Solitary Sandpiper Vs. Serpent

Solitary Sandpiper Vs. Serpent, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

It was a brutal battle that the sandpiper ultimately won, but not without a clever defensive move by the serpent, trying to wiggle it's way back out of the mouth and wrapping itself around the bill to keep it closed. The maneuver almost worked, but the brute strength and hunger this sandpiper displayed could not be overcame by the challenger. It was a worthy match up, pleasing the cheering crowd of just one...me!

Goose Lake Odds N Ends

This windmill was just erected this past month. It will serve as a waterpump to keep the nearby lake from drying up. The covered wagon adds some nostagia to this prairie.







This female Red-winged Blackbird was glowing in the morning light.







I haven't seen the Common Snipe since May, so hearing their call as a flock scattered to another wet area was really cool. I wasn't sure of what the strange noises were until I checked my camera display alittle closer.








The Solitary Sandpiper was a first for me. It's a species commonly found at Goose Lake (along with the Henslow Sparrow).