Day: March 7, 2012

Bayou Meto WMA

March 7, 2012
American Coot, aka the water chicken, take off as Izzie and I approach.

The Bayou Meto Brett Morgan Halowell Reservoir Waterfowl Rest Area is only 25 minutes from my house, however, this week marked the first time I have really visited it outside of work.

Passed this Northern Mockingbird on my way there.
One of the largest hawks (Red-shouldered) that I have ever seen.
Red-winged Blackbird
daffodils!
A Wood Duck paddles by.
Mourning Dove
It was a pretty day.

 

Why I love journalism

March 7, 2012
A Rafinesque's Big-eared bat that is in a state of torpor (similar to hibernation) at the top of the Arkansas Post National Memorial visitor center's entrance way.

One of the many reasons I love working at a rural newspaper is the various assignments you receive. Sure, there are several you might not want to do but there are more that you do want to cover. I absolutely love it when my job means heading out to a local park or refuge. For an ongoing project, I headed out to Arkansas Post where I was lucky enough to be the first visitor to spot the above bat. The bat’s called Arkansas Post’s visitor center home for more than a month now. I think it’s pretty cool.

However, it’s not the only wildlife I saw:

A couple of Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Blue Jays
OK, this was back at the office.
House Sparrow by my office.
Got nuts? This squirrel does.
American Coot (the water chicken)
Canada Geese
Great Egret