Received the info about this nest today and was lucky enough to be able to locate it. Not easy to photograph.

Tags:   Great Horned Owl

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John Heinz NWR, PA

Tags:   Caspian_Tern John_Heinz_NWR Canon R6

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This is the first dark morph broad-winged hawk I've had the pleasure to see. It was almost all black except for the white banding on its tail. As I was watching it here, the hawk flew down and snatched a garter snake off the ground and flew to a different perch to eat its dinner. Unfortunately, the hawk was mostly hidden by branches in the new spot. Broad-winged hawks could theoretically nest here at Lake Meyer Park but they never have, preferring the vast Mississippi River backwater forests about 40 miles away. This broad-winged hawk likely spent the winter in Brazil.

Tags:   broad-winged hawk dark morph Lake Meyer Park Winneshiek County Iowa Larry Reis

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Dutchman's breeches is in full bloom at Lake Meyer Park now. It looks like there were lots of little fairies playing in the mud on the forest floor here last night as they've got their pants washed up and hanging out to dry today.

Tags:   Dutchman's breeches Dicentra cucullaria wildflower blooming Lake Meyer Park Winneshiek County Iowa Larry Reis

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naturesque...

Tags:   Naturesque Japanese Maple maple

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