I have never been much on portrait photography. I tried to do a family-style group for some very dear friends a few years ago and had a chip malfunction (only one I’ve ever had) that made me lose some precious photos that couldn’t be replaced. I still feel bad about that event. I would have nightmares if I had to shoot weddings or special events and lost the images. Too much stress for my little brain. It really doesn’t matter if I lose a bird, or critter, or even sporting events. There is always another opportunity. Usually ...

That having been said, I have been working on some images of our common birds and critters to share with you. I know duck season is open, deer season had a special hunt last week, and the Festival of Cranes by Audubon is on Nov. 7 at Sterling. That is a very important event, and I encourage all of you with any interest at all in either Sandhill or Whooping Cranes to show up and learn fascinating things about these birds and go on field trips to see them. I’m not part of the program, but I am going to personally thank Jackie Augistine and Audubon for their help with the solar panel project. Their academic and precise information was invaluable. Lots of brilliant and dedicated people put a lot of effort into that project. I am grateful to so many. You take my breath! Thanks to you all!

Have you noticed how elegant and precise the Great Bend Tribune staff is with the pictures and column in Marsh Musings? It is a joy and a pleasure for me to get to work with Susan and Linda, and I am eager every time to see what magic they work. In all the 12 years we have been at this, I have never gone over to see exactly how they lay it out for print. It might be a secret ...

In a normal trip to the Bottoms, we see a lot of the same birds and critters. There are lots of unusual things to see if you take the time to look, but we normally see the most common birds and critters most of the time. I see Jason and Hunter roaring around on their equipment or in their vehicles. They are so good at giving me tips if any odd things are in the marsh. I am grateful for their time. I still miss Gene and Kim, but they are on to better and bigger things. I would bet they make the Ducks Unlimited event a more stellar event.

Black birds, cranes, ducks, shore birds, gulls, herons, migrating species of all kinds – the Birds of the Bottoms just amaze me with their variety and numbers. Here are some images of very common birds and a frog. 

Be on high alert, for the crane factory is warming up. It won’t be long until the geese and cranes and waterfowl descend upon us! 

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.