Birding on the prairie...

 Sandhill Cranes

A couple of days ago I was out picking up bits of bale wrap on the feed grounds before Hubby went out to harrow.  The harrow breaks up the manure on the feed grounds which provides fertilizer for the soil.  As I was walking around out there, I noticed a pair of long-necked birds flying overhead that had equally long legs.  Sandhill Cranes!  I made a mental note of where they appeared to touch down, and decided after I was done picking up, I'd go find them.  I had my camera in my pocket.

  

I wish I had brought the good camera because I know I would have captured the beauty of these birds much better with it.  You can barely see a tuft of red feathers on the head of this crane.  Cranes are prairie walkers.  The whole time I was watching, they walked and walked.  I'm not sure where they were going, but I know my presence was bothering them.  They probably wanted to feed along the banks of the stock dam.

 Last night we got a good snow.  It's what we've been praying for.  The juncos were enjoying the spilled sunflower seeds in the backyard.

At the stock pond near our house, a small flotilla of Northern Shovelers were feeding on who-knows-what.  This particular stock pond is not very clean.  The ducks  put their bills into the water and sift through the stuff as they swim along.  If you click this photo, you will get a closer look.

 

We are so grateful for this wet spring snow.  It'll do a lot of good.  It's possible we could get some more yet tonight or tomorrow.  We hope so.  The birds were singing madly this morning, praising God for fresh water.  I was singing praises too.