Arkansas Wildlife Blog and Gallery
Buffalo National River and NW Arkansas
Another day in the tank. I guess the way it is supposed to work in this oddball weather is that the elk appear and disappear alternately. This morning was unusual. Coming down the mountain from Compton I had a chance to get another couple of photos of our champion specimen of a white-winged crow.
These pictures, although crummy, do show what a magnificent creature he is. I have seen two like this one. Wildlife photographers note, this is a TROPY picture if you get it. Scan the Internet and you will not find another bird that is so symmetrical and striking. I will get this one right, in real light, before too long.
On the elk front I saw three in 5 miles. My guess is that these were either mavericks or unfortunate creatures afflicted with brain worm. The later are the elk you see most often all alone, even if there is a herd nearby. Eventually they succumb and you will observe rings of buzzards finishing them off. This happens to a few animals every year.
The water birds were evident, but the shooting conditions were just not that good. I did get a kind of haunting picture of a buzzard on a barn roof. He seemed to say "nevermore". As in, nevermore will you see any elk. Nevermore.
On the good news front, the fall color is definitely kicking in on the mountain tops. These color pictures are from atop Gaither Mountain, my home. It always happens up high first. I think we are going to have a long, vibrant color season.
These pictures, although crummy, do show what a magnificent creature he is. I have seen two like this one. Wildlife photographers note, this is a TROPY picture if you get it. Scan the Internet and you will not find another bird that is so symmetrical and striking. I will get this one right, in real light, before too long.
On the elk front I saw three in 5 miles. My guess is that these were either mavericks or unfortunate creatures afflicted with brain worm. The later are the elk you see most often all alone, even if there is a herd nearby. Eventually they succumb and you will observe rings of buzzards finishing them off. This happens to a few animals every year.
The water birds were evident, but the shooting conditions were just not that good. I did get a kind of haunting picture of a buzzard on a barn roof. He seemed to say "nevermore". As in, nevermore will you see any elk. Nevermore.
On the good news front, the fall color is definitely kicking in on the mountain tops. These color pictures are from atop Gaither Mountain, my home. It always happens up high first. I think we are going to have a long, vibrant color season.
This is one excellent specimen, the best I have ever seen anywhere. He or she lives in Ponca, and most mornings can be seen dining on squashed toads and other road kill delicacies.
Boxley Valley Update -- 8/31/08
Quoth the buzzard, never more.
Yes, this is fall color, and it is real light. In spite of appearances, I do know good light when I see it, but Boxley mornings often disappoint. The evenings are often stunning.
Oak leaves do their part for fall color.
Dogwood leaves are turning on the mountains.