I went to Wyoming and brought back some tenderloins, back straps, and brisket. Also, have some great burger meat (I don’t add any tallow or fat to my elk) and some great jerky. Zack shared his recipe and it turned out really good. Use good meat (not scraps or small pieces) and make 8 lbs. at a time. All the ingredients came from Town and Country here in Hoisington. I was surprised; I don’t think Randy makes jerky – but he sure has the good stuff! Brian brought his grinder and we made short order of the processing. No processors are open in Wyoming until Sept. 1.

It is quiet and hot at the Bottoms. I missed a few days while I was in Wyoming, but it is pretty solemn out there right now. I think the mosquitoes have migrated. Even pests have their limits.

I am going to try to share some birds with you that we don’t see very often or that are in such limited visible numbers because they are nocturnal or shy and stay hidden (look for the Bittern). I would even go take a drone class if it were legal to fly one. I’m glad it is forbidden; I would probably have every squawking bird in the air and that’s not good. They deserve their secret places and it is possible to see some of them if you can paddle a kayak and stay upright. Jay and Karole can, I can’t. For some reason, the seat of my pants doesn’t fit in a kayak. End of story.

The most obvious wonderful bird that visits our marsh is the Whooping Crane. When they are here. The marsh becomes almost a religious place. Those great white birds with black tips on their wings are silently stalking the marsh for food. The juveniles are somewhat orange-colored, and always catch your eye. All hunting ceases when they are in the area.

The American Bittern is one of my favorite birds. They stretch their neck up when hiding in the cattails, and become almost invisible. They are cranky, and have a terrible squawk if disturbed. They are very sure of their camo, and will sit unmoving for long periods.  

Common Moorhens are somewhat rare. I found a nest with youngsters last year but haven’t seen even an adult this year – yet. That red splash on their head is terrific! Easy to mistake them for coots.  

Sandhill cranes are fairly common and are majestic in the fields and flying formations. Sometimes it is easier to hear them than see them when they are migrating. The wind must be better at altitude. You have to be careful not to waste the silence of the marsh or you will miss these birds frequently. What a beautiful call they have when traveling. The silence is loudest when they are circling so high in the sky that you can barely see them – but you can still hear their calls. Almost puts a lump in my throat.

Scissor-tailed flycatchers are spectacular bug chasers. That long tail is a first-class rudder to turn on a dime and even intercept flying insects. I think they are related to Kingbirds – I defer to the birders who teach me these things. Hunters probably don’t make the best birders.  Curren and I can absolutely spot a hen pintail, and we don’t shoot them. That is the top of our bird-watching list. I’m not so good  on hen gadwalls and wood ducks in low light, either. We have long been watching until we are positive about harvesting the right bird. Henry is 10 and probably better at identification than his dad and me. We cherish our time with him.

This Peregrine Falcon was living the good life during the peak of the duck season. Look at that picture — he would swoop the Marsh and put ducks crashing into the water or turning on their jets. That falcon smacked that spoonbill and took it straight to the ground. I was amazed to see the duck escape and go back to the pond.

Black terns are elegant when they swoop and pick bugs off the surface of the water. They are fairly common but they have a presence in the marsh that I like.

The Black and yellow-crowned night herons are some of my other favorite birds. They hide in the reeds and walk very carefully. They precisely place their feet when walking and feeding – like a movie in slow motion.

I have some other favorites that I will share at another time. Finding these birds takes a bit of effort and is always worth it. I hope you enjoy them and I wish you the best luck in finding them. 

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.