Blog Archives
Lack of Grass, No
Friends, i know that these badlands look pretty stark and void of vegetation, but on the flat prairie, the grass grows green and lush in the spring when there is plenty of rain. These pronghorn girls are hanging out together and grazing in the rich areas. The boys are separate and in their own bachelor bunches. til Tomorrow MJ
On the Prairie
Friends, out on the prairie, the beautiful clouds and blue skies are really a part of the landscape. These photos were taken just hours of each other, the first early in the afternoon and the second when the thunderheads started to build before a prairie storm. I call the second, the road to rain. til Tomorrow MJ
Postcards from the Edge
Friends, today i will introduce you to the topography of the South Dakota Badlands. First a view from the top looking down into the red stripes of ocean sediments, the flat prairie lands lead into a sudden eruption of clay and mud layers , then the flat prairie leads to high mud cliffs of a consistent color and the blue sky as we look up into the badlands, til Tomorrow MJ
More Singing
Friends, this is my best meadowlark singing, I think it is the decisive moment with the feathers in motion. Those of you who have never visited the Dakotas in the spring have not learned of the spring wind that is always blowing and the meadowlarks continue to sing regardless. This one sang for us within feet of our vehicle and we listened to his cheery song. til Tomorrow MJ
Mountain Sheep
Friends, This young male Bighorn mountain sheep haunts the mud cliffs and clay banks of Badlands National Park in western South Dakota. He and a smaller brother were feeding near the road in a small patch of green, our presence disturbed them and they moved up the steep cliff and waited patiently for us to pass by. His horns will continue to grow and eventually will reach a full curl, but i think his partial curl is kind of cute. til Tomorrow MJ
The Singing Meadowlark
Friends, this Meadowlark is sitting on a small clay hill, no more than a bump on the ground. The clay has dried into a popcorn texture typical of the badlands cover. He chooses a high spot to sing his song and encourage his mate to build a nest on the ground, saying he will protect her. til Tomorrow MJ
Burro Baby
Friends, this beautiful baby is a wild burro from Custer State Park in South Dakota. His parents are not very wild anymore cause the tourists feed them and they tend to stick their heads into car windows looking for a handout. This little guy has not yet learned that trick and is still wild and shy. Custer is a great place to view wildlife and birds of the prairie areas. til Tomorrow MJ
Badlands Lark Sparrows
Friends, this lark sparrow is a cheery bird of spring in the badlands areas, they fly and flit through the spring air and show off for the females. They are found mainly west of the Mississippi river on the open prairies. His head has distinct black white and chestnut markings, til Tomorrow MJ
Pronghorn
Friends, this handsome fellow is an American Antelope or Pronghorn. The large pronged horns in front of his ears indicate that he is a male and is alert to all challengers. This particular animal was with a smaller buck and the two of them are in the image below. til Tomorrow MJ
Red – Head
Friends, this beautiful bird is a first for me, I have never seen the Red-headed Woodpecker before and at the same time being able to photograph. The image is a bit grainy but i wanted to share with my friends on WordPress. This bird was found in Custer State Park in South Dakota and along the 4 mile Creek road. til Tomorrow MJ
MJ Springett 