. Interesting thing about North Dakota roads, they often go from paved, to dirt, to low maintenance to…wheat field. I think I’ve mentioned this before. This trip was no different in that we kept zigging and zagging. After turning around for what I hoped was the last time, I spied a most interesting structure up on a hill that had been hidden from view by our approached direction. Ahhh, the historical site!
And this is how we came upon Hurd House. Truly out in what could be considered the middle of nowhere. Well that is if you don’t count what we deemed was a calf nursery as there were many newborns laying in the grass along the side of the road and the bellowing of some soon-expectant mothers. I suppose it was a special SOME place for them!
One thing I will ALWAYS love about this area is the sense of respect and safety people have for each other and their property. The door to the house was open and while granted, there was nothing to steal, it certainly could have been an easy target for vandals. I’m glad it hadn’t suffered that fate, and I’m awfully glad the road ended in a wheat field which caused us to turn around.
This is the first time I’ve ever TRIED to incorporate lens flare in a photo. I like the effect.
Interior Shot.
Abandoned House ND Hwy 3
We went for a Saturday drive a couple of weekends ago, looking primarily for abandoned houses and ghost towns.
I’ve processed this both in color and black and white. I’d like to hear opinions as to which version you like better.
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