Riveroflife

This guy has started drumming today; Feb. 3, 2010. Not long until they pair up and begin their courtship ritual.

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Starting last week in the snow, this pair has been singing to each other continuously; a very early sign of spring in the Ozarks. Click to enlarge. Taken Canon 1DS and Canon EF300 f/2.8 L IS lens with a 1.4 TC = 420mm f/4 IS lens.

This picture was taken last November. While tracking a Red-headed Woodpecker in the open fields at the River of Life Farm entrance, he made a leap to a nearby utility pole. They seem to be getting rare to me; used to them much more often. Canon 50D with 400mm f/5.6 L Canon lens. This is not a good photo but does show the scarlet head of the male woodpecker.

A scene I dream about. Taken on a hike in the upper field of River of Life Farm. A inspirational sunrise !! Taken Canon 1DS and EF70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens.

My first post of a Blue Jay. He was in my front yard a few days ago eating peanuts.

Good morning !!!

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I took these pics late last fall near the North Fork of the White river in an old walnut tree that had dropped all it’s leaves. The woodpecker was particularly interested in an area were a dead limb was rotting. I took these pictures from about 100 yards with an old Canon 1DS DSLR and a EF600mm f/4 IS L lens with a 2X TC making the total 1200mm lens. Not to bad for a long shot where I could not tell what bird I was shooting until I processed the pictures later in the day.

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During this cold spell, be sure to remember the birds; especially or native winter birds, including cardinals. Food and water are essential. If there is not running water nearby, a bird bath heater will do the job. Pictured are two cardinals that are cold.

The North Fork of the White at River of Life Farm, does not stay muddy or murky for long after a high water event. The day following the mud, the river takes on a clearing tone or greenish color, the third day the river appears to turn a beautiful turquoise color (as below) that last for about two days. Fishing is usually very good when the river has color. This picture is from a fall 2009 rise

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For me, it’s a tough time of the year. I like to think back to mid-May last year, driving the Ozark county ridges and watching for fields of purple and pale purple coneflowers and watching the sun come up over hayfields in the river valley and watching wildlife. I know I should appreciate the winter, but come on spring.