150 miles for this

[MN Shutterbug]

I had heard that Salt Lake, about 60 miles from here, is such a good birding area. Maybe it is on a calmer day. Also, I was there in the middle of the day - not an ideal combination. The wind was really howling today. I saw a few hawks too far away, a few ducks and geese, tons of blackbirds and mucho pheasants. I can't believe how many pheasants are around that area. They're all over the place. I did walk into a neat looking wma, where I saw the hawks flying over. It's full of small evergreens, which are fairly uncommon down here. As soon as I walked in, 3 pheasants flew out, then a mourning dove, then a couple deer followed by a turkey. It almost looked like the turkey was chasing the deer. That would have made a cool shot if.... I saw almost as much wildlife in those few minutes as I did driving around 90 miles. Anyway, it is another first.

[MARINERMAGNUM]

I would say it was worth it. He's a good lookin bird! And gas is cheap!

[Traxxx]

Cool pic. Better luck hunting next time. Wildlife shots are the hardest but the most rewarding.

[Steve Foss]

It can be frustrating when the weather doesn't cooperate and when you can't get there during the best light periods, I know. But you DID get a very handsome meadowlark out of the deal!