Bob Karcz and I returned today after two days of shooting birds in Pawnee Buttes National Grasslands. I wanted to share a couple of shots from there but also give a report on the conditions. Yesterday we drove to the Buttes parking area. We were nearly run down by huge trucks, apparently involved in oil and gas construction work in the area. Regardless of their purpose, the drivers were aggresstive and kicked up so much dust that we were blinded for a considerable time after they passed. Dangerous!!! It was my impression that in the Buttes area, bird populations were down compared to last year. Use caution if you go to the Buttes. The west side of the Grasslands is much safer and far more serene. No trucks. Most of our images were made in that area. The campground just off Highway 14 has a lot of birds. Here is one of the many meadowlarks I photographed.
This Swainsons Hawk was flying just above me. I had my Nikkor 200-400mm lens with 1.4 teleconverter on my dandy new Nikon D800. I didn't have time to mount up on a tripod so this one was hand held. I am loving my D800, by the way.
Just curious if you had ever taken any "moon rising" shots at the Buttes? And if so, what time of year. Would seem a fall harvest moon may be a good time.
I scoped the area out for the first time a month ago and will confirm your description of the vehicle traffic. Didn't matter that it was a Sunday either.
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3 repliesI scoped the area out for the first time a month ago and will confirm your description of the vehicle traffic. Didn't matter that it was a Sunday either.