Tag: identification

  • Bittern, Herons and Egrets at Deer Flat NWR

    Bittern, Herons and Egrets at Deer Flat NWR

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    by

    Bob
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    These species are generally categorized as large “Wading Birds.” They have long legs, long necks and long stout bills for stalking and catching food in shallow water. Graceful crests and plumes adorn the heads of some species in breeding season. At Deer Flat NWR the Great Blue Heron is the most common of these species,…

  • The Eastern Fox Squirrel at Deer Flat NWR

    The Eastern Fox Squirrel at Deer Flat NWR

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    by

    Bob
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    by Bob Christensen My observations:  I have regularly observed Eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) in the riparian (or lakeside) cottonwood forests surrounding Lake Lowell.  Most often, I have watched these furry arboreal rodents scurrying along the branches and up and down the tree trunks; or perched high above while chattering their displeasure at my intrusion…

  • Raptors of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

    Raptors of Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

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    by

    Bob
    in

    by Bob Christensen Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge provides excellent habitat for a variety of raptors (predatory birds).  Two of the more abundant  raptor species on the refuge are the red-tailed hawk  and American kestrel, both which not only nest, but also are readily observed spending the winter months foraging in habitats around the perimeter…