tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1683929977661935522024-03-21T07:12:59.346-07:00The Kansas OutbackExpressions of my obsessions with the fascinations of Natural Kansas by Ken Brunson .
All rights reserved.
KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.comBlogger184125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-47523342162194423612021-06-25T16:11:00.001-07:002021-06-25T16:12:35.425-07:00Outback Signing Out<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> <span style="color: #990000;">This will be my final post of The Kansas Outback. It's been a great joy to share pictures and stories about the amazing features of our state of which many people are unaware--especially the Red Hills where I've spent most of my life working and enjoying. It's been a little over ten years since I published my first post. I spent about the same period of time as the Red Hills Project Coordinator for The Nature Conservancy. Prior to that I was privileged to spend an incredible career with the state's wildlife agency. This encompasses nearly a half century devoted to wildlife conservation. I don't use the term "privilege" lightly even though I earned the opportunity through interest and education. A little luck didn't hurt as well. I have been rewarded by being able to follow a dream of working with nature as well as an amazing number of highly dedicated colleagues, organizations, agencies and landowners. TNC was gracious to allow me to continue the last few years as a half-time staffer, still able to enjoy working with the people and places I love. I owe much gratitude to all my colleagues, the wonderful landowners who were valued partners in conservation and especially my wife, Lee Ann, and kids and grandkids who have been part of this great adventure. Time moves on and even though I regret changes, I treasure all the memories and adventures of which I've had the pleasure to experience. I'll continue to keep my Facebook page and feature some of the same nature pictures of which frequented The Kansas Outback. But I've not been posting regular enough on the blog to justify its continuation. It doesn't mean I've lost interest in natural Kansas, just going to do more adventuring and less writing. </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkjZrHm-PKmo8A52-qzriNObf29gmDR8Jo15AWNDNe8PinCGRmjQHmXDXQ7dyLZpPSoQT_jZxnzuB5wwVGECG_C2W-_riobsb-fM3ejBP_XoW0a1VxUBKFL3YNwq-LoW5STSqkW48wXE/s2048/IMG_6671.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkjZrHm-PKmo8A52-qzriNObf29gmDR8Jo15AWNDNe8PinCGRmjQHmXDXQ7dyLZpPSoQT_jZxnzuB5wwVGECG_C2W-_riobsb-fM3ejBP_XoW0a1VxUBKFL3YNwq-LoW5STSqkW48wXE/w497-h617/IMG_6671.jpg" width="497" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>What a special privilege that the Kansas Natural Resources Conference</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>honored me with a Conservationist of the Year award and this </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>beautiful Bob Gress print of a Lesser Prairie-chicken, the species of which</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>was a major part of my professional interest through much of </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>the later part of my career. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><b>(Photo by Lee Ann Brunson)</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe15HPXXiN_oNJ-0yfpJ6tJnIvJ8rUr4iR1OsYCTwvihYJ0Cfa3YjeZxDw1gdnO9NzEmIy2KhCCBnNcJlTTnUHssrVwy_jcK5tYsHd69oLvedVFqt2k8dgVPsxPoDmYu4DYWTqk8BiV8/s2048/Kenandlpc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="661" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXe15HPXXiN_oNJ-0yfpJ6tJnIvJ8rUr4iR1OsYCTwvihYJ0Cfa3YjeZxDw1gdnO9NzEmIy2KhCCBnNcJlTTnUHssrVwy_jcK5tYsHd69oLvedVFqt2k8dgVPsxPoDmYu4DYWTqk8BiV8/w494-h661/Kenandlpc.jpg" width="494" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>I've had many joys in my careers but few so rewarding</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>as working on programs to conserve the Lesser Prairie-chicken.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><b>(Photo by Jonathan Lautenbach)</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #990000;"> So it's time to move on into a new episode of life to continue to be filled with nature, music, grandkids and friends. Thanks to all who took interest in The Kansas Outback. Signing out... </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Ken Brunson</span></b></div><br /> <p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-78088678144193487812021-04-20T09:03:00.003-07:002021-04-20T09:03:56.167-07:00 Landscape-8th and last in a series of the Eight Natural Wonders of the Red Hills (Repost)<p> <b style="color: #990000; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">Called the Gyp Hills towards the eastern portion and the Red Hills further west, this special landscape exhibits the antithesis to the common perception of a flat Kansas--not that there's anything bad about that though! But this two million acre area of southcentral-southwest Kansas portrays scenes of beauty rarely matched anywhere. Harboring the second largest intact prairie in Kansas, the mixed-grass, this landscape harbors a corresponding complement of unique plant and animal species. Natural resource experts have labeled the Red Hills as the second most important biological Kansas ecosystem as well, second only to the vast Tallgrass Prairie in the eastern part of the state and into northern Oklahoma. The Red Hills region boasts clear, spring-fed streams, bountiful white-tailed deer, cougars, Lesser prairie-chickens, spectacular wildflower displays, caves with bats, unique geological features, fossils of the Cretaceous seas of 100 million years ago and amazing scenery--all featured in earlier Natural Wonders of the Red Hills in this blog. Without further justification, let the pictures tell the story which presents the "landscape" as the 8th and perhaps the most definitive Natural Wonder feature of the Red Hills. Gyp Hills or Red Hills--my easy way to characterize the naming conundrum is that if gyp is showing, it's the Gyp Hills; otherwise "Red Hills" suffices well and is typically the name applied to the greater area typically known for the canyons, rolling hills, intact grasslands and special features of this Land of Enchantment.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QJCw-AD_TRI_AtQnW32Ng57UUr_Z_ACmNG53oQFUFz6MjIK8US8jKmIIkrNR2FExL_QLXbNAkCtEQNWxfBp_CpkVdAQ9QobkJO7woGH0-5AzhjAMvVr_VGjVu7MuBuTMd_w0RF3Ms48/s1600/Bear+Creek+ridge+%25283%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6QJCw-AD_TRI_AtQnW32Ng57UUr_Z_ACmNG53oQFUFz6MjIK8US8jKmIIkrNR2FExL_QLXbNAkCtEQNWxfBp_CpkVdAQ9QobkJO7woGH0-5AzhjAMvVr_VGjVu7MuBuTMd_w0RF3Ms48/s640/Bear+Creek+ridge+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Bear Creek Ridge greets the fortunate visitor just South<br />of Sun City, Barber County. In the fall, Sand Lily dresses up the prairie.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWud7SeekrZjdpHi2B8YFQXsUTTA7dVH0reBldSCWvKtW3sSdr03747cjZ80e-p4gxefVHcH2DQDw4NbdV03J0rcUdqrDhkAcinAQK9Kz0b8sAiFk_JMwC_RwOAfRjx1NwNxhg2lD3GM8/s1600/foggy+flowerpot.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWud7SeekrZjdpHi2B8YFQXsUTTA7dVH0reBldSCWvKtW3sSdr03747cjZ80e-p4gxefVHcH2DQDw4NbdV03J0rcUdqrDhkAcinAQK9Kz0b8sAiFk_JMwC_RwOAfRjx1NwNxhg2lD3GM8/s400/foggy+flowerpot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The most iconic feature of the Red Hills<br />is Flower Pot Mountain, here shrouded in morning fog.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7dXQjc41WadkOh-81esJO28YkyK2o3HQENk8TmK8AnQdxTjvXDLWb7jBFgWCp_xAisAlScHvdhkOSdW-FDLxoPRuRv0AMQkGY5_lo8IIEuTzbQ6tMt0BEyzLNwJMsABAZCRED8Jrko0/s1600/Swartz+Gyp+ridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7dXQjc41WadkOh-81esJO28YkyK2o3HQENk8TmK8AnQdxTjvXDLWb7jBFgWCp_xAisAlScHvdhkOSdW-FDLxoPRuRv0AMQkGY5_lo8IIEuTzbQ6tMt0BEyzLNwJMsABAZCRED8Jrko0/s400/Swartz+Gyp+ridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Big Swartz Canyon in southeast Comanche County<br />ranks at the top of unique geologic and biologic features<br />in the Red Hills. Numerous caves are found here because<br />of the solubility of the whitish gypsum. This particular series<br />of gyp outcrops, ridges, caves and unique plants and animals<br />probably deserves special recognition by its own right as<br />a special natural wonder of not only the Red Hills but for<br />Kansas and this part of the Great Plains.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTg13MV-15zVbZDOr6GusAT4Q6yqE_RQwr9JWQd8jcTDl_ysvN_xRHX6FKFDZZ6SBq2VF2IidnuDx05OzEx0PnrmVczVhaFR2Fij25c4Im3rJWa4Q3hWZPTfq-jofXH2Y32W4YJHMDI0/s1600/Swartz+Mound.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTg13MV-15zVbZDOr6GusAT4Q6yqE_RQwr9JWQd8jcTDl_ysvN_xRHX6FKFDZZ6SBq2VF2IidnuDx05OzEx0PnrmVczVhaFR2Fij25c4Im3rJWa4Q3hWZPTfq-jofXH2Y32W4YJHMDI0/s400/Swartz+Mound.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The mouth of Big Swartz Canyon features Swartz Mound (middle pointed<br />feature). Mr. Swartz supposedly had a trading post here in the late<br />19th century servicing local pioneers and settlers as well as an alternate<br />route from the Ft. Zarah to Ft. Supply trail. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1gr67XLFyf_v-1R2RwxvwVx49FS6c3Pxgja4oUZTQVMXIqdIef5Lq99fOXJF-nafjWl4uUPOonBNQkcJx6jOdlAsK2HVR88rWlSzVwPgbpuPOmpbIEX06TELbk01G0opTLq0YziCVPM/s1600/Ballot+Ranch_edited-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1gr67XLFyf_v-1R2RwxvwVx49FS6c3Pxgja4oUZTQVMXIqdIef5Lq99fOXJF-nafjWl4uUPOonBNQkcJx6jOdlAsK2HVR88rWlSzVwPgbpuPOmpbIEX06TELbk01G0opTLq0YziCVPM/s400/Ballot+Ranch_edited-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The incised canyons of southwest Barber County exhibit<br />the characteristic Blaine Formation layer of gypsum.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbvZypfS6qZ1rxt6h57zr2WToTbwGEdXcY2bIa0JTiKLkBJaJ61bWcTyWR8SXcc52t5rH9cQTE5a-vdrWtT2Tt1G7BIYaZN13eLvsm-Hy-MCoCyK5-LXEHSvNYvGrELcT18yDMG0ADYU/s1600/Bear+Creek+cattle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbvZypfS6qZ1rxt6h57zr2WToTbwGEdXcY2bIa0JTiKLkBJaJ61bWcTyWR8SXcc52t5rH9cQTE5a-vdrWtT2Tt1G7BIYaZN13eLvsm-Hy-MCoCyK5-LXEHSvNYvGrELcT18yDMG0ADYU/s400/Bear+Creek+cattle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Livestock is an integral and very important aspect to<br />the Red Hills forming a critical relationship<br />between well-managed grazed range and a healthy landscape.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoZtrnKprL8Q0oB1dhGPWF54nnRrtLeKPqpRuqM2yZSK4YsiJ8fg26dy5ZCEao02cSqlOZmUplVziL_sBR5hXiYi5i0hwD4kAymcHj__XzdGy8hEgVA-kXyYTid-6sBKm9tbSiQ8ieVQ/s1600/Big+Round+Cap.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAoZtrnKprL8Q0oB1dhGPWF54nnRrtLeKPqpRuqM2yZSK4YsiJ8fg26dy5ZCEao02cSqlOZmUplVziL_sBR5hXiYi5i0hwD4kAymcHj__XzdGy8hEgVA-kXyYTid-6sBKm9tbSiQ8ieVQ/s400/Big+Round+Cap.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Big Round Cap is a treasured capstone on the eastern edge<br />of the Red (Gyp) Hills. Being closer to Medicine Lodge, one<br />must be careful to use the Gyp Hills moniker which is<br />the more common name used in these parts.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUHC6SzMprL5StS1Iza97kOs73aTdSYZOHGJVC_2nFkDU5X-XK5ZB7eoxJrgl2-nr-spHjNe5om7wBWfTBpKbxk4Goh49u1_oaQ-I1fPjtDJTOhSPnbA54s0HKeCdLfscnGKFwhTmpDE/s1600/cheyenne+sandstone.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUHC6SzMprL5StS1Iza97kOs73aTdSYZOHGJVC_2nFkDU5X-XK5ZB7eoxJrgl2-nr-spHjNe5om7wBWfTBpKbxk4Goh49u1_oaQ-I1fPjtDJTOhSPnbA54s0HKeCdLfscnGKFwhTmpDE/s400/cheyenne+sandstone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Cheyenne sandstone sports colorful lichens with a foreground<br />of Prairie Gaillardia in a beautiful area in southeast Kiowa County.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_EpTG_-gJPlsZvs1_bzHU9obvIOSR7T9m0dZ5QcS4yxHF66seC_WgqXXYm6uylqdMPA6u6opL639D0MEX4xOCakhTs4do_NCk7_IfIxVP7vmZGbzhukUZRMdzj1EgotVzhaeE2xT1ks/s1600/Clark+Co_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju_EpTG_-gJPlsZvs1_bzHU9obvIOSR7T9m0dZ5QcS4yxHF66seC_WgqXXYm6uylqdMPA6u6opL639D0MEX4xOCakhTs4do_NCk7_IfIxVP7vmZGbzhukUZRMdzj1EgotVzhaeE2xT1ks/s400/Clark+Co_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">After several years of drought, the Red Hills explode in<br />green beauty in this part of western Clark County. While<br /> called Gyp Hills further east, here they are<br />specifically called "Red Hills."<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4KN5M61Cqt14mgKerigSDxyyrpBMkIV-gFyfECIRb1ZFDehW7NL9s2-fsW8FYb8ZkStK3g7vGJZuKwJ-GnQnGp9-c6pYxnu6DjTMk6DwazUlYTW17S7LLpgCF_cDURo33T65rbZQtSA/s400/Pond+reflection.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A butte on the eastern edge of the Red (Gyp) Hills reflects<br />through fog in one of the many ponds characteristic of this landscape.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYrS-DuVeNahVaA_KKL1SjXaxNUW6o766Ru6SB2Ptg4lwX5O0_Zw-0IWNsD0Egm49bPAM2nAHDLD9rtLS2XUKSBG9RR6yyZ6QxWlPtUAxhSPJfp9Cc9C_Oedzlz2sWLr2rVQuHV74OEI/s1600/sumac+and+M+Lodge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYrS-DuVeNahVaA_KKL1SjXaxNUW6o766Ru6SB2Ptg4lwX5O0_Zw-0IWNsD0Egm49bPAM2nAHDLD9rtLS2XUKSBG9RR6yyZ6QxWlPtUAxhSPJfp9Cc9C_Oedzlz2sWLr2rVQuHV74OEI/s400/sumac+and+M+Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A little bit of gyp, a splash of smooth sumac, with a backdrop of<br />rolling hills and the small town of Medicine Lodge adorn this image.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3zl4gMP9ms2SU6n4Mc2fh-eS5YjylLsZxNhSM7gNc8pzSRLvm4SrgyGsw3dhqzilfmgE8yWKybi75CBYkr_-wL8MR0VlyW98a7Xf8KkUbnLy5Tm01hBOlb8HAfTR-rw-AOyw3YWW0_8/s1600/SaltForkValley1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3zl4gMP9ms2SU6n4Mc2fh-eS5YjylLsZxNhSM7gNc8pzSRLvm4SrgyGsw3dhqzilfmgE8yWKybi75CBYkr_-wL8MR0VlyW98a7Xf8KkUbnLy5Tm01hBOlb8HAfTR-rw-AOyw3YWW0_8/s400/SaltForkValley1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Morning fog shrouds the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River valley<br />in southwest Barber County.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhjgzGMYACnQdW4ULSD_gkmkJOc6265wZ6FRNUKSnidRRPY4L6c65FfO35IOVJec41LhWt0Pk_ezMIRq0usvUzfDt1sBg5qzDDa1q7PmHieHQHdXUHLMZ28Fnqf-rBjYb5KHqi_ufze4/s1600/sumac+on+gypsum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhjgzGMYACnQdW4ULSD_gkmkJOc6265wZ6FRNUKSnidRRPY4L6c65FfO35IOVJec41LhWt0Pk_ezMIRq0usvUzfDt1sBg5qzDDa1q7PmHieHQHdXUHLMZ28Fnqf-rBjYb5KHqi_ufze4/s400/sumac+on+gypsum.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The fall colors of sumac with still-green leaves against<br />the contrasting gypsum layer accent any images.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xX3g9zrmjp3SrzFYP3yOJ69rTwLSj-iqSg5osPhHjXeo8T7MMYxI74xgWcZdHSWelIK69cUQRIwGkvZKdcnSJF7ImF1z3rLt55wMXiB2o1JeaQlCThmIkKU0woWNKx9HG5LiXCCWJ64/s1600/Dugan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xX3g9zrmjp3SrzFYP3yOJ69rTwLSj-iqSg5osPhHjXeo8T7MMYxI74xgWcZdHSWelIK69cUQRIwGkvZKdcnSJF7ImF1z3rLt55wMXiB2o1JeaQlCThmIkKU0woWNKx9HG5LiXCCWJ64/s400/Dugan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">A landowner and resource specialist admire the<br />positive effects of the Anderson Creek Wildfire occurring<br />in March of 2016 and review benefits from prior cedar<br />cutting efforts performed by the rancher.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGKODIDnNScqafPQFLuoTPthVizYnw8ogph1AgOIOUpvFfadLaOBIQXN1f6cUiRZsIe-hHZccse4QXdNuo9MDTrM6PyAR-GX6V1oLic-6_1jEpo0vOmeAbIwOlgbOvbO2OLHFV8_uib0/s1600/wide+east+canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGKODIDnNScqafPQFLuoTPthVizYnw8ogph1AgOIOUpvFfadLaOBIQXN1f6cUiRZsIe-hHZccse4QXdNuo9MDTrM6PyAR-GX6V1oLic-6_1jEpo0vOmeAbIwOlgbOvbO2OLHFV8_uib0/s400/wide+east+canyon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">The escarpment from the eastern plateau of the<br /> Red (Gyp) Hills is one of the<br />most picturesque features of this Land of Enchantment.<br /><br /><br /><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><b><span style="color: blue;"><i>The eight natural wonders of the Red Hills:</i></span></b></b><br /><b style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: blue;">St. Jacob's Well, Caves, Wildflowers, Grasslands, Wildlife, Fossils, Streams, and the Landscape.<br /><br /></span></i></b></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-18784945972734410242021-02-05T07:55:00.003-08:002021-02-05T07:55:27.719-08:00Fossils--6th in a series of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills (reposted)<p> <b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> "The work of a lifetime lies within the hills surrounding the valley...Fortunate will he be who in this region devotes himself to the task of learning nature's secrets." C. N. Gould. Thus was the pronouncement of Gould in an article published in the Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science in 1898 about the area of the Red Hills in southeast Kiowa County. Yes, well over a hundred years ago, paleontologists were well aware of and deeply entrenched in prospecting for fossils in the Red Hills. While the Niobrara Chalk of western Kansas is much better known for its rich and more famous fossils brought to the world stage by members of the Sternberg family, the older geologic layers in portions of the Red Hills yield great paleontological bounty. </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> A hundred million years ago, this area of the central Great Plains was covered by the Western Interior Sea. Areas which show the dark Kiowa shale at the lower portion of these Cretaceous age deposits were part of the relatively shallow part of this ocean. Thus, the layers of rocks and shale are rich in invertebrate fossils indicative of shallower waters. This testimony is presented by many clam, snail and oyster species found encased or loose in various formations. However, occasionally some vertebrates such as turtles, alligators, sharks and plesiosaurs show up. Plant and insect impressions have also been noted for the region. (During intermediate times when dry land existed between oceans.) While this rich natural history is ancient, it is significant enough to garner a spot among the Red Hills top eight natural wonders. Some of the amazing fascinations of this land of enchantment are revealed in subtle ways, hidden in the rocks and sediments from eons of time gone by to be discovered by current day naturalists.</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMAN8tcwb_SJSQ1eXmvGU8BNKip4ZaBrItpIWdpqHZbz93DEXo5Ek-ngFt9Jt9CU3Wz5bf3TDbw4pGLTXIv-s9eYnrnH62pRGqjHp4W1uISXx6QwMyxa0IBiE8XcEuvBQWCyjti5zub8/s1600/IMG_5293_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMAN8tcwb_SJSQ1eXmvGU8BNKip4ZaBrItpIWdpqHZbz93DEXo5Ek-ngFt9Jt9CU3Wz5bf3TDbw4pGLTXIv-s9eYnrnH62pRGqjHp4W1uISXx6QwMyxa0IBiE8XcEuvBQWCyjti5zub8/s640/IMG_5293_1.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A vertebrae once sported by a plesiousaur in the Western Interior Sea<br />was preserved only to be found by a very lucky amateur geologist<br />around a hundred million years after the animal suffered its demise.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ6ujxulbCc5kdO9mw66czOjgwoCfv7YKG-ONuqXwxw_SdVDyN5i2LnAsfMKEK2F7TJn0dFztG5QFtQ9zK3H0udDznXhzvHiUbcVaHb8m7z8eg54EtRWGc3ewvxIyU8IZ1FYdZ7y3Sno/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQ6ujxulbCc5kdO9mw66czOjgwoCfv7YKG-ONuqXwxw_SdVDyN5i2LnAsfMKEK2F7TJn0dFztG5QFtQ9zK3H0udDznXhzvHiUbcVaHb8m7z8eg54EtRWGc3ewvxIyU8IZ1FYdZ7y3Sno/s400/images.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Plesiosaurs similar to this depiction roamed the Western Interior Sea<br />throughout the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic. They are among</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><b>a number of reptilian sea monsters of the day.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvv5Slyi7vl_3mNKvE7f5gbjc7vAmdQ-9tV3legDViWFDIsVC5Xkv0TL5WbK6xYyQjR9MO1VhMlFq4FqK2HHmN-kyw0KObvtncaBaMnfnPhK17me7SPlu972wfKGINjyRWuFifdxFgtE/s1600/IMG_0513_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvv5Slyi7vl_3mNKvE7f5gbjc7vAmdQ-9tV3legDViWFDIsVC5Xkv0TL5WbK6xYyQjR9MO1VhMlFq4FqK2HHmN-kyw0KObvtncaBaMnfnPhK17me7SPlu972wfKGINjyRWuFifdxFgtE/s400/IMG_0513_1.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Dr. Reese Barrick, Director of the Sternberg Museum, Hays, Kansas<br />along with Mike Everhart, Adjunct Paleontologist and Curator<br />for the Sternberg Museum, poke around the Kiowa Shale of the Red Hills.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZnI68NZXyNUrxQgaDacaU4stkmK7MREl0a-IJoqzcb73Hcdvi9-afakdpBVHbmuwJBlLPgPQ8v3ElX3CvNNFmj8zX6VmA1jB85tNep1MHipYwSixwTc-08BVI0fLrMuK_erjCFjjAMc/s1600/IMG_2752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvZnI68NZXyNUrxQgaDacaU4stkmK7MREl0a-IJoqzcb73Hcdvi9-afakdpBVHbmuwJBlLPgPQ8v3ElX3CvNNFmj8zX6VmA1jB85tNep1MHipYwSixwTc-08BVI0fLrMuK_erjCFjjAMc/s400/IMG_2752.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Ammonites are extinct mollusks which were very prominent in the<br />Mesozoic seas. See the picture below but think modern day Nautilus.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixH9aViOBb7oMwnQjz9Tj9MUARze6IG6Q6OH_6U227k3Sjk7k5LUzQSYk89GbWTTvsd5B9kBAE6Ceo5I4L0HW0LuoER3LorTkQm4DMzIUoWS7fS9Rw02FDl1HSyZwS09l-nN3o8i2Zwo/s1600/search.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixH9aViOBb7oMwnQjz9Tj9MUARze6IG6Q6OH_6U227k3Sjk7k5LUzQSYk89GbWTTvsd5B9kBAE6Ceo5I4L0HW0LuoER3LorTkQm4DMzIUoWS7fS9Rw02FDl1HSyZwS09l-nN3o8i2Zwo/s320/search.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Similar to our modern day Nautilus, ammonites<br />were varied and very numerous in ancient times.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-H526RUpgu3bEQtQmZlgUTLelNN3wH_UoPENDMo6bYH56FckoJHkbHa-aEr55k52eMLSmOC21_r9Cr1sIe3Dnaud6lRo15TOfTWeYAP762-z1PPPnmoQueaJRbPSrPAO2Yw6NwXy-WE/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid-H526RUpgu3bEQtQmZlgUTLelNN3wH_UoPENDMo6bYH56FckoJHkbHa-aEr55k52eMLSmOC21_r9Cr1sIe3Dnaud6lRo15TOfTWeYAP762-z1PPPnmoQueaJRbPSrPAO2Yw6NwXy-WE/s320/IMG_3765.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Typically, only impressions of the ammonite shells<br />are found either embedded in rock or sometimes unassociated.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rgp8PXs2GQ-bFDpn-pc6vLqKXQ9vMueg_59PN_V1Ghq26dvA_lOh6JQCNhD3EA1esgPWfxAEqb3HYibrpEhyH9g1UGDnWRWssefTKu1Xv130qtTG37SDbG4SN2iLYwr4ULpqz2cmMd0/s1600/IMG_8925_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rgp8PXs2GQ-bFDpn-pc6vLqKXQ9vMueg_59PN_V1Ghq26dvA_lOh6JQCNhD3EA1esgPWfxAEqb3HYibrpEhyH9g1UGDnWRWssefTKu1Xv130qtTG37SDbG4SN2iLYwr4ULpqz2cmMd0/s640/IMG_8925_1.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Occasionally, fish fossils such as the vertebrae in the upper part of<br />this conglomerate are found.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DwzhgVxteNPrYYFcubuSalYMuobnDlztVcpn-qpwLjOeO5DA835bMJOdA4RHSt9WcFYyh8kM7sII0ZyydR_43QQf8vmMFUztQzubTj7enAxyRS3WbRDFudT1J2J_9XJsQt_NkrjvDfk/s1600/_MG_7222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DwzhgVxteNPrYYFcubuSalYMuobnDlztVcpn-qpwLjOeO5DA835bMJOdA4RHSt9WcFYyh8kM7sII0ZyydR_43QQf8vmMFUztQzubTj7enAxyRS3WbRDFudT1J2J_9XJsQt_NkrjvDfk/s400/_MG_7222.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Fossil wood such as this ancient tree stump are<br />seen in some spots. Other plant parts, such as leaves<br />have been noted in some of these older Cretaceous layers.</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: small;">This specimen perhaps was from an older time, the Permian.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QN0bmEgJIF11X5gQRgwvWSEOmKtap0b3SRnYUeoV6j-ilf7Q-QUWSgrSYIKR0V2dAJcDKiNgf383hbZHIVZs11PVUmBAxl3DpKesAHBlJk9yRGDa8itmiRqZKLfRZnvsikstD_fATHg/s1600/Imbedded+tooth_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QN0bmEgJIF11X5gQRgwvWSEOmKtap0b3SRnYUeoV6j-ilf7Q-QUWSgrSYIKR0V2dAJcDKiNgf383hbZHIVZs11PVUmBAxl3DpKesAHBlJk9yRGDa8itmiRqZKLfRZnvsikstD_fATHg/s400/Imbedded+tooth_edited-1.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> An occasional shark's tooth (see inset) can be found<br />either loosely but<br /> also often embedded in a conglomerate of<br />rock with fossil invertebrates.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuG7MHIWHoH_fQqwrlu_whaDRxj8mkSJKitdTUM_gsAn4bNET1zwlZ65ubteuEoHsqIWOmS4KXKQUqD5gMKARr2O9e38ZYP-rJLl6qZ_xNp_IusY9Q4h0oGyj4D1zQy3QOe0OhDGegz8/s1600/oyster_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOuG7MHIWHoH_fQqwrlu_whaDRxj8mkSJKitdTUM_gsAn4bNET1zwlZ65ubteuEoHsqIWOmS4KXKQUqD5gMKARr2O9e38ZYP-rJLl6qZ_xNp_IusY9Q4h0oGyj4D1zQy3QOe0OhDGegz8/s320/oyster_edited-1.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Oysters were common in the ancient sea of the Red Hills.<br />This one is known as the "Devils Toe."</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNfz9im9G9S7BcMfrR_3ragrbung2Uh-7M-0xdjzh8VtQgd6FMG6nTK285dI7G8nlsSpMdzKQDq3tUU0nvTXgkM3tzjBca1b4cQ7GgToqPdy7Se_KpeYOkv4PXVrSstGOWrtM3EjIHm0/s1600/clams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNfz9im9G9S7BcMfrR_3ragrbung2Uh-7M-0xdjzh8VtQgd6FMG6nTK285dI7G8nlsSpMdzKQDq3tUU0nvTXgkM3tzjBca1b4cQ7GgToqPdy7Se_KpeYOkv4PXVrSstGOWrtM3EjIHm0/s320/clams.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Clams, also a bivalve similar to oysters, are found<br />in the fossilized muds from the ancient sea.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuheJtb2ndEPXZUj5SN79zcD6V1FVvrjfF1lX3eG23s2ZWpBA8BGh0dAr_rn4AvTTae2iwe3b1Up9OL47TJxbRAyNkT3lk4QFnhv-iWvf27vtRYudbR-fFIHt7Q1B0ImQBgKjrtIkgpc/s1600/shellrock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #d52a33; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNuheJtb2ndEPXZUj5SN79zcD6V1FVvrjfF1lX3eG23s2ZWpBA8BGh0dAr_rn4AvTTae2iwe3b1Up9OL47TJxbRAyNkT3lk4QFnhv-iWvf27vtRYudbR-fFIHt7Q1B0ImQBgKjrtIkgpc/s640/shellrock.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Locals call this "Shell Rock" for obvious reasons. Some layers in Kiowa Shale<br />are made up of solid masses of shells of oysters, clams and snails. This conveys<br />clear evidence of the tremendous populations of these animals in the shallows<br />of these old waters.</span></b><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><u>For some more amazing pictures, accounts and information about Cretaceous fossils in Kansas, see Mike Everhart's incredible website: oceansofkansas.com</u></span></b></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-35620108088240419232021-01-19T11:15:00.001-08:002021-01-19T11:15:11.184-08:00Wildlife--5th in the series of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills (reposted)<p> <b style="color: blue; font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">There are so many iconic wildlife species from which to choose to represent this category. But, I would be completely remiss if wildlife of the Red Hills was not recognized as something very special and deserving of being on this list. While recognizing so many possibilities, this is a selection of some of the most beautiful, interesting, popular, creepy and fascinating animals that call the Red Hills home. There are very few, if any, places in the state where all of these particular animals can be found. A trip through the "hills" at the right time of year could yield any number of these incredible creatures. </b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxXAyIbhZGoOnJOIfOshc-FCVMTxIWpn6E1ff8AWSRJCeHl5ytIAnBS60wONtirTBb-_mdwjf9NzmQPXHU44jMCTLXDwlsyThSKqYTtDWsvliuq5oPxTiqy-tFcGW-wGL2xcf-lwVKsA/s1600/PBsinging1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxXAyIbhZGoOnJOIfOshc-FCVMTxIWpn6E1ff8AWSRJCeHl5ytIAnBS60wONtirTBb-_mdwjf9NzmQPXHU44jMCTLXDwlsyThSKqYTtDWsvliuq5oPxTiqy-tFcGW-wGL2xcf-lwVKsA/s640/PBsinging1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>Painted Buntings are a fairly common summer </b></span><br /><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b>resident in the Red Hills.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AGTlZRvMIhcvxee1F8QDB1GSHCrBNwUurn5oIMI_zh6aaV-BwPHPAcqioUK_MD1xhrlLKjevMzHWjhcqkARm9ntoMK6cZC9Y3CJPxy6n1eAvFDtklpvqcK42OROqcKyVyG4sXp3vbEA/s1600/Big-eared+bats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AGTlZRvMIhcvxee1F8QDB1GSHCrBNwUurn5oIMI_zh6aaV-BwPHPAcqioUK_MD1xhrlLKjevMzHWjhcqkARm9ntoMK6cZC9Y3CJPxy6n1eAvFDtklpvqcK42OROqcKyVyG4sXp3vbEA/s400/Big-eared+bats.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b>Big-eared Bats are fairly common in various <br />caves and old buildings in the Red Hills.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX7uwH7pRA-Yy5_ArDreo3JEaDiqpNm4t3dkG1AT4jRR-n90RBb3WFN_n2Q93F4vWWRCctib6MYP5tWSdXeX6Et-ULV-v5EGC1nKVRU4HmnA2KKnfOByoaf8k-L7AM-96v7oiFGVN6kI/s1600/Bison.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYX7uwH7pRA-Yy5_ArDreo3JEaDiqpNm4t3dkG1AT4jRR-n90RBb3WFN_n2Q93F4vWWRCctib6MYP5tWSdXeX6Et-ULV-v5EGC1nKVRU4HmnA2KKnfOByoaf8k-L7AM-96v7oiFGVN6kI/s640/Bison.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>Bison are found at several ranches </b></span><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>in the Red Hills. </b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: small;"><b>One of the largest herds<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span><b style="color: orange;">is on </b><b style="color: orange;">the Z-bar Ranch in </b></span></div><div><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>Southwest Barber County.</b></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUEUPm8xLG2uRS5rGOh79_Dwhaq0YpbpsJfEPRqViEVEKirNOHbracVG1qThjP1JlAYGntXFtgMDUb3AqByTHA_0iKQ96R3PoUe4kMc7z95n1FVGH6Zw0-XX-70vQcadOMAPu2rEGhgk/s1600/P_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUEUPm8xLG2uRS5rGOh79_Dwhaq0YpbpsJfEPRqViEVEKirNOHbracVG1qThjP1JlAYGntXFtgMDUb3AqByTHA_0iKQ96R3PoUe4kMc7z95n1FVGH6Zw0-XX-70vQcadOMAPu2rEGhgk/s400/P_edited-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b>Watch out for Prairie Rattlesnakes. <br />They add to the wildness of the Red Hills</b></span><b style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><b style="text-align: center;">.</b></b><br /><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWygYpLG2ZAjUuIevnDVEEeckjs5Tdnwj8St8lcz4YCQiJPVJi6IGG9-cMYLSHJj0BysgnxoJHeyZ-Wykraigq0FQN9Qhyphenhyphenl8gXRrmjAh9WLE5XlxEJjd3jX5VVw2vNZd4vcGdZjq99ig/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWygYpLG2ZAjUuIevnDVEEeckjs5Tdnwj8St8lcz4YCQiJPVJi6IGG9-cMYLSHJj0BysgnxoJHeyZ-Wykraigq0FQN9Qhyphenhyphenl8gXRrmjAh9WLE5XlxEJjd3jX5VVw2vNZd4vcGdZjq99ig/s640/IMG_5153.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #444444;">Watch for Eastern Collared Lizards. <br />They can bite pretty hard!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIkDUAVjO-Kru-b7G8kJxCD0Xb4mXy-DvT88GsWg2uPvwD6F-DhY-JobBElPUAfSCnnWPsQxOX1ADxhSgP6cQYpvbuVxuCZev84OYNoB7eUhkEmG4DaCqxMp5MclOGIX-rsVNGHEWXzg/s1600/RRCloseup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: purple;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsIkDUAVjO-Kru-b7G8kJxCD0Xb4mXy-DvT88GsWg2uPvwD6F-DhY-JobBElPUAfSCnnWPsQxOX1ADxhSgP6cQYpvbuVxuCZev84OYNoB7eUhkEmG4DaCqxMp5MclOGIX-rsVNGHEWXzg/s400/RRCloseup.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>The list would not be complete without the <br />Greater Roadrunner, very commonly seen here.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S6FtS-hi-qyJKHATUAzlaIDmWPT_hoVimCOs1gUv33jS0n_mN-DkXT_k0DjK6hW_cmhM2Jqd7xw6Y3jcGBdmuxBYh4fPAjveC4tzRGZcc_-lvdiFyU-gqkaX9QSjh8a8NuoMhx5sMZA/s1600/Pronghorn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0S6FtS-hi-qyJKHATUAzlaIDmWPT_hoVimCOs1gUv33jS0n_mN-DkXT_k0DjK6hW_cmhM2Jqd7xw6Y3jcGBdmuxBYh4fPAjveC4tzRGZcc_-lvdiFyU-gqkaX9QSjh8a8NuoMhx5sMZA/s640/Pronghorn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>There are some small herds of Pronghorn<br /> in the Red Hills region.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNjDLBDAJVJJxbx3uU6EilIVxgnBMmnc2n2v8H5ixVGjmZlwSTdZC9YTRAVIGQlwxAgPJ5oiUM8wcp3NswzXFKJEt9XX28Hhn-eKPB-T78sA2ZGnj6l9AzO-YbQh5jPkAx3CsBwEkkFs/s1600/Tarantula+on+red+dirt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqNjDLBDAJVJJxbx3uU6EilIVxgnBMmnc2n2v8H5ixVGjmZlwSTdZC9YTRAVIGQlwxAgPJ5oiUM8wcp3NswzXFKJEt9XX28Hhn-eKPB-T78sA2ZGnj6l9AzO-YbQh5jPkAx3CsBwEkkFs/s400/Tarantula+on+red+dirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>The Texas Brown Tarantula is common <br />and often seen during migrations in the <br />spring and fall. Otherwise, look under rocks.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZA3T5-kaDxHf13BCr7uT6OmFN63mTbUI_35myIH2KixUqxOGlUVLQgVPTrS3juur-El4TI_z16A0YFXh4moTyA20wIHVuTrqVVf2H-QyKM4NaIQu2grvtzlMssSwUuzWsGCOBVI5ztY/s1600/Velvet+buck1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZA3T5-kaDxHf13BCr7uT6OmFN63mTbUI_35myIH2KixUqxOGlUVLQgVPTrS3juur-El4TI_z16A0YFXh4moTyA20wIHVuTrqVVf2H-QyKM4NaIQu2grvtzlMssSwUuzWsGCOBVI5ztY/s640/Velvet+buck1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: #274e13; font-size: large;"><b>And of course, White-tailed Deer--lots of em.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUEUPm8xLG2uRS5rGOh79_Dwhaq0YpbpsJfEPRqViEVEKirNOHbracVG1qThjP1JlAYGntXFtgMDUb3AqByTHA_0iKQ96R3PoUe4kMc7z95n1FVGH6Zw0-XX-70vQcadOMAPu2rEGhgk/s1600/P_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPUEUPm8xLG2uRS5rGOh79_Dwhaq0YpbpsJfEPRqViEVEKirNOHbracVG1qThjP1JlAYGntXFtgMDUb3AqByTHA_0iKQ96R3PoUe4kMc7z95n1FVGH6Zw0-XX-70vQcadOMAPu2rEGhgk/s1600/P_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnjToXCkZNnsfsKF_1sVGj-dsnJyRKkSPIH_1Y8bu7dUWMEjgx3gWXe5wZCzr-DuHvsdATprr4ayThMolsxS3AaoiVgHXqrkE1ziFgnUWDnBFrFPfL4sBYK091CX7mXeuZAcU5rBN6dw/s1600/Giant+desert+centipede.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHnjToXCkZNnsfsKF_1sVGj-dsnJyRKkSPIH_1Y8bu7dUWMEjgx3gWXe5wZCzr-DuHvsdATprr4ayThMolsxS3AaoiVgHXqrkE1ziFgnUWDnBFrFPfL4sBYK091CX7mXeuZAcU5rBN6dw/s400/Giant+desert+centipede.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: black;"><b>A very intersting and creepy resident is <br />the Giant Desert Centipede.</b></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7n8Lr1KJqhugkb1i7h7E4Pt1zgL-V6e3eYPuaedBL6qeFfPTzHQUNgz2rMQK2mfXqMPT6SP3jXShNbp6CKtsIlvB684nuLi_NJKiTuGChf4fZsnOvSi_HWncVdB-3qh8wFMixMvNksI/s1600/Coachwhiip.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7n8Lr1KJqhugkb1i7h7E4Pt1zgL-V6e3eYPuaedBL6qeFfPTzHQUNgz2rMQK2mfXqMPT6SP3jXShNbp6CKtsIlvB684nuLi_NJKiTuGChf4fZsnOvSi_HWncVdB-3qh8wFMixMvNksI/s640/Coachwhiip.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="color: yellow; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: purple;"><b>A Coachwhip lurks among paperflower. </b></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b>And last in this presentation has to be the Nine-banded Armadillo--a menace to yards but fun to watch. It is a very common resident of the Red Hills.</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxbkOu3eA0ks5pOnvixDqTT7NAR6zfsZISjJWJnM1Sprmwemo8zKoC5gY_QQPSdogdaK8LQ_O-zNIFAtizfCg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-43274216487415294362021-01-03T07:52:00.004-08:002021-01-03T08:02:56.387-08:00Grasslands--Fourth in a series of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills (Reposted)<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkL20COG9BdYMXtj-oejfrG-G0fSVqD99A0LS7AVMmxaw8VsVowGpsIK5JzIXb3xAhxZ5NdICnF0CkphI4C8cE1zGY5mugplJgdPfL6_wvVB_fwVvWHQs57hCYPUHrfazAjRzHyoYl8w/s1600/Bean+Camp_edited-1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkL20COG9BdYMXtj-oejfrG-G0fSVqD99A0LS7AVMmxaw8VsVowGpsIK5JzIXb3xAhxZ5NdICnF0CkphI4C8cE1zGY5mugplJgdPfL6_wvVB_fwVvWHQs57hCYPUHrfazAjRzHyoYl8w/s640/Bean+Camp_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="color: lime;"> </span><span style="color: #38761d;">Grasslands are awarded the distinction as one of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills. As the fourth selection (the first three are St. Jacob's Well, Caves, and Wildflowers), this expanse of mixed-grass prairie is the second largest intact grassland in Kansas. Composed of short, mid and tall grasses, the primary species include Indiangrass, side-oats grama, little bluestem, sand and big bluestem, blue grama, rough dropseed , sandlove, buffalo and many, many more. This grassland is sprinkled with well over 500 different wildflower plants adding an amazing floral display throughout the growing season. I shall honor this category with poetry which hopefully expresses the feelings of all those who make a living in, travel through, or otherwise appreciate the Kansas grasslands.</span></i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>***</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>Grassland Man</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>I've been on rocky mountains high,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>with sculpted peaks that pierce the sky,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>slivered with their crystal streams,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>filled with anglers' shimmering dreams;</i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i><b>I've walked in desert solitude,</b></i></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>scorned by cactus wren or two,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>and heard its sedent, silent wind,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><i>whispering to large saguaro men;</i></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYihBeooWJ2wg00hsRZ2QnvAEkCmXT0xBtqWAAd4bOVA_5f9ZkrkDFPMV_uDmnenGAmjPy9qlTEKtHmqMU-Jmt-9ARlwI7bTcvITPVTILXS4EfpLP2xfp2euugNqtWm-xPjnk1vNNkQFw/s1600/forbs+and+grass+sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYihBeooWJ2wg00hsRZ2QnvAEkCmXT0xBtqWAAd4bOVA_5f9ZkrkDFPMV_uDmnenGAmjPy9qlTEKtHmqMU-Jmt-9ARlwI7bTcvITPVTILXS4EfpLP2xfp2euugNqtWm-xPjnk1vNNkQFw/s640/forbs+and+grass+sunset.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>I've spent some time in eastern woods,</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>watched busy squirrels stash their goods,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>and sniffed the essence spring rains awakens,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>of leafy perfume to a naturalist beckons;<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>And of these treasures I chance to hold,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>these wonderful pleasures to the soul,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>none quite satisfy my quest,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>like the Kansas grasslands I like best;</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSH5TlPlhiBX6-nPYTqOzv3CdxoAW8YZ4yVSah4VcMVWWMaAFPxrFw-5ullGw-_YxYZH29BZE21haVEjraxjjPD0s01e1-CUcLJsy86rv_9txItfI3YYTpi57yCb18BVkCvtggFkg4CI/s1600/IMG_3334.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSH5TlPlhiBX6-nPYTqOzv3CdxoAW8YZ4yVSah4VcMVWWMaAFPxrFw-5ullGw-_YxYZH29BZE21haVEjraxjjPD0s01e1-CUcLJsy86rv_9txItfI3YYTpi57yCb18BVkCvtggFkg4CI/s640/IMG_3334.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>To watch golden rays of slow sunset,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>paint serenity on a prairie grouse lek,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>hearing chuckled calls as night encroaches,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>this scene no other delight approaches;<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>A thousand diamonds fill the nights,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>sprinkling precious jewels of sapphire starlight,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>to dance in eyes of nocturnal beasts,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>who stalk for voles to fill their feasts;</i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUSjPxJmMPxJ_Ep7g51CyNu3a7QWVUXTCK2CFZXztpZIteZZnMOqP8eIzYi6NXndgzetBFIBuWCriMRZ5Ux6EfPHqz5UW8bw2ZMqYsQpPENHuoh05tY8fpWQj_72xWGjSNF-I5aEZWFQ/s1600/indiangrass+sunset.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUSjPxJmMPxJ_Ep7g51CyNu3a7QWVUXTCK2CFZXztpZIteZZnMOqP8eIzYi6NXndgzetBFIBuWCriMRZ5Ux6EfPHqz5UW8bw2ZMqYsQpPENHuoh05tY8fpWQj_72xWGjSNF-I5aEZWFQ/s640/indiangrass+sunset.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Sunrise stirs an anxious breeze,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>to caress the grass in endless tease,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>bluestem applauds in rhythmic waves,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>to greet each fresh spectral display;<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>And hidden midst these blades of green,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>a pinkish face of an anemone,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>specially picked in such quaint way,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>set in its niche of this grand bouquet;</i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpguKT9VeEZ2izwCcBeLtC6FBfNpRxHgIkYYLfMcnwW_pXaar9bFoUNVURMCRRdqaSIZEwuNvJyG6OCFik8T645MB8nN0kJ2vAGFQ8HL0eO1X7cOPMEq4aZHAYU6mtcVZTW9q4AIw8wcE/s1600/partridge+pea_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpguKT9VeEZ2izwCcBeLtC6FBfNpRxHgIkYYLfMcnwW_pXaar9bFoUNVURMCRRdqaSIZEwuNvJyG6OCFik8T645MB8nN0kJ2vAGFQ8HL0eO1X7cOPMEq4aZHAYU6mtcVZTW9q4AIw8wcE/s640/partridge+pea_edited-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Now rustled by some scampering there,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>known by whistle this bobwhite lair,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>quickly silencing all quail talk,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>the threatening form of red-tailed hawk;<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>Whose curious glance acknowledges me,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>quite easily in this grassland sea,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>its spirit sent on shrieking voice,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><i>to meld with mine and give rejoice;</i></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAfDZv3lZ7aePeCxY10tHZZlpRSr8n3o0y4RAjTi0X_ElN_c3cEBxzUH9gx2QJ_wA5rAYPsGQk-dIeCEqQTOnHJnHTpK0FnHNwjjiGhs955fVD5GXfnVKDbUs4Ph5NYxPISTOH_63GHQ/s1600/backlit+indiangrass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRAfDZv3lZ7aePeCxY10tHZZlpRSr8n3o0y4RAjTi0X_ElN_c3cEBxzUH9gx2QJ_wA5rAYPsGQk-dIeCEqQTOnHJnHTpK0FnHNwjjiGhs955fVD5GXfnVKDbUs4Ph5NYxPISTOH_63GHQ/s640/backlit+indiangrass.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>You may wish to play in mountain halls,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>or sing to desert canyon walls,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>you may like the feel of ocean spray,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>or walk the forestland some day;</i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><o:p></o:p></span><span face=""arial" , sans-serif" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">But plead ye not to this deaf ear,</span></i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>those sanctuaries you hold dear,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b><i>I'm rooted to my prairie home,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><i><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><b>the land I love, the land I roam.</b></span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_ZMvYRhCzcmOVFjTcWYQzexyuLLbAKeV2tgnvfp9t0DzO5yyux_ZPIpXZZWFCaOdnxvGiW6nCw_6tDySbeb2o_f_Du3lESfgLu5fGTPQXK2C2vdoNzB5W9BWegvivEg9RPuyj9egw-g/s1600/Jan262015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw_ZMvYRhCzcmOVFjTcWYQzexyuLLbAKeV2tgnvfp9t0DzO5yyux_ZPIpXZZWFCaOdnxvGiW6nCw_6tDySbeb2o_f_Du3lESfgLu5fGTPQXK2C2vdoNzB5W9BWegvivEg9RPuyj9egw-g/s640/Jan262015.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><span style="color: #38761d;"><b>***</b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face=""arial" , "sans-serif""><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-54580887199665951002020-12-19T17:25:00.000-08:002020-12-19T17:25:04.392-08:00Wildflowers--third in the series of 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills (Reposted)<p> <b style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">The floral display in the Red Hills in most years is good enough to deserve a spot on the top 8 list of Natural Wonders of the Red Hills. This year has been spectacular. From the earliest blooms of Easter Daisy in March to the last puffs of purple from gayfeathers in the fall, the chronological march of flowers paint the mixed-grass prairie with remarkable beauty. A wide variety of habitats from gypsum and sandy soils to loamy range sites set the table for a diverse floral component. It all translates to an amazing amount of eye-candy for anyone traveling the roads of the Red Hills during the growing season.</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b> Craig Freeman, Senior Curator for the R. L. McGregor Herbarium at the University of Kansas states there are about 630 plant species in the Red Hills. It would be impossible to present pictures of all of just my own collection of images. I have chosen a selection here to hopefully delight the viewer and to perhaps demonstrate the legitimacy of this component of this ecosystem as one of the 8 Natural Wonders in this land of enchantment. This posie parade starts with the iconic, showy fall wildflower of the Red Hills, Ten-petal Mentzelia or "Candleflower."</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12L0KjTvrOxTgyE1eqCydjOfQyJfEOPp5l6X9Do6Fi1SF3Hkb8MRs0UZnzKB9HRbicH7qs97v5v7CSk-VqjNUefP3c47mNniP31x2EgcW9uUtAmHoo7gIvBKpDaNHTcgsEmZDOrrXwM0/s1600/Chalk+lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12L0KjTvrOxTgyE1eqCydjOfQyJfEOPp5l6X9Do6Fi1SF3Hkb8MRs0UZnzKB9HRbicH7qs97v5v7CSk-VqjNUefP3c47mNniP31x2EgcW9uUtAmHoo7gIvBKpDaNHTcgsEmZDOrrXwM0/s640/Chalk+lily.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ten-petal Mentzelea, aka Chalk Lilly, is one of three species<br />in this genus in the Red Hills. These plants' flowers <br />open late in the day and are also fall bloomers.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXGK-4dzIzU6UVwK4ND0gO4PH79zIY2u_qaoomtHTWKX7dHws171_C2FnZ30e7_5BfVsdXSH1K8PRlacaGRZlv7j-3V8VDtqYpgwjqpelTutF7QrTE9vl-IYbrSKsOCeFTNx4Kb8dNEA/s1600/Blanketfllower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYXGK-4dzIzU6UVwK4ND0gO4PH79zIY2u_qaoomtHTWKX7dHws171_C2FnZ30e7_5BfVsdXSH1K8PRlacaGRZlv7j-3V8VDtqYpgwjqpelTutF7QrTE9vl-IYbrSKsOCeFTNx4Kb8dNEA/s400/Blanketfllower.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"> Indian Blanket Flower (AKA Cowboy Daisy--one of the most recognizable and <br />common long-season bloomers. Also called Rosering Gaillardia.)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_V_OME9NMLr-6iTR9kTHQZLWREwAVnRNgAcIj0XmVBgsGePYPBSnzJrq9z5BW-I3O6CdJnlHG8nfWdjRsmI4WqUBe6-UC-jgoeR6H1Zzs9fY2A8eNGxMyALLWOsz7M12Tna6VYKWaw8/s1600/blue+funnel+lily.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_V_OME9NMLr-6iTR9kTHQZLWREwAVnRNgAcIj0XmVBgsGePYPBSnzJrq9z5BW-I3O6CdJnlHG8nfWdjRsmI4WqUBe6-UC-jgoeR6H1Zzs9fY2A8eNGxMyALLWOsz7M12Tna6VYKWaw8/s400/blue+funnel+lily.jpg" width="270" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue Funnel-lily</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXCgLhHpXznzUedA9ShoMTUv1pe1FI9Bi3lfEY9KZs29wh1LKvouYwvallszSZDKLJjlVeiJbQ0CTFl_gnaxJjSFkRNPJVfihJaQTBpenNjRFuzGJeIvpFBCTw56Tp0H3B1S0DmMH-Vc/s1600/Bluewildindigo.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXCgLhHpXznzUedA9ShoMTUv1pe1FI9Bi3lfEY9KZs29wh1LKvouYwvallszSZDKLJjlVeiJbQ0CTFl_gnaxJjSFkRNPJVfihJaQTBpenNjRFuzGJeIvpFBCTw56Tp0H3B1S0DmMH-Vc/s400/Bluewildindigo.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Blue Wild Indigo</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWwNnXRZ1VkkOrFyuVQ2OpaF5GuOaKDTalk7oHvV9UX0tdbkv9FJZGOW-dbQy-f-pjtk_UOoEGWYKoTnfFDN0f5U90lGonchvRZBk50jAO5bSt_GlQ4ua1v2Nd9Ri2zlPlgZ_R4QPijY/s1600/buckeyeandvariegatedonechinacea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLWwNnXRZ1VkkOrFyuVQ2OpaF5GuOaKDTalk7oHvV9UX0tdbkv9FJZGOW-dbQy-f-pjtk_UOoEGWYKoTnfFDN0f5U90lGonchvRZBk50jAO5bSt_GlQ4ua1v2Nd9Ri2zlPlgZ_R4QPijY/s400/buckeyeandvariegatedonechinacea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Buckeye and variegated butterflies on Black Sampson (AKA Snakeroot)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pNl8gjRnCyNl3lnDg6iS4_Z5DL47opO7BRbrjH52hBnOJgPdNjLo7baAOxfRIER55_Rr3mCV95GQlnSySNBDg_VntYtkPoGf8GWqLrBCgHyUhfJY600nmiSwtOR-rED2_RFfLOoYogc/s1600/butterfly+milkweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pNl8gjRnCyNl3lnDg6iS4_Z5DL47opO7BRbrjH52hBnOJgPdNjLo7baAOxfRIER55_Rr3mCV95GQlnSySNBDg_VntYtkPoGf8GWqLrBCgHyUhfJY600nmiSwtOR-rED2_RFfLOoYogc/s400/butterfly+milkweed.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Butterfly Milkweed</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYpTuTnEC4bVUMdRxcOPum1OEVTjUC0pK-ypbcRsAOZH3nTRojqjJveSKzLP6m3a7pUS3bEeqVBc1c8VdS-uHAueJgGQtIpJlRrKhwRQBcjuYeHFd-3vr5kLMIHYQjBvzYGQpzEWHML0/s1600/Cardinal+Flower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYpTuTnEC4bVUMdRxcOPum1OEVTjUC0pK-ypbcRsAOZH3nTRojqjJveSKzLP6m3a7pUS3bEeqVBc1c8VdS-uHAueJgGQtIpJlRrKhwRQBcjuYeHFd-3vr5kLMIHYQjBvzYGQpzEWHML0/s400/Cardinal+Flower.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Cardinal Flower--along streams</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o8CPaskN19_yNtjwaASoWMxpIjOYWsV49EQ4gWlr4e7W1FnIlrhBxvx_ggZT8_PO7e4r02Z3Deb8iovCUtXToGzpedbRxk1CfJWtta-NbqNoXso882dLjtIfo14iAj_I7qndk_wfoko/s1600/cobea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8o8CPaskN19_yNtjwaASoWMxpIjOYWsV49EQ4gWlr4e7W1FnIlrhBxvx_ggZT8_PO7e4r02Z3Deb8iovCUtXToGzpedbRxk1CfJWtta-NbqNoXso882dLjtIfo14iAj_I7qndk_wfoko/s400/cobea.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Cobea Beardtongue</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgsHG_Cuu3pDoy6irXQvwrpMDP_GrCf81TfpvTg7ywXT7xswK4Y5HZaUYP4YiqRKLCt9-YxWqgoRi3UdZnjXyZFh6VF8_EOG6hqo99CsaSNC9RC003PRnKKY0DlWfG-CjuAsSEAih_I0/s1600/coneflower.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgsHG_Cuu3pDoy6irXQvwrpMDP_GrCf81TfpvTg7ywXT7xswK4Y5HZaUYP4YiqRKLCt9-YxWqgoRi3UdZnjXyZFh6VF8_EOG6hqo99CsaSNC9RC003PRnKKY0DlWfG-CjuAsSEAih_I0/s400/coneflower.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Prairie Coneflower</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlc5nJcAmEG4KsRL8-L5z0Q2QrMEnx382jkuoN6XAj1fxn7THxEW8pRuXky8wVJNOfC1XNKY6vJzEc7qXMIfyIMNWgeeiWj10vvlkFTAlQMAfrqYnuPvihwU2KTynk7WZQ_Bg1mVmGTw/s1600/Digger+Bee+and+Scorpion+Weed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlc5nJcAmEG4KsRL8-L5z0Q2QrMEnx382jkuoN6XAj1fxn7THxEW8pRuXky8wVJNOfC1XNKY6vJzEc7qXMIfyIMNWgeeiWj10vvlkFTAlQMAfrqYnuPvihwU2KTynk7WZQ_Bg1mVmGTw/s400/Digger+Bee+and+Scorpion+Weed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Stout Scorpion-weed attracting a Digger Bee</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWyzS-KsmAtrnFbgv0DJtQG3P6usGZiqNnVuGuIP02-Ma14Zh46MBciOZ3bqExofmuNIpQ8ND6g1O1CIv684Hcr65bH18XS7oH9IUc1S9A0PEr_nG5WCvz0Hng5C6CB9HCNJyIJQUkS0/s1600/Dotted+gayfeather.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWyzS-KsmAtrnFbgv0DJtQG3P6usGZiqNnVuGuIP02-Ma14Zh46MBciOZ3bqExofmuNIpQ8ND6g1O1CIv684Hcr65bH18XS7oH9IUc1S9A0PEr_nG5WCvz0Hng5C6CB9HCNJyIJQUkS0/s400/Dotted+gayfeather.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Dotted Gayfeather</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4zA24ndLOR9wewn9LKsGwvBCSshJFMr8IwxFYL8jBkjddEs4KSn-A6sVwCuPmDbj2He6OM1dUxqY7VBCHX85c-GUC2bUzfxCCni7EFqfIXW6pCpkl76R6-2ddgdpfI3ERK6ar5nQBeY/s1600/Echinacea+w+sulfer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh4zA24ndLOR9wewn9LKsGwvBCSshJFMr8IwxFYL8jBkjddEs4KSn-A6sVwCuPmDbj2He6OM1dUxqY7VBCHX85c-GUC2bUzfxCCni7EFqfIXW6pCpkl76R6-2ddgdpfI3ERK6ar5nQBeY/s400/Echinacea+w+sulfer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Butterflies on Echinacea (Black Sampson or Snakeroot)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgda2exF60aKQDN7ESMAyXHbL_eNSdg6N14ZdhbAsxmalVOwZdwba7pS3PGXhYUZBNwLKScMSoK-SP2trQcZWP7Mlx9uFJcgWylTgdAX5Y4uDzI2kmzqTg36Uk8n9-8WSHibyIBnsf44/s1600/Flax+and+rayless.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgda2exF60aKQDN7ESMAyXHbL_eNSdg6N14ZdhbAsxmalVOwZdwba7pS3PGXhYUZBNwLKScMSoK-SP2trQcZWP7Mlx9uFJcgWylTgdAX5Y4uDzI2kmzqTg36Uk8n9-8WSHibyIBnsf44/s400/Flax+and+rayless.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;"> Rayless Gaillardia (tall ones) in with Norton Flax (blue), Stiff Stem Flax (yellow) </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">and Narrowleaf Yucca (Soapweed along the fence)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloRDd_h08tl6oF0ahWSGw3aQEmxeh9oRw3uqH1sr2RBV-ob6uD_KY4EayBrkxykxflggvdrIwU9lEFfxYHKAEgiDTiqfZaipeM6EykB9kNxxTXD4oDZTrDfy-9cO8Wvh1wGCwTkt_1_M/s1600/Hymenoxis+and+locoweed.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloRDd_h08tl6oF0ahWSGw3aQEmxeh9oRw3uqH1sr2RBV-ob6uD_KY4EayBrkxykxflggvdrIwU9lEFfxYHKAEgiDTiqfZaipeM6EykB9kNxxTXD4oDZTrDfy-9cO8Wvh1wGCwTkt_1_M/s400/Hymenoxis+and+locoweed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Purple Locoweed, AKA Lambert Crazyweed, with Plains Hymenoxis (yellow)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUktNWv5Eq0_oZL_wwR0dFVnFScjWdbldGPsPBhBXA6FYeIZ0SZ64jZDGcmHQYh4BmVPRdzdIE5BIqoMYzZBpstwqp08JmGQxKZ0D0_YE2maAJpITLPNmHCvHsxQZXRHrXR-gJVnTuBJg/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUktNWv5Eq0_oZL_wwR0dFVnFScjWdbldGPsPBhBXA6FYeIZ0SZ64jZDGcmHQYh4BmVPRdzdIE5BIqoMYzZBpstwqp08JmGQxKZ0D0_YE2maAJpITLPNmHCvHsxQZXRHrXR-gJVnTuBJg/s400/IMG_8715.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Scarlet Globe Mallow</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6RgX6AvfKX89xX7Z04mcIREFF7OOcxCly96UbOvwDV2-Ib4IJdXlCBC7qutKLQOkeyms7aHmdWPU17cquInxSYtcbBNDnHQ-iHXG4WWmeYhmHLgPbREz0C31vIVtxYmHA5xDRGUkXsQ/s1600/IMG_9221.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6RgX6AvfKX89xX7Z04mcIREFF7OOcxCly96UbOvwDV2-Ib4IJdXlCBC7qutKLQOkeyms7aHmdWPU17cquInxSYtcbBNDnHQ-iHXG4WWmeYhmHLgPbREz0C31vIVtxYmHA5xDRGUkXsQ/s400/IMG_9221.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Purple Poppy Mallow (AKA Prairie Winecup or Cowboy Rose)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0kRPWrBYbRN15GyaLc2o6ud6cwJPRqUS8VAjpbqTQQMOUpUiRnG2Qn3Hb_sEP3cZ9dWOIk5YAGvoglCTdFIjJYm4spN2Rt9tAA2JNcU_OzvhCRKy5QncJR4NaGVZvUrCXyNLfYdXPWU/s1600/IMG_9280.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU0kRPWrBYbRN15GyaLc2o6ud6cwJPRqUS8VAjpbqTQQMOUpUiRnG2Qn3Hb_sEP3cZ9dWOIk5YAGvoglCTdFIjJYm4spN2Rt9tAA2JNcU_OzvhCRKy5QncJR4NaGVZvUrCXyNLfYdXPWU/s400/IMG_9280.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">A reddish version of the usually yellow flower of Prickly Pear cactus</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkcz9Js-ULkXteHlfSlUBwbbMPFwHtk1ZWGxYmRjS_RUGc6_Ylme_fNn8pxfNtKeliiF1NdInvAgaC5lirGslFW1MrEoXyPshHJQWTXRsVZDoVwsmNOcIm2yIc_GuN6EOKvrL1xCp7vY/s1600/IMG_9401.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkcz9Js-ULkXteHlfSlUBwbbMPFwHtk1ZWGxYmRjS_RUGc6_Ylme_fNn8pxfNtKeliiF1NdInvAgaC5lirGslFW1MrEoXyPshHJQWTXRsVZDoVwsmNOcIm2yIc_GuN6EOKvrL1xCp7vY/s400/IMG_9401.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Bush Morning-glory</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP1ztKV8vOQCEaX-cgOPcUEsLqxXm_sTu-TwSoGrCAk9roDhmwSCoThUNnXvcFzbR1YOssapKI2BAGXhi4qiOyrit0eWMz685XWF3dzIPQ2b8IVyyMP5pRRQsPBej4rlor6LXU1xyioU/s1600/Liatris+glabra.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP1ztKV8vOQCEaX-cgOPcUEsLqxXm_sTu-TwSoGrCAk9roDhmwSCoThUNnXvcFzbR1YOssapKI2BAGXhi4qiOyrit0eWMz685XWF3dzIPQ2b8IVyyMP5pRRQsPBej4rlor6LXU1xyioU/s400/Liatris+glabra.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Plains Gayfeather</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrSUm0xa_A2iCuBfUCIJwytDIVQYPZ0nWiKqtf6oqZ4qoAPkIPLBR1ieMbr9WdMb6rTx1y-0_CaBhc2puR255CWhmWkOiQ-G2cQkOnCMOCdhSUsMXLDSAuqKON1juWH-eaVqscbjneHM/s1600/Monarda.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSrSUm0xa_A2iCuBfUCIJwytDIVQYPZ0nWiKqtf6oqZ4qoAPkIPLBR1ieMbr9WdMb6rTx1y-0_CaBhc2puR255CWhmWkOiQ-G2cQkOnCMOCdhSUsMXLDSAuqKON1juWH-eaVqscbjneHM/s400/Monarda.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Lemon Bee Balm</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKpNMwFwnTY0HAw89xr4TqtqDQ5fCHLjaT4E9ws43EQxZuX1mR8Y3NCnDlv8JO5DKmkwl7I1os4K4DXinGGXOzUMv_0fhD4mYoinQBJE1MPMedtDWMUDfgvSUgDWVznP9Mxjy1ZjyAEw/s1600/Penstamon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKpNMwFwnTY0HAw89xr4TqtqDQ5fCHLjaT4E9ws43EQxZuX1mR8Y3NCnDlv8JO5DKmkwl7I1os4K4DXinGGXOzUMv_0fhD4mYoinQBJE1MPMedtDWMUDfgvSUgDWVznP9Mxjy1ZjyAEw/s400/Penstamon.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">White Beardtongue (Penstemon)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdphc26T6E-wAZiVVQC9TWCNiFzoop4K4w7ZqvFK4vHzc_3yw1ZHtdRQmUaOxDG8ZmmrsmX1KeLpKMVSkw0gSA8Vl79YAMHL6Y7EFWk7RrTvQhxQlU-ctKwa9rNzcsXWgtVG8m-375FU/s1600/pincushion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdphc26T6E-wAZiVVQC9TWCNiFzoop4K4w7ZqvFK4vHzc_3yw1ZHtdRQmUaOxDG8ZmmrsmX1KeLpKMVSkw0gSA8Vl79YAMHL6Y7EFWk7RrTvQhxQlU-ctKwa9rNzcsXWgtVG8m-375FU/s400/pincushion.jpg" width="306" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Pincushion Cactus</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBPxjpAmrm8hBSDS3oMHaPvnS1MeHh4YK9kuurSV-wHJVM2Ezm6Ck4fhzyxVRPqfOQ9A2BjPmxXRNRnXiGaTjevLDXEvUlMQZfdx44TaQhtmnJPYOAShKX-JW921tPsgjfrfxKJM2_uM/s1600/Prairie+gaillardia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBPxjpAmrm8hBSDS3oMHaPvnS1MeHh4YK9kuurSV-wHJVM2Ezm6Ck4fhzyxVRPqfOQ9A2BjPmxXRNRnXiGaTjevLDXEvUlMQZfdx44TaQhtmnJPYOAShKX-JW921tPsgjfrfxKJM2_uM/s400/Prairie+gaillardia.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Prairie Blanketflower (Gaillardia)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDssj8Le4fqJWUNls6B3f8iKhZEc6sl3qbRZDqN1lSJyf9ckmjmkSw-mcb0-LElNJ-io5-M-mDh1h3C_Pb-vVbP_Rbeb-Y4bpoNvXjo9_lr0OOV8cGGaIBxE3-O8OSqz7NdBx0Sd-QYMI/s1600/purplepoppy+-+Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDssj8Le4fqJWUNls6B3f8iKhZEc6sl3qbRZDqN1lSJyf9ckmjmkSw-mcb0-LElNJ-io5-M-mDh1h3C_Pb-vVbP_Rbeb-Y4bpoNvXjo9_lr0OOV8cGGaIBxE3-O8OSqz7NdBx0Sd-QYMI/s400/purplepoppy+-+Copy.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Purple Poppy Mallow (Prairie Winecup or Cowboy Rose)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERrysfJEgx-hFExFkSluIYLGeFAuF0UqFhQycdai_c2V54Do5TMLoSfXtkLlm0uGih7NfpyYLQMBTvX9NxiMzxe110jBxscg5bTJh5jXbdjML1s2HZ65BQcPOs4Hg02JoRQ_HaDebXvI/s1600/Sensitive+briar.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERrysfJEgx-hFExFkSluIYLGeFAuF0UqFhQycdai_c2V54Do5TMLoSfXtkLlm0uGih7NfpyYLQMBTvX9NxiMzxe110jBxscg5bTJh5jXbdjML1s2HZ65BQcPOs4Hg02JoRQ_HaDebXvI/s400/Sensitive+briar.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Cat-claw Sensitive Brier</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaV1OgfZNPBjGKoXpOlfjkrbhg2esj0e8Kxh-yU2L3bm8O8q79bqEFQ8YW_2rFKxR5LZ_R-9GI9ygK_R4-MrYxWvqG5TotrIlZ3kQ02gt3xM_ZgP8BQp_YG3_33b5igcpZ6vrwhIu8Sj8/s1600/Silktop+dalea.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaV1OgfZNPBjGKoXpOlfjkrbhg2esj0e8Kxh-yU2L3bm8O8q79bqEFQ8YW_2rFKxR5LZ_R-9GI9ygK_R4-MrYxWvqG5TotrIlZ3kQ02gt3xM_ZgP8BQp_YG3_33b5igcpZ6vrwhIu8Sj8/s400/Silktop+dalea.jpg" width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Golden Prairie Clover (Silk-top Dalea)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg58Wv6ThGPVW6CPnRFhOsCBJ7h6mnBCakeOfN4US80Q5JxaGCGM735Yu5qK33zKAsDCf2uWz7tz7zKNOaa87hgKotqPulu6ijZWuw2hXXLGfndRMhXhFlC-qu13bEzS59QmAqRyJ6Iq0/s1600/spiderwort.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg58Wv6ThGPVW6CPnRFhOsCBJ7h6mnBCakeOfN4US80Q5JxaGCGM735Yu5qK33zKAsDCf2uWz7tz7zKNOaa87hgKotqPulu6ijZWuw2hXXLGfndRMhXhFlC-qu13bEzS59QmAqRyJ6Iq0/s400/spiderwort.jpg" width="301" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Prairie Spiderwort (Cow Slobbers)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaKsPX3uTXXhGpOk6r0bFOpEAc7ju9QTrp_ne2cVlZCGyMnkSneJEykol1JQbLY4rAENj_McfGn7nfHUz97j56AynA0zF9i2YsWhEim8dNH13rPUIYKDJD8dLVaLC-t0ktk9ySarRsxo/s1600/Twistflowerandbeebalm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaKsPX3uTXXhGpOk6r0bFOpEAc7ju9QTrp_ne2cVlZCGyMnkSneJEykol1JQbLY4rAENj_McfGn7nfHUz97j56AynA0zF9i2YsWhEim8dNH13rPUIYKDJD8dLVaLC-t0ktk9ySarRsxo/s400/Twistflowerandbeebalm.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Smooth Twist Flower (foreground), Spotted Bee Balm(background)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Want to see more? Here's a handy guide to Red Hills wildflowers. Contact me if you'd like one. Also, one of the best sources on-line is Michael Haddock's website called Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses. Google it for plants of the Red Hills and the rest of Kansas. Also, just out this year is a fantastic book called "Kansas Wildflowers and Weeds" by Michael Haddock, Craig Freeman and Janet Bare. It is available through the University Press of Kansas.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKHwJkDeG8QrTB0YvU-YHAx4xE4FuOPVTa1R1IVm8odkKvJUZhFZ5-BUQG08RkzF-7p0e2murzxJKX7Kb3SIiwXw7UPR4fszVaq-AOp8vlurh1sQRd7-3MFzz1xs_USHCYSMYYDjbbuA/s1600/IMG_3131_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKHwJkDeG8QrTB0YvU-YHAx4xE4FuOPVTa1R1IVm8odkKvJUZhFZ5-BUQG08RkzF-7p0e2murzxJKX7Kb3SIiwXw7UPR4fszVaq-AOp8vlurh1sQRd7-3MFzz1xs_USHCYSMYYDjbbuA/s400/IMG_3131_1.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-83030183207722215452020-12-09T18:11:00.006-08:002020-12-11T07:13:08.353-08:00My Home is in the Red Hills<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Change of pace here with the Kansas Outback. I put a little ditty I composed to honor this fantastic landscape. One picture. One tune.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOkiH7h3x7sVl-eznwyPnwBxh5EVr0OYI21d4uP7irGzcTEYXwKl6uTkchOW1DYdy72jG0aQrbwDE2HrTTOhyxpd7k1rguffALRG14xmnnk5C9sQWW0vwDBa_NksbEzTSf7G3oq6H_dc/s2048/BearCreekMentzalias1+copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUOkiH7h3x7sVl-eznwyPnwBxh5EVr0OYI21d4uP7irGzcTEYXwKl6uTkchOW1DYdy72jG0aQrbwDE2HrTTOhyxpd7k1rguffALRG14xmnnk5C9sQWW0vwDBa_NksbEzTSf7G3oq6H_dc/s320/BearCreekMentzalias1+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWu3d8pG3qqYxDuhWRMKbjq_-6aEWug70c4Iothw3j6AGBtuBXgCBDYn0LdSgNSuskzorsIiURPqjv2Nc0VQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">If video doesn't play, go to this site</span>:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">https://youtu.be/dHUPgcXWCys</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Lyrics</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>My Home is in the Red Hills</i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>Although I wasn’t born there, the Red Hills are my home,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>With majestic buttes and mesas and sparkling gypsum stones.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>And crystal springs in canyons feeding streams that run so
clear<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>Home is where the heart is and I’m yearning to be there.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>The flowers in the springtime start the annual spectral show,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>All the hues of the spectrum paint the prairies all aglow,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">And the healthy bluestem grasses feed the ranchers’ hungry</span><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; text-indent: 0.5in;">herds,</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>It’s the beauty of this country that I’m longing to be near.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;">The enchantment of the red dirt land yields secrets that are</span><span style="font-size: large;"> told,</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>In strange and hidden places in the gypsum cracks and holes,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>Bats, roadrunners, porcupines and funny armadillos,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>Some fascinating creatures in this land I call my home.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i> </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>Although I wasn’t born there, the Red Hills are my home,<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>With majestic buttes and mesas and sparkling gypsum stones.<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>And crystal springs in canyons feeding streams that run so
clear<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"><i>Home is where the heart is and I’m yearning to be there.</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ken Brunson, Dec., 2020</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 18pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p></div><br /><br /> <p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-5876160966728694952020-12-08T16:48:00.000-08:002020-12-08T16:48:22.780-08:00Caves--second in a series of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills (Reposted)<p> <b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;">Over half of the estimated 700 or so caves in Kansas occur in the Red Hills. Ranging from openings big enough to drive a truck through to crevices so tight it would make an earthworm claustrophobic, they harbor adventures and fascinations beyond belief. The many caves of the Red Hills occur in that portion of primarily Barber and Comanche counties where the Blaine Formation of gypsum is exposed. Water dissolves this mineral which is made up of calcium sulfate in various forms. Besides the amazing bats and other animals which make these holes their home, there are beautiful crystalline ceilings and walls in some of the caves. The Kansas Speleological Society has mapped many of these caves and is a dedicated group of spelunkers who take pride in not only enjoying these treasures but taking great measures to protect them and their wildlife. </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: large;"> All of these caverns and crevices are on private ground. They are not readily accessible to the public and this is probably a key reason they have not been significantly impacted in bad ways. However, increased energy and mining development in this portion of the Red Hills could definitely affect them. These are fragile and unique ecosystems for Kansas and deserve our collective conservation attention. They also deserve recognition as one of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oRuaLujUzi0LaAV92AZ0wXCtMjr3hWp4dKshLDjtoQP0OEjOqsZ13t2UNUy-gwgE7qopzjsDO8CBVPFEydjekxolJ6C96JA7Q8nb3wkEdhEyxwAPYhS30f2ZxP8fzdRhP-XqA55xEc0/s1600/Triple+Arches+w+Paxon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oRuaLujUzi0LaAV92AZ0wXCtMjr3hWp4dKshLDjtoQP0OEjOqsZ13t2UNUy-gwgE7qopzjsDO8CBVPFEydjekxolJ6C96JA7Q8nb3wkEdhEyxwAPYhS30f2ZxP8fzdRhP-XqA55xEc0/s640/Triple+Arches+w+Paxon.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">Paxon admires the sun shining through an opening and onto a reflecting pool in<br /> Triple Arches Cave.</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"></span></b><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"></span></b><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp8hYVtcyfY60yrZjgFayQWWOz7BjRJ_9wJ9yrgAN_mU2PS_2-t_bJrcYKPLjCmiOq1DzM7syWYV8b8YVlwoLJB8-EYHX3sv9trijdxBhOA1T61-I5JIl9rQtRNyE71qd_17NJ8SpPho/s1600/staningentry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLp8hYVtcyfY60yrZjgFayQWWOz7BjRJ_9wJ9yrgAN_mU2PS_2-t_bJrcYKPLjCmiOq1DzM7syWYV8b8YVlwoLJB8-EYHX3sv9trijdxBhOA1T61-I5JIl9rQtRNyE71qd_17NJ8SpPho/s400/staningentry1.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><b> No one knows more about the cave bats of the Red Hills than Stan Roth, retired instructor from Lawrence. Stan spent over four decades taking students to caves in the Red Hills and studying all the interesting features in this Kansas Outback! Stan still devotes time and trips to the Red Hills, and continues to educate more students of all ages. Here, Stan enjoys a maternity colony of Cave Myotis bats in Gentry Cave.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6eNDIeyD1hyhDEAnmmbnJwvAzHWCGR1ir35gyv905ZjrjPj4ZAsvueDxWX-Hg7UxHfEr1Aq2D9Mu_uAhwXoSFXHUoozNgQEDj3PizSqeJDbAadY41Cw-n-Tia83fu6xkyFxmmujaLJQ/s1600/IMG_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6eNDIeyD1hyhDEAnmmbnJwvAzHWCGR1ir35gyv905ZjrjPj4ZAsvueDxWX-Hg7UxHfEr1Aq2D9Mu_uAhwXoSFXHUoozNgQEDj3PizSqeJDbAadY41Cw-n-Tia83fu6xkyFxmmujaLJQ/s400/IMG_0370.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><b>Adaira wiggles her way through Double Entrance S Cave.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"> </div><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD9k6DLdSb5Y_pkRJVN7xaR_sxRXsSm8Zbwz_5fdZH0UxMPRN6bmEvqhMd_CVEiRNyfpbceHzGB1umjB8pBzL4_wl2yWHBTeFDkghvkFN3LfXNRc5MOysyB9jwfuPPpL-b6D0gh2PyMk/s1600/Nate+w+Register.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFD9k6DLdSb5Y_pkRJVN7xaR_sxRXsSm8Zbwz_5fdZH0UxMPRN6bmEvqhMd_CVEiRNyfpbceHzGB1umjB8pBzL4_wl2yWHBTeFDkghvkFN3LfXNRc5MOysyB9jwfuPPpL-b6D0gh2PyMk/s400/Nate+w+Register.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><b>Lance Hedges was an incredible friend and colleague. Here, he spends some quality time in Havard Cave along with local rancher, Nate Harts, who is checking out the Registry. Registries, where cavers record their names and visit dates, are maintained in a number of Red Hills caves by the Kansas Speleological Society.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUx9kFbN0emX-6SopeQYCgzUxxdmn1sZKJS-uenFLTVrsMOqDkOEc_6bbl5q9B2h7_sieXNx-vRqBHy9DcE5GkSxLovk2ip7D_DW4v01jW2cZcKGrUXEHRXgQeO4gEXLi2j5R6JveWLg/s1600/Ken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUx9kFbN0emX-6SopeQYCgzUxxdmn1sZKJS-uenFLTVrsMOqDkOEc_6bbl5q9B2h7_sieXNx-vRqBHy9DcE5GkSxLovk2ip7D_DW4v01jW2cZcKGrUXEHRXgQeO4gEXLi2j5R6JveWLg/s400/Ken.JPG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">The author sits next to the head of a distiller tank once used to make "spirits" in Still Cave. Intriguing stories such as this abound in this land of enchantment and mystique. </span></b></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_d4aAEujEEf86pKY4suLPCIixh0OKhQWEUf5iFKsxY3ABLDRt94iLKeLrTF9Yh9mzTyx5e9eKOTPiuTs0Y4XgCu-6WAscp3DZsElQYw26ZawrbAK7Q9f4KapN0QTrueekk1hsCUFGL8/s1600/Big-eared+Bat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_d4aAEujEEf86pKY4suLPCIixh0OKhQWEUf5iFKsxY3ABLDRt94iLKeLrTF9Yh9mzTyx5e9eKOTPiuTs0Y4XgCu-6WAscp3DZsElQYw26ZawrbAK7Q9f4KapN0QTrueekk1hsCUFGL8/s400/Big-eared+Bat1.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="color: purple;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Townsend's Big-eared Bats hang out in many of the caves of the Red Hills.</span></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: #fefdfa; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZgXpgOs5xmDHDpXkFyV6ugOPub-p23MsO0TdISUYRmBgup6B7K54FvuxQYTz9AnTGH82VlCXdVj7o4itx-Fhyphenhyphenx8HokbpANUhMl_Z457IGwkQr2bAy_ypLCgm0BpIHFuvLmZ8iy8xftI/s1600/Gypoutcrop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #7d181e; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZgXpgOs5xmDHDpXkFyV6ugOPub-p23MsO0TdISUYRmBgup6B7K54FvuxQYTz9AnTGH82VlCXdVj7o4itx-Fhyphenhyphenx8HokbpANUhMl_Z457IGwkQr2bAy_ypLCgm0BpIHFuvLmZ8iy8xftI/s400/Gypoutcrop1.jpg" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.4px;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;"><b>A classic scene in the Red Hills is where gypsum outcrops are seen. This is known locally as the "Gypsum Hills," because, well, that's where we are able to observe the gypsum.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-33233989176519082722020-12-04T07:58:00.000-08:002020-12-04T07:58:00.375-08:00Snow Day in the Red Hills<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Honoring a recent snow in the Red Hills </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>***</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">When magic flutters from the sky</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">to fascinate this traveler's eyes</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">it finds final resting places</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">upon red soil on which it graces.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG7dvaHCq9StM1kwYhGN0LSxiwhoYvRw_ZfgOtV6rBFIvHPnxhb_mq15ViaYUkc1oxUtm7XKafrGyR6YHdnRaslKPbt1ksqyAcVZLaJRqp9UkkVFbncq3k9M-viSMcnoGHnAXP7g-LaE/s2016/IMG_6209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG7dvaHCq9StM1kwYhGN0LSxiwhoYvRw_ZfgOtV6rBFIvHPnxhb_mq15ViaYUkc1oxUtm7XKafrGyR6YHdnRaslKPbt1ksqyAcVZLaJRqp9UkkVFbncq3k9M-viSMcnoGHnAXP7g-LaE/w640-h480/IMG_6209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Amidst the hills and valleys there</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">are natural secrets to none compare</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">quite dormant at this time of year</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">appreciative of this cold nectar. </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7pz8AjHu_QJ8p0gSRtxU6Qkhu7VGCNE4RSXr5C4f2f0JkoyeE1bSTtOcKqMVLma3cgE6k5voVMUt6zdUVzrVvarZ8fy08oE3EznTcVvlzsF6nIQbddjEqfDyDn-76FTQlON8UATsZEc/s2016/IMG_6198.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7pz8AjHu_QJ8p0gSRtxU6Qkhu7VGCNE4RSXr5C4f2f0JkoyeE1bSTtOcKqMVLma3cgE6k5voVMUt6zdUVzrVvarZ8fy08oE3EznTcVvlzsF6nIQbddjEqfDyDn-76FTQlON8UATsZEc/w400-h300/IMG_6198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">For when springtime comes around</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">the moisture gained within this ground</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">will feed desires of thirsty plants</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">when brown turns green upon this land.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk1YtCKnaYamfgmZa-mfu28cDyhThYG-X8AhWyBfI1GOzCRKDgTkF4FCDcYz0FeabMq5yLXsmGst0GTnMTTSdDICC2TPJZ_fofsWZYK8tnJZT1IJApoNVfomNhA5ZqAhmuvSJemw8vLg/s2016/IMG_6203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk1YtCKnaYamfgmZa-mfu28cDyhThYG-X8AhWyBfI1GOzCRKDgTkF4FCDcYz0FeabMq5yLXsmGst0GTnMTTSdDICC2TPJZ_fofsWZYK8tnJZT1IJApoNVfomNhA5ZqAhmuvSJemw8vLg/w400-h300/IMG_6203.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">As aquifers become restored</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">to release their stores to streams once more</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">their flows present the lifeblood then</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">sustaining all this life again.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh13XOVCPHUoAAzQ0WgMhbceLYPzw7KdqX4vR6Tvxq-LcWclsOftaqjJGDWSMfpC2vFb29N5gVQFvljtb7w2o9u9cRFYg4WRSoCf2Sg4ulI2mDAmtCgsRgWmnu52dMzu0yvXodXwHd_y4/s2016/IMG_6206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh13XOVCPHUoAAzQ0WgMhbceLYPzw7KdqX4vR6Tvxq-LcWclsOftaqjJGDWSMfpC2vFb29N5gVQFvljtb7w2o9u9cRFYg4WRSoCf2Sg4ulI2mDAmtCgsRgWmnu52dMzu0yvXodXwHd_y4/w400-h300/IMG_6206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">The enchantment of this frozen place</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">shown in this part of the state</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">accented by such icy events</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">with such fine gift of heaven sent.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgef4ZGjfLI5_rKiBXU9n3nLOLCLPYo193-GzTvhJ5RSPkHmEvilhgzThgnAbukvRupN9P0SlC6C5QwaLYZ9ByLfsHZaXPnc0c-vcS4rg621tKLIU1sPqe12RuE43cIMmlTPhtDzNZ7Xtg/s2016/IMG_6210.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgef4ZGjfLI5_rKiBXU9n3nLOLCLPYo193-GzTvhJ5RSPkHmEvilhgzThgnAbukvRupN9P0SlC6C5QwaLYZ9ByLfsHZaXPnc0c-vcS4rg621tKLIU1sPqe12RuE43cIMmlTPhtDzNZ7Xtg/w400-h300/IMG_6210.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Clouds remain to praise their gift</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">and sun breaks through with rays to lift</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">spirits of the people there</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">whose ranches receive such loving care.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DeuK2P1ju1JMf16-zG2rbl9ZThWUBcVi3eYHp6J8V_dZ7j9Roqwx3T3wee8p78X5bbrwAN3BpL4ZGHpaqZScS0_Qp5ZkrUYB3PD9JXu6LB87Xb6eXZZ0I7dLlPiHAHne578Gv8AI5c4/s2016/IMG_6216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8DeuK2P1ju1JMf16-zG2rbl9ZThWUBcVi3eYHp6J8V_dZ7j9Roqwx3T3wee8p78X5bbrwAN3BpL4ZGHpaqZScS0_Qp5ZkrUYB3PD9JXu6LB87Xb6eXZZ0I7dLlPiHAHne578Gv8AI5c4/w480-h640/IMG_6216.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Winter snows are not that rare</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">but when storms come we give a cheer</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">for dependent wildlife living here</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">for the turkeys and white-tailed deer.</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRf50SFxONvaZAqUXfF6a4Mc7btpRvk6xPiZpb9WUCgZsymBxvDyDCBjep_EntxtZEBBN-XJ0jWCtQP-jURu8yi1TOr70OLRpCq6pzYC36KOMmLK7-3V_tXZjhHzJ_PwKHmA0nHyPN84/s1295/IMG_6223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1295" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyRf50SFxONvaZAqUXfF6a4Mc7btpRvk6xPiZpb9WUCgZsymBxvDyDCBjep_EntxtZEBBN-XJ0jWCtQP-jURu8yi1TOr70OLRpCq6pzYC36KOMmLK7-3V_tXZjhHzJ_PwKHmA0nHyPN84/w400-h321/IMG_6223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">The beauty of this grand landscape</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">extends beyond these coldest days</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">and with this blanket of silver white</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">feeds the soul with such delight.</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi03mctBd24pmmKvXPQs8ksBg4c2T4bKigjSpAqHDhPu9ae9nH7vgSLuDAlF8I89m7y4sx7VOa7G4OoHEruGErXlxvrUSAR_aqdKUawpVexkJ6A8_P5nunLT9Oo7AeKsXeM_DCdaI5EYs/s2016/IMG_6222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi03mctBd24pmmKvXPQs8ksBg4c2T4bKigjSpAqHDhPu9ae9nH7vgSLuDAlF8I89m7y4sx7VOa7G4OoHEruGErXlxvrUSAR_aqdKUawpVexkJ6A8_P5nunLT9Oo7AeKsXeM_DCdaI5EYs/w400-h300/IMG_6222.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-41511996934328889972020-11-23T08:41:00.000-08:002020-11-23T08:41:40.349-08:008 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills--Big Basin Prairie Preserve and St. Jacob's Well (Reposted)<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E-lb3gg_mLR3dc3C0_QMgF-PscrKxJ7kSysx5LxnaBJdYza64ljyM3X6ETfGmGYXSySWF4k5-ZMXbJ08bihtjHqeLalpQLSID4SkjqAA96bJPPakMNipUCAAr6P4zPEV6XGk3mlUstI/s1600/big_basin_sign.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4E-lb3gg_mLR3dc3C0_QMgF-PscrKxJ7kSysx5LxnaBJdYza64ljyM3X6ETfGmGYXSySWF4k5-ZMXbJ08bihtjHqeLalpQLSID4SkjqAA96bJPPakMNipUCAAr6P4zPEV6XGk3mlUstI/s400/big_basin_sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Photo by Jim Mason<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b> With this post I launch my selections of the 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills of Kansas. Perhaps you've heard of the 8 Wonders of Kansas at <i>https://kansassampler.org/8wondersofkansas/ .</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b>Any self-respecting Kansan should be aware of and have been to this wonderful site developed by the Kansas Sampler Foundation and a whole bunch of fine folks and led by Marci Penner. There are other 8 wonder sub-categories including such subjects as Architecture, Art, Cuisine, History and others. I'm expanding on this theme by presenting my own selections for the special place in Kansas I call the Kansas Outback. The Red Hills represents the proverbial counter to the claim of a flat Kansas. While all of Kansas offers so many interesting features in so many categories, the Red Hills is a particular land of enchantment and treasure trove of natural surprises. In this and subsequent posts, I present my selections of the best 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills in no particular order of rank. First to be highlighted is Big Basin Preserve and St. Jacob's Well in western Clark County.</b></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yRy-uyLvUDoS0VjmXathZmNzjpDDDlnU42mdOyLbI6v0OZfECyl72_pivBBdm9mKdmBtYoUJUgoc58GsvmJOoNfNi5G-SIwLdJMfS4dgVujNw2BVvTHxhVBS3lirEhc5h-_g5EgJ3Uk/s1600/sign.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yRy-uyLvUDoS0VjmXathZmNzjpDDDlnU42mdOyLbI6v0OZfECyl72_pivBBdm9mKdmBtYoUJUgoc58GsvmJOoNfNi5G-SIwLdJMfS4dgVujNw2BVvTHxhVBS3lirEhc5h-_g5EgJ3Uk/s400/sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b> St. Jacob's Well is a sink hole in a particular area of the Little Basin which is, itself, part of a larger land form called the Big Basin. The vista from the parking lot at the well exhibits the beautiful prairie landscape. A description is provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism website:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The Big Basin Prairie Preserve is 1,818 acres of native mixed grass prairie managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. This area is in the Red Hills region of Kansas. The landscape can generally be described as rolling hills with both level uplands and small canyons. The preserve also includes an intermittent stream , Keiger Creek, which flows through the northeast corner of the preserve, and two non-draining basins that make the preserve topographically and geologically unique.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Big Basin:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Big Basin is a large circular depression. It is about one mile in diameter and about 100 feet deep. The walls of the basin are nearly vertical. Scattered across the floor of Big Basin are a number of small ephemeral ponds that catch and temporarily hold the water that flows into the basin. U.S. Highway 283 bisects Big Basin, with approximately two-thirds of the basin lying east of the road and within the confines of the preserve. The remaining western third of the basin is privately owned.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;"><b style="background-color: white;">Little Basin:</b></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The Little Basin is about 280 yards in diameter and 35 feet from rim to floor. Within Little Basin is a small permanent pond known as St. Jacob’s Well. St. Jacob’s Well is a pool of water about 84 feet in diameter that has never been known to go dry. The well has been the subject of many local legends, most associated with the idea that the well was bottomless and/or connected to an underground stream that was capable of washing away anything that fell in the well. The well was also reportedly inhabited by blind fish. Research has shown the well to be roughly funnel shaped and 58 feet deep. No evidence of any underground stream or blind fish has been found.</span></div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 10.5px;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Big Basin, Little Basin, and St. Jacob’s Well were formed in the recent geological past by a process known as solution-subsidence. This process occurs when surface water gains access and dissolves underground deposits of salt, gypsum, or limestone. The overlaying layers of rock and minerals subside to fill the volume vacated by the water soluble deposits. The process of solution - subsidence is thought to still be occurring, and small depressions have been noted forming within Little Basin.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGj5tVZbhWq5ck-kz_XxDMTnY28rB523xtkxQYNBMu_BhKu3JTucAbeLuEMDj8LN2HDKV4B1H3i3f-IaCNHEORhupRLp338QF3fFOlouN1JRs76EPMJ_fb9J1b6xcnmf-E6JvwXc1ExQ/s1600/Pan+of+St_edited-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGj5tVZbhWq5ck-kz_XxDMTnY28rB523xtkxQYNBMu_BhKu3JTucAbeLuEMDj8LN2HDKV4B1H3i3f-IaCNHEORhupRLp338QF3fFOlouN1JRs76EPMJ_fb9J1b6xcnmf-E6JvwXc1ExQ/s640/Pan+of+St_edited-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>A panoramic of the water hole in the ground known as St. Jacob's Well.</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkze0ujN8tz7dmb7LddzsT9gRxDKYyX-0liMY5NUMALTRjzAx4RrzZd2a89WJJEmUIICFcMSvz_dSXtu9lr1ZjCkTwCzyUxbqd_qHJhW01ycog72kqL_Y0Bv9ZLUNxLvzIHkA0lNllcQ/s1600/St.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkze0ujN8tz7dmb7LddzsT9gRxDKYyX-0liMY5NUMALTRjzAx4RrzZd2a89WJJEmUIICFcMSvz_dSXtu9lr1ZjCkTwCzyUxbqd_qHJhW01ycog72kqL_Y0Bv9ZLUNxLvzIHkA0lNllcQ/s400/St.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>A close-up of the "bottomless" well stimulates an imagination of travel-wary and thirsty pioneers and cattle drivers gleefully diving into this refreshing water and savoring buckets of life-sustaining liquid for the next few days or weeks of hot, dusty prairie travel.</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPj5js6nyMuarXd9gaGfE-ZHBIOqQQRPpd8gfPrtuwpf89I_5kabaTUCsdX8Q1t66PDyAVdhlNe6OfoU79xg1uju1fNwPXZRNKqvaRTehO7OARYiZ10GppSwXYawr0wpoMGre5r5Hp-0/s1600/sunflowers.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPj5js6nyMuarXd9gaGfE-ZHBIOqQQRPpd8gfPrtuwpf89I_5kabaTUCsdX8Q1t66PDyAVdhlNe6OfoU79xg1uju1fNwPXZRNKqvaRTehO7OARYiZ10GppSwXYawr0wpoMGre5r5Hp-0/s400/sunflowers.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>Wonderful flora and fauna greet visitors to Big Basin and St. Jacob's Well. </b></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLccOuD2Xqo_dXOf_HLj-_hWETpv0cilVKSIJtoYHv4t7Pd_-EJfq4SGHR2lrZ4jzZJw_UGc8JulZ81hsJHgwhdrjZsR_06SxuSvQRaKgLpUMp05-gXmCV2FnQ85T88L9irJKGMn97rY/s1600/IMG_4627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDLccOuD2Xqo_dXOf_HLj-_hWETpv0cilVKSIJtoYHv4t7Pd_-EJfq4SGHR2lrZ4jzZJw_UGc8JulZ81hsJHgwhdrjZsR_06SxuSvQRaKgLpUMp05-gXmCV2FnQ85T88L9irJKGMn97rY/s400/IMG_4627.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>A small herd of Bison are kept in the Big Basin and can often be seen on the drive back to St. Jacob's Well.</b></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b> More information can be found about this unique area at the Natural Kansas website: http://www.naturalkansas.org/bigbasin.htm . </b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b><b></b></b></span></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-6762301983662883002020-10-17T09:42:00.003-07:002021-01-01T14:05:51.003-08:00Eastern Red Hills in the Fall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <b><span style="color: #990000;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Some of the best scenery in the Red Hills is in the eastern edge of the region. Of course, this is known as the Gypsum Hills in these parts. Most of these fall photos are in this beautiful region, excepting the lone bison enjoying some of the lush grass on the Zbar Ranch in southwest Barber County.</span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iYlcZ2Jw9UTuyHRIMQp_xCdBKKyiWy89O0GOQck_PRYnnAU5la0VDIWcUwRuXRFvw0MovxsCpp0o-LxAn7_Xi_DL8nRStCDxae1F_Syy0UdNuA0Y0LqGKwOF1cNKF0oZxaWgOug5htw/s2016/IMG_6022.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iYlcZ2Jw9UTuyHRIMQp_xCdBKKyiWy89O0GOQck_PRYnnAU5la0VDIWcUwRuXRFvw0MovxsCpp0o-LxAn7_Xi_DL8nRStCDxae1F_Syy0UdNuA0Y0LqGKwOF1cNKF0oZxaWgOug5htw/w523-h391/IMG_6022.jpg" width="523" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Old Round Top, an iconic feature in the eastern escarpment of <br />the Gyp Hills southwest of Medicine Lodge, Barber County.</span></b></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj224VyjqoEKoiXuBfv5oIvO2QD5ZC-xxnm5cgn4kSjHYT5G32eGbQ_GcX4nYULOmxIAVi_PFoq2tgTvgZY63l5icLK84Z61_Es_3-9aD1XtFkwZ40iBIWrH3HBo8yX1Qh8ocJwjfdwoLk/s2016/IMG_6004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj224VyjqoEKoiXuBfv5oIvO2QD5ZC-xxnm5cgn4kSjHYT5G32eGbQ_GcX4nYULOmxIAVi_PFoq2tgTvgZY63l5icLK84Z61_Es_3-9aD1XtFkwZ40iBIWrH3HBo8yX1Qh8ocJwjfdwoLk/w526-h395/IMG_6004.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>On west of Medicine Lodge, many mounds, buttes and canyons</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>supply beautiful eye candy.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0lpZj1QliPaj3RAEfUcR0tUE_K6W5AK8kE96Y9AMvFXlxmm-8mG5yw8BXpJ0dzAC3rieeqeWMWhVsBkfaUambSTuJDQ-KsBfILFjUcCgEoef50o8W-pniDQ3DE5SeRIKBE-UjZB4djo/s2016/IMG_6012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0lpZj1QliPaj3RAEfUcR0tUE_K6W5AK8kE96Y9AMvFXlxmm-8mG5yw8BXpJ0dzAC3rieeqeWMWhVsBkfaUambSTuJDQ-KsBfILFjUcCgEoef50o8W-pniDQ3DE5SeRIKBE-UjZB4djo/w342-h456/IMG_6012.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Little Bluestem adds to the red and orange hues</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>in the fall landscape.</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVth1BUe26NW-ZfjXlQPF3sBW0-w3nYCujr9KksGglfhaGXArHqRb6Tc2xOCJyCfA-sMY4j75fptBFmXF4T9F_r9y3UZM5jGXDS3yg5bXtVP2qGxk2C_KUqyNWGHL_hC4eeDJX1P3ZIdk/s2016/IMG_6024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVth1BUe26NW-ZfjXlQPF3sBW0-w3nYCujr9KksGglfhaGXArHqRb6Tc2xOCJyCfA-sMY4j75fptBFmXF4T9F_r9y3UZM5jGXDS3yg5bXtVP2qGxk2C_KUqyNWGHL_hC4eeDJX1P3ZIdk/w418-h313/IMG_6024.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Looking eastwardly to some of the east edge of </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>the Gyp Hills.</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZKw7-CzIv4JIjWfZhlDsWZ9Z0bh2h8CXZ7ssD2SgTgX7sx7s551SCdQEjMCytPriMnx8Dq3P3F6X63Fat6w5GhuS6gWGHsgBjC4BTnR2t7mVUMJrhMeWyDJ5tCTLtVjwtfK_rsQ5q3Q/s1512/IMG_6033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="1512" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmZKw7-CzIv4JIjWfZhlDsWZ9Z0bh2h8CXZ7ssD2SgTgX7sx7s551SCdQEjMCytPriMnx8Dq3P3F6X63Fat6w5GhuS6gWGHsgBjC4BTnR2t7mVUMJrhMeWyDJ5tCTLtVjwtfK_rsQ5q3Q/w416-h416/IMG_6033.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A wider view of the eastern escarpment.</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHQnXdtneHyBcTPQlfxQ7LLlToafCJ-PNm_3DcZPyWkxQ3nsYBugVWvnWs59OA-EtxthdJ8WeoUqktqA7T73EpzfkzKhI9DEGhZU4ukU1IE8QVzZdxxusZYQ1g73D1O8TguIFi7GSsTs/s2016/IMG_6037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHQnXdtneHyBcTPQlfxQ7LLlToafCJ-PNm_3DcZPyWkxQ3nsYBugVWvnWs59OA-EtxthdJ8WeoUqktqA7T73EpzfkzKhI9DEGhZU4ukU1IE8QVzZdxxusZYQ1g73D1O8TguIFi7GSsTs/w413-h310/IMG_6037.jpg" width="413" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Beautiful rolling hills along the </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>eastern part of the Gyp Hills Scenic Drive</b></span><b style="color: #990000;">.</b></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLx9m2kCBlKniK-u-36x_D7PJaGPGfwYxBrIVgm4HFlQi-m7B5LHRn2eA96n2dh8RcIM83W53eSyGXTFYB0g7sNR85SbZk09uTsw4F4m7RmLkBuOfEhZhLPqCpf7JjIh3YeXe5EcLUMo/s2016/IMG_6049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLx9m2kCBlKniK-u-36x_D7PJaGPGfwYxBrIVgm4HFlQi-m7B5LHRn2eA96n2dh8RcIM83W53eSyGXTFYB0g7sNR85SbZk09uTsw4F4m7RmLkBuOfEhZhLPqCpf7JjIh3YeXe5EcLUMo/w421-h316/IMG_6049.jpg" width="421" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Leave me alone!</b></span></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLwY2sl6pexzje2JGYT0Zz8d4PepE0ol4zjHoahFdYhxtQZ6-5dGLIqyYIx1rafaq7hc_DlLIg431ocndNpQ0hJHDZCZuKkcBZIV9RYib2xQzyiLOGnFYAcQ0FsW4dcMCYLJDnn_5aKs/s2016/IMG_6038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLwY2sl6pexzje2JGYT0Zz8d4PepE0ol4zjHoahFdYhxtQZ6-5dGLIqyYIx1rafaq7hc_DlLIg431ocndNpQ0hJHDZCZuKkcBZIV9RYib2xQzyiLOGnFYAcQ0FsW4dcMCYLJDnn_5aKs/w454-h341/IMG_6038.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-32305399122619113602020-08-11T12:55:00.000-07:002020-08-11T12:55:05.742-07:00Red Hills Roads Less Traveled<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="text-align: left;"> "Two roads diverged in a yellow wood..." And you probably know the rest of this Robert Frost classic. Well, the Red Hills offers many roads seldom traveled. Here is a sampling of some of these routes. While they are mostly </span><span style="text-align: left;">public roads, they all pass through private properties of ranchers who take great pride in their livelihood and their country way of life. While most of the sand and gravel byways become challenging in very wet weather, for most of the year they are quite accessible. A slow journey on one of these trails will fill your senses with amazing sights, sounds, smells and views. I'm sure if Robert Frost had visited the Red Hills, his famous poem would have been prairie-oriented and much more interesting. </span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX6IhMJ2mMiC11QzgdB_7v4mrcdiQCqOKZxBfK7xPRph2XjodDgY5S3j44iyEvxhBWXrXbFkc93nv9P5K9sknG0yJq7xtTmYeZ6emXAICJGcRrZtbCCDRFXApYrq6-YSKB025tinlfs4/s720/SaltForkValley+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX6IhMJ2mMiC11QzgdB_7v4mrcdiQCqOKZxBfK7xPRph2XjodDgY5S3j44iyEvxhBWXrXbFkc93nv9P5K9sknG0yJq7xtTmYeZ6emXAICJGcRrZtbCCDRFXApYrq6-YSKB025tinlfs4/s640/SaltForkValley+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The serene valley of the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River valley on Aetna Road</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>is carpeted with morning fog.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrocD0BIfFMG5XKc_vPcsc8ygyTpN04388Y-R-rCZ2_GtmgEJTZQLl0OA16uScSDUcqo34AVSbPvMSlL9tDgaQ-Yjgu_89M5824xKwx2K5_F9IoEuoiHIX0AxSdzS_cn9PnJZwU8SJw1A/s1600/IMG_4923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrocD0BIfFMG5XKc_vPcsc8ygyTpN04388Y-R-rCZ2_GtmgEJTZQLl0OA16uScSDUcqo34AVSbPvMSlL9tDgaQ-Yjgu_89M5824xKwx2K5_F9IoEuoiHIX0AxSdzS_cn9PnJZwU8SJw1A/s640/IMG_4923.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A side trip into the Cave Creek area (by permission of landowner) </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>reveals some beautiful gypsum outcrops.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z1AVXNGgzsWneHFpKN9m4dLvfHFJuyK1SWwQVtzposbf3XxQJEb93lqkkmcMO23ZFSMzdejkgMk0xTdfcz4gCCxUF7I99DpHZRI8x_MPdi6rMK626aER1HDC97fW2bDKmXMKY73NZ6w/s720/IMG_3798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Z1AVXNGgzsWneHFpKN9m4dLvfHFJuyK1SWwQVtzposbf3XxQJEb93lqkkmcMO23ZFSMzdejkgMk0xTdfcz4gCCxUF7I99DpHZRI8x_MPdi6rMK626aER1HDC97fW2bDKmXMKY73NZ6w/s640/IMG_3798.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Flower Pot Mountain (yes it's called that on the official Kansas Gazetteer), while not</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>an actual mountain peak, is the iconic landmark of the Red Hills.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-x1bPFI241haRH5F0QzjKLOv_Zvav8YA-BWiWAxpLS_5g7OwNj2XqlyHxBE0sHp0uyKTQnCABCYxAClWRPT7LwfrDJzy_2PtGglRb1IKI62Fb4RVnVwq_aEHg45H9Sm-Orpry3h0Mck/s2048/IMG_2953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-x1bPFI241haRH5F0QzjKLOv_Zvav8YA-BWiWAxpLS_5g7OwNj2XqlyHxBE0sHp0uyKTQnCABCYxAClWRPT7LwfrDJzy_2PtGglRb1IKI62Fb4RVnVwq_aEHg45H9Sm-Orpry3h0Mck/s640/IMG_2953.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The author takes a break from a peaceful Lake City Road trip.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv281lUQSymJTzBJcsaEik7dVK7MuGDNtO5Vj9TguMtPXdVpF1rDKiD0wQTVl5qBV2dkSkOSjUVs-iicmeHzLIBLrXzfrT4beoQKKCXsm0dX4Yc8Zzaoyph8FUXZgk9T8I7Z5zhOnOtdc/s2048/013cef363b57cc00694b09cbe11c910140efe22017_00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv281lUQSymJTzBJcsaEik7dVK7MuGDNtO5Vj9TguMtPXdVpF1rDKiD0wQTVl5qBV2dkSkOSjUVs-iicmeHzLIBLrXzfrT4beoQKKCXsm0dX4Yc8Zzaoyph8FUXZgk9T8I7Z5zhOnOtdc/s640/013cef363b57cc00694b09cbe11c910140efe22017_00001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway west of Medicine Lodge in colder times.</b></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiKY-8IAN2oNApv_CTmG0nUDO-3v-VG_W7GaB0s2wBlHQwWiLx7z7Ep7NJ5v29RBws-vVPzkahWU50lIXlRkftjFTslEuBzP0DIamIi7dnvKkiVz4YRVopfy8rLTiXG6EMNgjHCp4K54/s2048/_MG_2802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmiKY-8IAN2oNApv_CTmG0nUDO-3v-VG_W7GaB0s2wBlHQwWiLx7z7Ep7NJ5v29RBws-vVPzkahWU50lIXlRkftjFTslEuBzP0DIamIi7dnvKkiVz4YRVopfy8rLTiXG6EMNgjHCp4K54/s640/_MG_2802.JPG" width="640" /></a><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The Gyp Hills Scenic Drive southwest of Medicine Lodge is one</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>of the most beautiful trips in Kansas. It's a side loop off of the official</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Gyp Hills Scenic Byway on U.S. 160 towards Coldwater and begins about </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>three miles west of Medicine Lodge.</b></span></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwjBINa5dxx6CZ7TieBziHBZHwdtLPKtifsU90Gm2plaAupZ8q703ZlSQlmuD0zAlcYuTxR-V3vMu-i8RC9xBgp1DitF9j1cHIRg8BOMION2QrPpNHzrE1e0zMy4WagbTVPVz3w3R8Ks/s2048/2019-04-02_06-44-58_009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwjBINa5dxx6CZ7TieBziHBZHwdtLPKtifsU90Gm2plaAupZ8q703ZlSQlmuD0zAlcYuTxR-V3vMu-i8RC9xBgp1DitF9j1cHIRg8BOMION2QrPpNHzrE1e0zMy4WagbTVPVz3w3R8Ks/s640/2019-04-02_06-44-58_009.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>These roadside observers on Cottage Creek Road in southwest Barber County </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>seem unimpressed by human visitors.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7SJvHoX_4EphzY6tYHxfpGHpSUPcWL23GW9Pms8t4scMk8hz7x3cyAB2oftrMx4ksAb__xr2OCvIqKICVVuT3sZbDtbEWCQs3DMVhoikUvE4vEQga7Oieztzzk1zKz3h_4Wn-s_g0cw/s1127/1763_RedRoad_Explorer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL7SJvHoX_4EphzY6tYHxfpGHpSUPcWL23GW9Pms8t4scMk8hz7x3cyAB2oftrMx4ksAb__xr2OCvIqKICVVuT3sZbDtbEWCQs3DMVhoikUvE4vEQga7Oieztzzk1zKz3h_4Wn-s_g0cw/s640/1763_RedRoad_Explorer.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Iron infused soil of the Red Hills provides the name-sake color of this region.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEvy9pNj4awbVjdkRHZRO6fzg1tDfB32lby38LzoY6LabdLagoESBk16IPrhDvPcGMFihqHM3_mwhrBa_P91RcXyC2Em7MGHVvsOsIHoJD6xlb4vKOKuauQbr7uziShSxUxRUn-KFVGs/s2048/red+bluffs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEvy9pNj4awbVjdkRHZRO6fzg1tDfB32lby38LzoY6LabdLagoESBk16IPrhDvPcGMFihqHM3_mwhrBa_P91RcXyC2Em7MGHVvsOsIHoJD6xlb4vKOKuauQbr7uziShSxUxRUn-KFVGs/s640/red+bluffs1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The beauty of the Red Hills in Clark County west of Ashland is </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>easily observed from U.S. 160.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtesBxIdFsfP_AMFRVS7p3QF4lg-gkqgmKJqqyid37ZgFNQk2sGe1u996W-_rgg2MN4yINlqnGH37i2x9-c0sYr76Oxwetj2IO3vhiLcZam_nUAwh3-9pY1FupgmwBIZtsVVSRwNEHVo/s2048/_MG_6318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtesBxIdFsfP_AMFRVS7p3QF4lg-gkqgmKJqqyid37ZgFNQk2sGe1u996W-_rgg2MN4yINlqnGH37i2x9-c0sYr76Oxwetj2IO3vhiLcZam_nUAwh3-9pY1FupgmwBIZtsVVSRwNEHVo/s640/_MG_6318.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A backroad trip on Bitter Creek Road, Barber County.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>While a county-maintained road, it's best to not try it after heavy rain.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUhIPLZIqwGNApdPl18VUAK-szrw3JUAYm-Zdr75tQyxQerYz797od0-DNpVnrKESLuzQKFCHVnz5trD-cr4RoTXArbpFCRISJUxXx-Ilnm7bJ7WFpT2tujbIsXSWSW9eeRQeJKUKn4A/s2048/bluesky+and+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwUhIPLZIqwGNApdPl18VUAK-szrw3JUAYm-Zdr75tQyxQerYz797od0-DNpVnrKESLuzQKFCHVnz5trD-cr4RoTXArbpFCRISJUxXx-Ilnm7bJ7WFpT2tujbIsXSWSW9eeRQeJKUKn4A/s640/bluesky+and+green.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Another view just off of Bitter Creek Road.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW0Syc7KL6klshn9zUNgdKPibdIiU3UT9LViqKhiPidPa9ve-gOHvJShJE6bmWeMEsUwTInq2tn0arI3JkrLK-rLQFiOVFpscDBfaF2xRmuhJ-vB4-PQIT2-VW4DQ7EBfTj0Fwxzunns/s2048/CSFL+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW0Syc7KL6klshn9zUNgdKPibdIiU3UT9LViqKhiPidPa9ve-gOHvJShJE6bmWeMEsUwTInq2tn0arI3JkrLK-rLQFiOVFpscDBfaF2xRmuhJ-vB4-PQIT2-VW4DQ7EBfTj0Fwxzunns/s640/CSFL+road.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A side trip on blacktop to Clark State Fishing Lake results in</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>lasting memories of a beautiful water feature of the Red Hills.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecKw0RrnEAIUpIYnruE-UMpHWBZGQMljuPhX_zy3P18m57hyphenhyphenFTu8voYrlWHQxpQn1TDHGLpQfdoFX4NY0_p0aJEXdV1K2qsL6KqeM54smDkAinoJ_O_p2PpfCxWwUCeeRU4190AYVJlY/s2048/IMG_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjecKw0RrnEAIUpIYnruE-UMpHWBZGQMljuPhX_zy3P18m57hyphenhyphenFTu8voYrlWHQxpQn1TDHGLpQfdoFX4NY0_p0aJEXdV1K2qsL6KqeM54smDkAinoJ_O_p2PpfCxWwUCeeRU4190AYVJlY/s640/IMG_0218.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>From the east-side blacktop to the western side of Clark</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>State Fishing Lake the road changes to a gravel/sand base but worth the effort!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg_3s9RQXPdHBUFMlMH4EjdpWWFhWVsMfVGDw1hxkM8Ljr9-h5XJ8_Xnh_lPd49C0wGEVr7fDQq5rAqRunxkHHRUyNCvrC5PXDaTuAMH2tqFWbfoPNEeMomfb3XG632WcYyI4HciXhyw/s3818/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="3818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsg_3s9RQXPdHBUFMlMH4EjdpWWFhWVsMfVGDw1hxkM8Ljr9-h5XJ8_Xnh_lPd49C0wGEVr7fDQq5rAqRunxkHHRUyNCvrC5PXDaTuAMH2tqFWbfoPNEeMomfb3XG632WcYyI4HciXhyw/s640/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>A broad vista of beautiful Red Hills rangeland looking north from Hackberry Road</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>along the Oklahoma border in Barber County.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>-------------------------------------------</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <span style="color: #990000; font-size: x-large;"><b>There are so many back roads less traveled in the Red Hills to make any adventurer happy and delighted to have experienced this amazing place in the Kansas Outback. And in the final stanza of that famous poem, "... I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference!"</b></span></div></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-32723256166664176022020-05-22T10:25:00.001-07:002020-06-02T16:46:24.223-07:00Red Hills Roadside Wildflowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: #eeeeee;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Want to get out of the house and take an amazing road trip? The Gyp (Red) Hills area of Barber County is a fascinating choice. And now is the time to see an amazing wildflower display. With good spring rains, the grasslands are ablaze with color. And you don't have to explore beyond the road to see it. It's right outside the car window. Here are some examples of what you can see.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KzD5s3rzDbeDciVizTT6elX0XyVBakFLvQGk8Ydh9Bi34oXaCG6yu0A6fdwMugzUFP5JL505lKkdQPbfaCoNPonKa2gFTnX8_Cp7uVqwkmQq5pmvLb4FViH5P5IEsfyhAnHBbvneytw/s1600/IMG_5157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KzD5s3rzDbeDciVizTT6elX0XyVBakFLvQGk8Ydh9Bi34oXaCG6yu0A6fdwMugzUFP5JL505lKkdQPbfaCoNPonKa2gFTnX8_Cp7uVqwkmQq5pmvLb4FViH5P5IEsfyhAnHBbvneytw/s640/IMG_5157.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>This amazingly dense stand of Purple Poppy Mallow<br />paints this part of the Red Hills a wine color.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY03VD2Or8sOs5NPo3x9vc2K6EMuJM7WiraXkpZ8y3CVIjCaV4ZLfkrOjSezI0xRl2V-CRpeMALYoxqBGrFvYCHqi9DBv_8jyBMHaRStzg72_ZTzlGSHgWYzVwSXaoOxN_duwCSlSWZU/s1600/IMG_5055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbY03VD2Or8sOs5NPo3x9vc2K6EMuJM7WiraXkpZ8y3CVIjCaV4ZLfkrOjSezI0xRl2V-CRpeMALYoxqBGrFvYCHqi9DBv_8jyBMHaRStzg72_ZTzlGSHgWYzVwSXaoOxN_duwCSlSWZU/s640/IMG_5055.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prairie Groundsel formerly known as<br />Prairie Ragwort</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB71Vk0uDaj_S1IktqZJwKwo1urGOzx-JIN55mj4rY8S6ZjLgu0SU8KBBFipfwB_hwtZGk9P9-GHiHQ_9TLX8ePuPw5Bi8j5OPltMbz11VddfTECAMa_2GMoRGq5IQm9XHjow8sb-Sds/s1600/IMG_5190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyB71Vk0uDaj_S1IktqZJwKwo1urGOzx-JIN55mj4rY8S6ZjLgu0SU8KBBFipfwB_hwtZGk9P9-GHiHQ_9TLX8ePuPw5Bi8j5OPltMbz11VddfTECAMa_2GMoRGq5IQm9XHjow8sb-Sds/s640/IMG_5190.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Catclaw Sensitive Briar</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb-BXDevVeZqkK_B04RZjwAjXjnGUqpn1fhSVI1_wv-JUuia8mcF_U88RjFvhJQRXF4jk5GzeRpVccfAC2jx7CJ-3Onit7qYqCHT6ZwhmEhKL7C2XZAOPHi5m1FP4l71gkOUVau4Kfu8/s1600/IMG_4935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1501" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTb-BXDevVeZqkK_B04RZjwAjXjnGUqpn1fhSVI1_wv-JUuia8mcF_U88RjFvhJQRXF4jk5GzeRpVccfAC2jx7CJ-3Onit7qYqCHT6ZwhmEhKL7C2XZAOPHi5m1FP4l71gkOUVau4Kfu8/s640/IMG_4935.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Missouri Locoweed</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniOI5E_HdaPNtaMjvvC40hVr1V0e6mI93z_CeeyL1cNxIAtEg8n2_VFOaIOTZoY4RAVz7QyudIhut4jnpxxSvabyuO4VE-oUccDpoa1lCTyYdfN2538Qx_TT_K90t02SufsVIhmGRBow/s1600/IMG_4932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniOI5E_HdaPNtaMjvvC40hVr1V0e6mI93z_CeeyL1cNxIAtEg8n2_VFOaIOTZoY4RAVz7QyudIhut4jnpxxSvabyuO4VE-oUccDpoa1lCTyYdfN2538Qx_TT_K90t02SufsVIhmGRBow/s640/IMG_4932.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon Paintbrush</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKyLlz-iyPiscV6fKFXOAmzi6o9cmQUdjA_pIlb-SqPdxG1_uNhDbI8N0f3ATJ2JFBlUWZeTuSNqhiulPammUI3vu7zDPetmfI6NgYG3-sQfxQfML1GXEkGFC-94TEjbAsUjp63hIfEg/s1600/IMG_5088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmKyLlz-iyPiscV6fKFXOAmzi6o9cmQUdjA_pIlb-SqPdxG1_uNhDbI8N0f3ATJ2JFBlUWZeTuSNqhiulPammUI3vu7zDPetmfI6NgYG3-sQfxQfML1GXEkGFC-94TEjbAsUjp63hIfEg/s640/IMG_5088.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hartweg (Fendler) Evening Primrose (very similar to Missouri Evening Primrose)<br />Hartweg's is probably more common in the Red Hills. And, as the name<br />implies, it opens late in the day.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWDoVADoZQ5gcIjVmKUmdn9Js2gne3Re1hFjAJE0FFDkJdiPRlLwa542wFbDkNiNXU3H3wwgXK1scpepRkL6dvr9RG0x7Q_9tidgZnbtNASUqWurvatYrS7isdkCgWem_L7_URiI55gI/s1600/IMG_5079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="875" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWDoVADoZQ5gcIjVmKUmdn9Js2gne3Re1hFjAJE0FFDkJdiPRlLwa542wFbDkNiNXU3H3wwgXK1scpepRkL6dvr9RG0x7Q_9tidgZnbtNASUqWurvatYrS7isdkCgWem_L7_URiI55gI/s640/IMG_5079.jpg" width="435" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Purple Ground Cherry in the foreground mixed in with<br />Scarlet Globe Mallow. Spider Antelopehorn Milkweed is in the background.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7gsUS-LmFkOrW4xfZe8eZGy4AFkCyJDKS9Z3u59JHYOEf34wqQuyj93aQLAvnGgN6Wm4_Ht4XiyVuupbVunhdiRtWTTT860yEPM47-whl4_kIKIG13QnAH8ni0xEZV2jnNQA29nO2Q0/s1600/IMG_5084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="1093" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7gsUS-LmFkOrW4xfZe8eZGy4AFkCyJDKS9Z3u59JHYOEf34wqQuyj93aQLAvnGgN6Wm4_Ht4XiyVuupbVunhdiRtWTTT860yEPM47-whl4_kIKIG13QnAH8ni0xEZV2jnNQA29nO2Q0/s640/IMG_5084.jpg" width="446" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Scarlet Globe Mallow, one of the few<br />orange-colored flowers in these hills.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUACtqX_Bfjm9WWDAR0qzLu9aP-om-k5mTtCdMpCrmSE03h6Y5eztITdmLXqL2J2isnmZLoGfotxxS7QyAU-3YIg5Wr2KRPI40yOSEjvt9ibpBEKA2O1Sxc0ClZXS3cB8S0sJElLCMbV4/s1600/IMG_5104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUACtqX_Bfjm9WWDAR0qzLu9aP-om-k5mTtCdMpCrmSE03h6Y5eztITdmLXqL2J2isnmZLoGfotxxS7QyAU-3YIg5Wr2KRPI40yOSEjvt9ibpBEKA2O1Sxc0ClZXS3cB8S0sJElLCMbV4/s640/IMG_5104.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Cobaea Penstamon (Beardtongue) is one of the showiest<br />flowers of the Red Hills and in Kansas.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Indian Blanket Flower </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">A favorite local name is Cowboy Daisy.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90-21MgMzyPOcAbGTj7BqlPUtVOUHUAUpk2j4PWqP0iO6wVuIireD7brjTmpHDE0YcATG4aiMojyfqYtw4JP5rgHWAcrQ5D9-b2tgmgV44lMznUT05kCLjkKG1ZbHY5icm3AwQ-p2tR8/s1600/IMG_5112+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90-21MgMzyPOcAbGTj7BqlPUtVOUHUAUpk2j4PWqP0iO6wVuIireD7brjTmpHDE0YcATG4aiMojyfqYtw4JP5rgHWAcrQ5D9-b2tgmgV44lMznUT05kCLjkKG1ZbHY5icm3AwQ-p2tR8/s640/IMG_5112+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Yucca is one of the most evident and iconic plants of the prairie, especially in bloom.<br />You don't have to be on a pasture road to see this very recognizable plant.</span></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A most spectacular display along Sand Creek Road in Barber County. Included are the tall Rayless Gaillardia in the foreground and flowering Yucca in the background. While <br />without conspicuous petals, this Gaillardia has the most amazing scent. If you find some,<br />be sure and smell them! The lower growing plants are Stiff-stem Flax (yellow) and<br />Norton's Flax (blue).</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Take a day and go the Red Hills as well as many other wild areas of Kansas. Take it slow and enjoy nature at its best. There are many resources for helping with identification of these plants but a great on-line resource is "Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses" developed and maintained by Mike Haddock. </span></span></b><a href="https://www.kswildflower.org/index.php" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">https://www.kswildflower.org/index.php</span></b></a><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">If interested in specific flora of the Red Hills, look for the field guide below. It can be obtained through the Great Plains Nature Center in Wichita or the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Another great organization and source of information is the Kansas Native Plant Society. </span></span></b><a href="https://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">https://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/</span></a></span></b></div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-9692658431595932072020-04-23T10:18:00.000-07:002020-04-23T10:21:34.195-07:00Do You Hear It?<br />
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<b>This post will include a bit more than typical for the Kansas Outback. But as implied by the title, have you noticed how generally less noisy it is? </b></div>
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<b> While incredibly inconvenient for a number of sound reasons, our current sheltering situation is offering a rather unique chance to experience the past. It was a quieter time when life was slower without the annoyances of high traffic or unsightly contrails crisscrossing an otherwise beautiful sky. Besides my childhood, the last time I recall this kind of comforting silence was right after 9-11 when all air traffic was curtailed. However, this time vehicle traffic is greatly reduced as well. While I empathize with so many folks in worse straights than myself, I can't help but enjoy the amazing sound of silence as well as the absolutely clear, blue skies. While we are dealt this hand to minimize social contacts and traveling, try to find your own quiet spot. Be aware of what's not there. Think about how better quality of life we all could have if we can manage to retain some of this quieter existence in our society. There are reports of cleaner air as well as more visible wildlife because of less human activity. So, while you are isolating but perhaps able to walk to a nearest park or spend some time in your backyard, see if you notice the difference. I wrote the piece at the end quite a few years ago for a short article in the state wildlife agency's magazine. It seemed fitting for current considerations. On your way to it, enjoy some peaceful, quiet settings in the Red Hills.</b></div>
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QUIET!!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shhhhhh. Wherever you are right now, stop and listen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you hear?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Odds are
you are hearing something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In your
outdoor adventures, can you recall a setting absolutely devoid of sound?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps in a tree stand in the crisp quiet
before dawn where the waning darkened silence was interrupted only by the
rustling of some rodent beneath your perch?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond that, have you ever experienced utter silence, an instance where
you hear zero sounds of man or nature?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most humans, you most likely cannot recall such an occurrence unless,
of course, you don’t have or have lost hearing. There's only a handful of times I can recall experiencing profound
silence--reflective moments on a mountain peak, solitude in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Sonoran</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Desert</st1:placetype></st1:place>, quiet anxiety in a tree stand,
or black nothingness in a cave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even so,
these times were fleeting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rush of a
valley breeze, the call of a Gila Woodpecker, a rustling deer mouse, and even
an intermittent water drip in a small bat cavern have all interrupted absolute silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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But for the person seeking natural experiences,
the artificial sounds from human activities are the most annoying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To most people, these auditory irritations
are so pervasive we hardly notice them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even for folks who live in the country, there’s the incessant traffic
noise from the highway a couple miles away, the annoying oil jack engine from
upwind, the blaring train horn from many miles away, or loud barking of dogs disturbing sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Peace
and quiet are disappearing from our natural landscape.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s unfortunate that many people who have
moved to the suburbs or the edge of town to achieve peace and quiet still do
not fully experience that fulfillment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But,
it’s an important aspect of our inherent need for outdoor experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our relentless march towards more
highways, more industrial plants, more sub-developments, more of everything, we are
losing a precious biological and spiritual human need—silence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For fear that such a natural life treasure is
steadily disappearing without notice, I point it out. As Richard Louv so eloquently portrays in his
book, <u>Last Child in the Woods</u>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I hope
all of you find this silence if you haven’t found it already. It is well worth
pursuing. This silence is generated by the absence of any noise, care or
preoccupation around your cell phones, iPods, TV, Radio, Walkmans, lap tops,
noisy neighbors, the drone of traffic, barking dogs, and whatever else. This
silence is brought to you by nature as a gift. <em>Find your gift.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></em><em style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Article in</span> </span></em><em style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Kansas Wildlife and Parks Magazine, Ken Brunson, 2009</span></span></em><br />
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<em style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></em>
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">"Don't it always seem to go</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;" /><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">That you don't know what you've got til its gone..." </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; text-indent: 0px;">Joni Mitchell</span></span></i><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-64621760280284114252020-04-13T18:26:00.000-07:002020-04-13T19:14:19.597-07:00Bison Tales<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Bison bison</b></span></i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b> is the scientific name. "Buffalo" is the most common reference to our country's largest ungulate. I</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">t is only distantly related to the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubalus" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Bubalus">true buffalo</a>es of Asia and Africa.<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> The North American Bison is composed of two subspecies, the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plains_bison" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Plains bison">plains bison</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> and the</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_bison" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Wood bison">wood bison</a>. </span>There are three publicly-owned herds in Kansas managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism--Maxwell Wildlife Preserve in McPherson County, Big Basin Prairie Preserve in Clark County, and the Sandsage Bison Range and Wildlife Area near Garden City in Finney County. <span style="font-size: medium;">There are a number of bison herds on private ranches across Kansas. Also, The Nature Conservancy in Kansas manages two herds, one at Smoky Valley Ranch in Logan County and one at the Tallgrass Prairie National Park in Chase County.</span> A third herd managed by Kansas State University resides on Konza Prairie, another TNC owned property, in Riley County. This photo-essay depicts scenes from privately-owned bison of the Red Hills in Barber County.</b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyntFoq8qGwQVLFEuoYsYLU3go4R-TlP-iYF-FF_pzfabZPWUQEXvvR3xspW8KAqLibrRJUy-PX65HZZrwHYnmzspVuEF48OlzslzoIYNC4qHDIhxPP0l2fSunP9f9Oax6bnR-qzd9eQ/s1600/Bison%252Bsillhouettes%252Bat%252Bdawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1030" data-original-width="1600" height="411" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyntFoq8qGwQVLFEuoYsYLU3go4R-TlP-iYF-FF_pzfabZPWUQEXvvR3xspW8KAqLibrRJUy-PX65HZZrwHYnmzspVuEF48OlzslzoIYNC4qHDIhxPP0l2fSunP9f9Oax6bnR-qzd9eQ/s640/Bison%252Bsillhouettes%252Bat%252Bdawn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This was a peach of a morning sunrise in company of photogenic big mammals.</span></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBolZovYVOKXg5H9Si4aFlS7cJqZJKx6iDcgWAqvN5g_2fQYUINedvDVvLCi13z1UHIQ_WtjcB49QOrC7S-WOt9rQY4qKFhjpjzXHsR_VbHG7m9eiPaLJARnCLYItlImHqead4E6ZNec/s1600/IMG_1967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBolZovYVOKXg5H9Si4aFlS7cJqZJKx6iDcgWAqvN5g_2fQYUINedvDVvLCi13z1UHIQ_WtjcB49QOrC7S-WOt9rQY4qKFhjpjzXHsR_VbHG7m9eiPaLJARnCLYItlImHqead4E6ZNec/s640/IMG_1967.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A frosty bison</span></b></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRN4hf3l6qyPRxh15dh0WBOPZlfDmm8GLISDJo74XuPwrhUg9AhdVjEh41b8ezqmvtB8vgnSoe7BPxDA7SHAhOYry8g4RLFqqUhW4LzzJPMTLVSru0pNq4s2EbqIYA4ko3MaB2ry1dO4/s1600/IMG_4841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRN4hf3l6qyPRxh15dh0WBOPZlfDmm8GLISDJo74XuPwrhUg9AhdVjEh41b8ezqmvtB8vgnSoe7BPxDA7SHAhOYry8g4RLFqqUhW4LzzJPMTLVSru0pNq4s2EbqIYA4ko3MaB2ry1dO4/s640/IMG_4841.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Spirits of the plains</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbL6PVQUIeSxE_327lXu6rM7hLYXXqoTAPhMxkRZUQijtTKuBUrDLsk6TTqndkPV-ECNeWt0mznMRbLPEUI7GdnK6rQK_Y6a_TnnIgngZNAI7lRqUQTra_eLs2954Nnez750XoMdSR-Q/s1600/IMG_5769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbL6PVQUIeSxE_327lXu6rM7hLYXXqoTAPhMxkRZUQijtTKuBUrDLsk6TTqndkPV-ECNeWt0mznMRbLPEUI7GdnK6rQK_Y6a_TnnIgngZNAI7lRqUQTra_eLs2954Nnez750XoMdSR-Q/s640/IMG_5769.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd--Roger Miller</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lFBN2DaVVIScUjMxiTaLdOyeeOE4Chwwzk0ZrP3kQ9nmpX8wO9CPSuisOTfPT0wtdto4-EiEwz5_LUI0n93778Q6o_U7_5dMpZlZ3Bg926tHnFmL-wVa421zGCvdPZiEiks8gQb_XEE/s1600/IMG_4833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lFBN2DaVVIScUjMxiTaLdOyeeOE4Chwwzk0ZrP3kQ9nmpX8wO9CPSuisOTfPT0wtdto4-EiEwz5_LUI0n93778Q6o_U7_5dMpZlZ3Bg926tHnFmL-wVa421zGCvdPZiEiks8gQb_XEE/s640/IMG_4833.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy--John Denver</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytUwH9kSOE-RUjvdcPJVuGlqrXqv1LXEBrbh1gCZ5OgvjTWPaaqzeLO7JZ37xn_O_bquDz4Y8X8v_RjMjrsxN9e_U2g9Dx4oqtT4ONCd7oIJI6yZDGOAddA4W7AkBgBOlOtpGlSE9o_Y/s1600/_MG_8586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytUwH9kSOE-RUjvdcPJVuGlqrXqv1LXEBrbh1gCZ5OgvjTWPaaqzeLO7JZ37xn_O_bquDz4Y8X8v_RjMjrsxN9e_U2g9Dx4oqtT4ONCd7oIJI6yZDGOAddA4W7AkBgBOlOtpGlSE9o_Y/s640/_MG_8586.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">I'm being followed by a moon shadow--Cat Stevens</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ss0mL5J3CQ35VM9Hh8ptsCvxZQjzGfVHwAyWRH2nvW4KEbKPxV941HXBG7C0sbYFBPd-vIeb-gFpFOVoiuwIMIaCNl9LjylDtDtJ2kTVwsguSsy3j7-TQhy93QX9weFsIi8YiOhM0A/s1600/Zbar+Bison2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ss0mL5J3CQ35VM9Hh8ptsCvxZQjzGfVHwAyWRH2nvW4KEbKPxV941HXBG7C0sbYFBPd-vIeb-gFpFOVoiuwIMIaCNl9LjylDtDtJ2kTVwsguSsy3j7-TQhy93QX9weFsIi8YiOhM0A/s640/Zbar+Bison2+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Tatonka--Dances With Wolves</span></b></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-47545173992528915622020-03-03T13:51:00.000-08:002020-03-03T15:55:57.198-08:00Spring Spectacle<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> Spring always seems to be officially announced by the fantastic migration of Sandhill Cranes over the heartland. While there's always a smaller flock of a few thousand which winter in the southern Red Hills, many thousands more join them in early March as they migrate from Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico to nesting grounds as far north as the tundra of Canada. While there are six sub-species now identified for <i>Antigone canadensis, </i>the Lesser Sandhill Crane is in the largest numbers and the ones gracing our skies right now. This mid-continent population numbers around a half million strong, concentrating by mid-March on the middle Platte River in central Nebraska. I try to impart my own appreciation for this special spring treat as follows.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>_____________________________________</b></span><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Drifting
along such lofty heights, winding to roost at evening light,<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>thousands flying
in such straggly lines, with the south wind pushing from behind.<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Like ancient
aerial dinosaurs glimmering in the sky, <o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #990000;">presenting challenges finding them so high.</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8RSdZbPZRijMrjZyXl_CSQzHr-AgjAejy7xv2iCYF72N5S-BfVU7ur-J-2S4-ypU8AOHWzBMNRCXMiEwV72pzeG-xbdXL6UHNz-KN_oyZYx-mxV-DPrAfbX9nLLZyylvVQsbmraocek/s1600/IMG_4718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8RSdZbPZRijMrjZyXl_CSQzHr-AgjAejy7xv2iCYF72N5S-BfVU7ur-J-2S4-ypU8AOHWzBMNRCXMiEwV72pzeG-xbdXL6UHNz-KN_oyZYx-mxV-DPrAfbX9nLLZyylvVQsbmraocek/s640/IMG_4718.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Then slowly setting giant wings, stabilizing such enormous things,<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<i style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>formations gracefully floating in </b></i><i style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>joining thousands of other Sandhill Cranes.</b></i><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Their chuckling calls reminds us all of ancient eons past,<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>for millions of years with similar birds </b></i></span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>following same migration paths.</b></i><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyBQt31Hbr0GhIFWz_yWEBXwQulCAglWAlnzrj2p7LVsOjRmrnz8BipbTETTaLzhCETlHukXyoyGHDJ4tP0QQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>Springtime always brings rebirth with optimistic dreams<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>from the lusty songs of feathered friends and emerging leafy greens.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>But nothing fills the soul much more or </b></i></span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><b>matches nature’s cheer</b></i><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i><b>then to be greeted with this spectacle </b></i></span></span><i style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><b>in early March each year.</b></i><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-51320880780499979512020-02-12T19:57:00.000-08:002020-02-12T20:06:54.086-08:00Another Snow Show in the Red Hills<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>Drifting from a sullen sky come fluffy crystals soft and light<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>on enchanted land of Permian red accented by showy gypsum
beds. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>They flutter down so quietly adding to the scenery<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>sporting a blanket of pure white snow on thirsty fields of grassy
gold.</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zae0il61XSrtZV8n6Fw9kYYfTOJJUEeJtaxRqwZenwNu887_vrPo05Jo1t8WejoLiyc_pV9Fo4zskB5tvwD0HhZwyi_h6ERFlWo-J2XiW2dTB3-obgumfAq2F3w0GCTRP-E-RvSSZgk/s1600/IMG_4540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Zae0il61XSrtZV8n6Fw9kYYfTOJJUEeJtaxRqwZenwNu887_vrPo05Jo1t8WejoLiyc_pV9Fo4zskB5tvwD0HhZwyi_h6ERFlWo-J2XiW2dTB3-obgumfAq2F3w0GCTRP-E-RvSSZgk/s640/IMG_4540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The ample moisture is a pleasing sight and to Red Hills
ranchers pure delight,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">a welcomed winter present yielding later great forage
benefits.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As spring returns and takes a drink from water laden soils below<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">the landscape will respond with green and display a quite
colorful show.</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa5upDYw5XyFCOI76DTnJJNQAd6zt83ZWP8bJ_8dWw2vwdK5Brlm1ltme0LxwESoWYRtdUGF4FrBbRrauYFoNAJDqKJKsvGjcFUqlJBTOVB-WZNzZ05b5n8B8gC70TbyDavCHY2LULqw/s1600/IMG_4536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1199" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfa5upDYw5XyFCOI76DTnJJNQAd6zt83ZWP8bJ_8dWw2vwdK5Brlm1ltme0LxwESoWYRtdUGF4FrBbRrauYFoNAJDqKJKsvGjcFUqlJBTOVB-WZNzZ05b5n8B8gC70TbyDavCHY2LULqw/s640/IMG_4536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">We relish this beautiful, natural present as we watch it
fall in such calming essence<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">reminding us of nature’s glory sometimes coming as raucous
story.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But today it arrives with comforting grace floating down in frozen state<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and feeds the streams of this hilly land as well as soul of
beasts and humans.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-25413611238320854392020-01-20T15:56:00.000-08:002020-01-20T16:35:40.377-08:00Birding the Red Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> The Red Hills offers a multitude of natural adventures. A very popular one is birding. In early January, the 28th Red Hills Audubon Christmas Bird Count was conducted. While this count is a relatively new one, the tradition of Christmas Bird Counts goes clear back to 1900 when </span><span style="text-align: start;">ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the Audubon Society, proposed a</span><span style="text-align: start;"> bird census that would count birds during the holidays. </span><span style="text-align: start;">So began the Christmas Bird Count (CBC.) Thanks to the inspiration of Chapman and the enthusiasm of 27 dedicated birders, 25 Christmas Bird Counts were held that day. The locations ranged from Toronto, Ontario to Pacific Grove, California with most counts in or near the population centers of northeastern North America. </span><a href="http://www.audubon.org/sites/default/files/documents/First_Christmas_Bird_Count_birdsplaces.pdf" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px !important; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.15s ease 0s;"><span style="color: purple;">Those original 27 Christmas Bird Counters tallied around 90 species on all the counts combined.</span></a><span style="text-align: start;"> Now there are over 1,200 counts conducted annually in North America with several dozen just in Kansas. This year's Red Hills CBC was on January 4. There were a total of </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">14 observers led by Pete Janzen. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">The count area is located entirely in Barber </span></b></span><b style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">County. A total of 94 species of birds and 10,474 individuals were tallied--more species than seen by the first CBC participants 120 years ago in all the first counts. For the Red Hills CBC, this is the highest species total since it began. Notable sightings this year included Red-shouldered Hawk and Pileated Woodpecker which were repeats from recent years and indicates they seem to be establishing themselves as residents. Because of the mild winter, there was a lot of open water resulting in 17 species of waterfowl seen--an all time high. </b></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> Predawn surveying for owls was super productive with </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">24 Great Horned Owls as well as Eastern</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"> Screech Owls, Barred and Barn Owls being found. A special treat was a </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">big meteor shower. </span></b></span><b style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Bird counters came from Tulsa, Olathe, </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Lawrence, Berryton, Manhattan, Emporia, Wichita, Hutchinson and Pratt</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">. While certainly a fun activity, these bird counts add very important information about population trends and bird distribution, particularly with the effect of recent years' climatic changes. As is the case for all CBC counts, the area surveyed annually covers a circle of land 15 miles in diameter. The center for this count is near Medicine Lodge. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLKRSnvBgSaGBzQyxhEOKlIxwwDQ7OXybf_LaKn3w2eNAqQb6uO8ioowogkuxLA4uHzrp8qiK2az6L0vl91lSUDzd2OkjIktlnVmiGXzN65iNJ84IqELnbdQ7jMGoqCLflk_jKGJxg5M/s1600/_MG_8542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGLKRSnvBgSaGBzQyxhEOKlIxwwDQ7OXybf_LaKn3w2eNAqQb6uO8ioowogkuxLA4uHzrp8qiK2az6L0vl91lSUDzd2OkjIktlnVmiGXzN65iNJ84IqELnbdQ7jMGoqCLflk_jKGJxg5M/s640/_MG_8542.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Bird counting begins before dawn and provides a pleasing <br />Red Hills scene as the census begins.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K6Ot60prFeyh9j7Q6Y_LxI0v4uupkrwwNKp18frKx7ZPYLRrBYwz3iQNYmk_G5Va34o_ZSdgNFCTKgyWaLI7J9A_xg-HehMU0bPslZahIXmI6wxJRFtaXdrn-YGa6yN3bJ5rhiR-D1w/s1600/IMG_4455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5K6Ot60prFeyh9j7Q6Y_LxI0v4uupkrwwNKp18frKx7ZPYLRrBYwz3iQNYmk_G5Va34o_ZSdgNFCTKgyWaLI7J9A_xg-HehMU0bPslZahIXmI6wxJRFtaXdrn-YGa6yN3bJ5rhiR-D1w/s400/IMG_4455.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Stan Roth (with hunter orange cap) is not only one of<br />the regular Red Hills CBC birders but a well-respected<br />Red Hills natural resource expert.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Red Hills is recognized as an official <br />Audubon Important Bird Area.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_FAJWvkUVYCdIkjtS-hUnR-M7Kl1MrsxUWDtG9ZfIFGJ5jCBDM_XHj8MVoE88nSOgMrblFmV44StN-TTGn3JgbzkpjeUUvGiDK2uUmmsgN4URJHaasZ_l2919VWjzjMBAJz24jkQoOA/s1600/2020-01-04+15.14.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_FAJWvkUVYCdIkjtS-hUnR-M7Kl1MrsxUWDtG9ZfIFGJ5jCBDM_XHj8MVoE88nSOgMrblFmV44StN-TTGn3JgbzkpjeUUvGiDK2uUmmsgN4URJHaasZ_l2919VWjzjMBAJz24jkQoOA/s400/2020-01-04+15.14.00.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Typical views may be quite fleeting; but, this Merlin (Pigeon Hawk)<br />perched on a fence post for several minutes, allowing for a picture.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDqNCiCFXl44R6G-IqF4Sd0c0Bf1BNuEUcYLJbEre_Aco0W3mtqzX36nXN0euloqOuS-rzQcge5QRVRhtHWitmVZd-StFls1tUPqHeVSYYuvgE7WtWt3aEINiSBEOqNbLG5LXIVmExCs/s1600/Mbluebirds1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="357" data-original-width="433" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDqNCiCFXl44R6G-IqF4Sd0c0Bf1BNuEUcYLJbEre_Aco0W3mtqzX36nXN0euloqOuS-rzQcge5QRVRhtHWitmVZd-StFls1tUPqHeVSYYuvgE7WtWt3aEINiSBEOqNbLG5LXIVmExCs/s400/Mbluebirds1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Mountain Bluebirds concentrate in the Red Hills in winter<br />and are regular entries in this count.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>End of count day supplies a beautiful Red Hills sunset to cap an enjoyable outing.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The final tally occurs at the compilation directed by Pete Janzen and, quite fittingly, at Busters' Saloon in Sun City. Pete (standing) started this count in 1992 and has been its faithful and excellent leader since.</b></span></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-15306807289085168022019-12-26T09:12:00.001-08:002019-12-26T10:30:50.385-08:00Winter Wonderland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> A light snow dusting accents an already beautiful landscape. The Red Hills rarely enjoys a deep blanket of snow but whatever graces the land is appreciated. Even a light white blanket gives a nice contrasting perspective. While more precipitation is hoped for by the rangeland, wildlife and ranchers, every little amount helps to replenish soil moisture going into spring regrowth. </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">A quiet sunset helps paint beauty in the waning hour of daylight.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>A Great Blue Heron guards his pond at dusk.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">The Red Hills seems at its best when highlighted by snow.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><b>A drive through the Red Hills in winter is especially fulfilling.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">Cattle and ranchers keep right on grazing and working through the winter months.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">Ranchers and most prairie wildlife would prefer no trees<br />on the rangeland; but, they can provide some variety to landscape pictures.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">A ride on the Gyp Hills Scenic Byway west of<br />Medicine Lodge can be a winter delight.</span></b></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-77871683120759570052019-11-22T19:46:00.000-08:002019-11-22T20:04:49.565-08:00The Bees' Needs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #a64d79;">That pollinators are important to humans cannot be overstated. Most of our fruits, nuts, and vegetables are a result of animal pollinators such as bees. Honey bees as well as native bees comprise the most of the pollen-carrying workforce in nature as well as for many agricultural crops. There are an estimated 20,000 species of wild bees worldwide according to the National Wildlife Federation. They count about 4,000 native bee species in North America. </b><b style="color: #a64d79;">While honey bees, which are not native to North America, utilize pollen for hive food, their plant propagation effort is accidental just as it is for native pollinators. They pick up pollen on their legs and body while visiting flowers and distribute it to other flowers during their nectaring adventures. In a sense they are unknowing employees of plants. </b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In our own little patch of earth, I plant and promote pollinator plants including the very showy Purple Prairie-clover. Observations from this past year proved this plant to be a favorite of not only our local honey bee colonies but wild bees and wasps as well. There have been some research and concerns about honey bees competing with native bee populations for food and space. I pay attention to this possibility in my own fields. Anecdotal observations have limited value in science but I find these interactions interesting. Here are a few examples of the love affair these insects have with this beautiful plant.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEAMRsFkDKl1QSPl4E0hNuRq42o0Wqb7W-AGFnLb0tI1rWVaA-cfh7ccaV2K6svJpOR1dtgO8cGVJkhOgh2LsTut1slVr7zXBpjADAJze1AvP2_15PNmzXWQJvUvsXv9E-c4o27JsK88/s1600/IMG_2855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEAMRsFkDKl1QSPl4E0hNuRq42o0Wqb7W-AGFnLb0tI1rWVaA-cfh7ccaV2K6svJpOR1dtgO8cGVJkhOgh2LsTut1slVr7zXBpjADAJze1AvP2_15PNmzXWQJvUvsXv9E-c4o27JsK88/s640/IMG_2855.jpg" width="492" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">A Honey bee </span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">already </span></b><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">carrying a packet of pollen </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">approaches a Purple Prairie-clover flower .</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtM2BBiSHAkfbBFErF6lxz4smWVEpRx_OkqwNfw6cFGvY5Lh0E7Uy5hezQ5e8n-fEyL6LALQMkwfT5UUhhiiNQB5cNacD8Rn7ZebvshePrifYjLTM-VzV63ahV4ipYNrgzBmmFWtK65I/s1600/IMG_2852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1004" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtM2BBiSHAkfbBFErF6lxz4smWVEpRx_OkqwNfw6cFGvY5Lh0E7Uy5hezQ5e8n-fEyL6LALQMkwfT5UUhhiiNQB5cNacD8Rn7ZebvshePrifYjLTM-VzV63ahV4ipYNrgzBmmFWtK65I/s640/IMG_2852.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">Bumble bees love clover flowers.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mc7CXrO0Mk8tB5StFXLKBf3IJG_JvWszEXm4c5HULT4I-v1mEOyFrrKXYDZZw_buv8-_oTUO72gNlEzoTFyPHqUxqOE-WcX2hYUf4QHsSicdd4mDZixn4bQGZbvaxZBm_hqz4vWhD1g/s1600/IMG_2842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1059" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mc7CXrO0Mk8tB5StFXLKBf3IJG_JvWszEXm4c5HULT4I-v1mEOyFrrKXYDZZw_buv8-_oTUO72gNlEzoTFyPHqUxqOE-WcX2hYUf4QHsSicdd4mDZixn4bQGZbvaxZBm_hqz4vWhD1g/s640/IMG_2842.jpg" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">A Scoliid wasp takes its turn.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjparfb7PNuHLAozyfFkUC2SIzioKsHGZolL8pxMfhi2mNw-f52Lzttl-TkjLI6IhvdzxLLnDHC-y3zDiMzg5PODR3o1IGFfQ_Pkbuvhj6viZnbjVLqfn-Wm7PJ7mt_-GC9RawkwVJ8XE/s1600/IMG_2858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1101" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjparfb7PNuHLAozyfFkUC2SIzioKsHGZolL8pxMfhi2mNw-f52Lzttl-TkjLI6IhvdzxLLnDHC-y3zDiMzg5PODR3o1IGFfQ_Pkbuvhj6viZnbjVLqfn-Wm7PJ7mt_-GC9RawkwVJ8XE/s640/IMG_2858.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">Not a pollinator but a predator, this robber fly waited<br />patiently to snatch a honey bee.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pH6azhtF_mJVBrUs-D60R895y6NJ_CXXoN6rqM-ATUeFppya8Ww1qQWg0Bx_uCo4ArGLFy92HTYOpGwcSC4pDOo6Ucg3pu5IstJDLjY6rW0bLkUl2nwvGF4IAgTeoSbuNvkvZjQ1Wh4/s1600/IMG_2863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pH6azhtF_mJVBrUs-D60R895y6NJ_CXXoN6rqM-ATUeFppya8Ww1qQWg0Bx_uCo4ArGLFy92HTYOpGwcSC4pDOo6Ucg3pu5IstJDLjY6rW0bLkUl2nwvGF4IAgTeoSbuNvkvZjQ1Wh4/s640/IMG_2863.jpg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">A Scoliid wasp nectars at this White Prairie-clover.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj788rSrYE_mwaF1s0sW8Nu2i2IKDXNfmtLQN88ScKC_txxURKc9qSf7lyf9Q-O2rrpmoba0lcBi2123jHGtCSQQeRY7mcdSOGRZG_7z8H5ilaMMNw0LyT3x1IjgGjHVXJqMiK3ZMGiNd8/s1600/IMG_2864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj788rSrYE_mwaF1s0sW8Nu2i2IKDXNfmtLQN88ScKC_txxURKc9qSf7lyf9Q-O2rrpmoba0lcBi2123jHGtCSQQeRY7mcdSOGRZG_7z8H5ilaMMNw0LyT3x1IjgGjHVXJqMiK3ZMGiNd8/s640/IMG_2864.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">A honey bee shares this plant with several other<br />pollinators including Halictid sweat bees.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjr4GiP_vd_Qa_9LKdrFBKrrU8sNgrTOlTUNxn419w6hVbr6wAwIe8w3dm1NWFYA70YqafNC6daSQ0Ac-z453NqH2LCntgze62GnKu1QZa7wL97AwkIph0wUkwclN5TiAXVF34dsZpIA/s1600/IMG_2873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrjr4GiP_vd_Qa_9LKdrFBKrrU8sNgrTOlTUNxn419w6hVbr6wAwIe8w3dm1NWFYA70YqafNC6daSQ0Ac-z453NqH2LCntgze62GnKu1QZa7wL97AwkIph0wUkwclN5TiAXVF34dsZpIA/s400/IMG_2873.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">Three native Halictids enjoy this clover flower.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalbJwjvqK46HqjcPVUS5KZAtSVlO3DqqbDB5lCg8t8xZNh6ZhIqNTn1HaqkeWMRp4d56IkelCRs3vrku7twrSrI7kKxA51Nz2xxuLpvCQjOs_Rpj6rx_iT0HuaB8qOn1NedCIENjKZM4/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjalbJwjvqK46HqjcPVUS5KZAtSVlO3DqqbDB5lCg8t8xZNh6ZhIqNTn1HaqkeWMRp4d56IkelCRs3vrku7twrSrI7kKxA51Nz2xxuLpvCQjOs_Rpj6rx_iT0HuaB8qOn1NedCIENjKZM4/s640/IMG_2668.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small;">A healthy prairie supporting a wide variety of native plants is the<br />best food table for native pollinators. A healthy prairie supports<br />species which flower at different times through the year which is<br />a critical need for our native insects.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1546744971"></span><span id="goog_1546744972"></span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-28497204453202208752019-10-17T19:20:00.001-07:002019-11-22T20:05:40.776-08:00Biking the Outback Blacktop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> For most bicycle enthusiasts, any time you can get out is good. But there are some times of the year when it can be truly rewarding for those that pay attention to critters on the road. Sure, there's lots of DOR (Dead on the Road) to observe; but, there's also opportunity for seeing some other very interesting live creatures. This is particularly the case for the blacktops and back roads of the Red Hills. In this interesting land and at the right time of year and temperatures, you might find all of the various creepy crawlies seen in this post. On one recent late afternoon, the blacktops were alive with life. Bicycling has many benefits for the body and soul but one in particular is the slower pace of travel and the proximity of pavement that allows for better perception of life in the Kansas Outback. </b></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b-TOmUvPG162X8rMU_yKRztckO9P_7B4fU9QscHRUSIWfsOiVvxQL7t5GjQqtmaBU0r77W8EpUnih4FAk3a46f9mjzzGx6gN7kiU0Ljtm-J5BcybOLrhrT0E-JThSX_xGG3Zut7gPaw/s1600/IMG_3966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-b-TOmUvPG162X8rMU_yKRztckO9P_7B4fU9QscHRUSIWfsOiVvxQL7t5GjQqtmaBU0r77W8EpUnih4FAk3a46f9mjzzGx6gN7kiU0Ljtm-J5BcybOLrhrT0E-JThSX_xGG3Zut7gPaw/s640/IMG_3966.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: small;">Some days on the more remote back road blacktops of the Red Hills, there is hardly<br />any car/truck traffic which makes for a safer trip. With the right weather<br />and temperatures, finding critters can be very fruitful.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc7jnLj9xYya6I6G7aFC-cS2byjIKeI0ySqb4b4PxQqgvvn0LaKg-tnBWyzFowbnicgGNCiJljI0G7-GZatOaMpd2lP7F0ZKQzR4Oe9PHagHCrqtsGgI6jxTU_HFrV3O3lUUEASsHf0A/s1600/IMG_3940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUc7jnLj9xYya6I6G7aFC-cS2byjIKeI0ySqb4b4PxQqgvvn0LaKg-tnBWyzFowbnicgGNCiJljI0G7-GZatOaMpd2lP7F0ZKQzR4Oe9PHagHCrqtsGgI6jxTU_HFrV3O3lUUEASsHf0A/s640/IMG_3940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: small;">September and October is the fall movement time for Texas Brown Tarantulas.<br />At the right times, dozens can be seen on any particular road trip.</span></b><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k5JUo38ERxY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k5JUo38ERxY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
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<b><span style="color: #0c343d;">Of eight legs available, this poor tarantula had one bad one.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_iHA6h7ql9Z9Z8Ao6r_xTRKs7mePJs5m3jE1MxSf4FbTXrpMPg85tJHiXx4doOtxUiquj8utVCMOkjJMG6UhB13uxc5M0jiwXlZV-a6KaJPktReg4aFHhTme2xShhQeIrynjqkvOjE/s1600/IMG_3962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEw_iHA6h7ql9Z9Z8Ao6r_xTRKs7mePJs5m3jE1MxSf4FbTXrpMPg85tJHiXx4doOtxUiquj8utVCMOkjJMG6UhB13uxc5M0jiwXlZV-a6KaJPktReg4aFHhTme2xShhQeIrynjqkvOjE/s640/IMG_3962.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: small;">Probably the creepiest critter of the outback is the Giant Desert Centipede.<br />This 8 inch one was keeping company with the tarantulas.</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: small; font-weight: 700;">Don't let this thing crawl up your leg!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: small;">Many of these road creatures may not be your idea of a hand pet,<br />but, a juvenile Prairie Rattlesnake is certainly off limits!</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: small;"><b>And bicyclists can get on some of the gravel roads and just enjoy the scenery too!</b></span></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-7184748589607046252019-07-19T18:57:00.000-07:002019-10-20T17:38:31.182-07:00Herpin' the Hills<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> The Red Hills of Kansas support nearly 2/3rds of the 102 species of amphibians, reptiles, and turtles known to occur in the state. This rich fauna is second only to the very diverse region of southeast Kansas. It also harbors several of the state's sensitive species. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"> The region attracts herpers of all ages who chase after all things slithery, slimy and scaly. </span>Kids especially enjoy these critters. This is especially true for those who have been taught to appreciate and enjoy them. There is reason for some caution--two venomous snakes do occur here. But, if one is careful and knows how to distinguish the rattlesnakes, there is little risk. There are recent records of a third venomous species, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, near the state line ;but, this species is very uncommon here. It is unfortunate that some people learn from elders to be unnecessarily afraid of some of these animals and miss out on some fascinating wildlife and adventures.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> Groups such as the Kansas Herpeto</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">logical Society <a href="http://ksherp.com/">http://ksherp.com/</a> have sponsored field trips to the Red Hills but there are many individuals who like to travel the backroads of this Kansas Outback at various times of the year to look for these critters. With many herps emerging from winter hibernation in early spring, April and May are popular periods to look under rocks and on roads for herps. In the summer, prime herping times are relegated more to the nighttime with many of the snakes in particular being nocturnal. And with all the earlier rains this year, the toad population is at peak levels. It is a great year to be herping in the hills and other regions of Kansas as well.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> An excellent website for learning more about Kansas herps is the Kansas Herpetological Atlas <a href="http://webapps.fhsu.edu/ksherp/default.aspx">http://webapps.fhsu.edu/ksherp/default.aspx</a> administered by Sternberg Museum of Fort Hays Kansas State University.</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYj_-Z-OiwMEE__hgmybP24RSs6Lp_PxnrfG_P4cz7p5nGzUb6SsevqAlHXcEBy1s_5kPZgJl770LqAQTLr_aVw0H43FUanjMdrNqXnvh__Z5IWzTKAGI7R6RkuKZeI27FcDFjYRU2fw/s1600/Ornat+w+Hymenoxis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYj_-Z-OiwMEE__hgmybP24RSs6Lp_PxnrfG_P4cz7p5nGzUb6SsevqAlHXcEBy1s_5kPZgJl770LqAQTLr_aVw0H43FUanjMdrNqXnvh__Z5IWzTKAGI7R6RkuKZeI27FcDFjYRU2fw/s400/Ornat+w+Hymenoxis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Ornate Box Turtle is the official state reptile of Kansas and a common<br />animal in the Red Hills.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Kansas Herpetological Society has sponsored several field trips<br />to the Red Hills. Gracious landowners share their nature's bounty.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Coachwhip is very fast as well as very interesting looking with<br />that distinctive scale pattern. </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Eastern Collard Lizard looks ferocious and for a good<br />reason. It can inflict a painful bite with those strong jaws!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Long-nosed Snake is one of the more colorful</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>animals of the Red Hills--and appropriately reddish.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Red Hills region offers ample opportunity for surveys and special<br />studies as evidenced by this crew of students from Fort Hays State University.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake shown here is smaller than the Prairie Rattlesnake.<br />Both occur in the Red Hills and add a degree of excitement to the Kansas Outback.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Excitement exudes from a kid catching<br />that first Texas Horned Lizard.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Woodhouse's Toad is one of the most abundant amphibians<br />in the Red Hills as well as a very popular wild "hand pet." </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWexSLEJw_jKaLEqNbQw6tuaFKgPFWVTlBppy4em4nBLFSDP1Nkuqe3nA41XcyQdyUUqRW_To-voaa81Qk9xW9oVBqGxnIZZHUUrCMT1ecORXGQfHH2YVLWaGpY9VwEvhTdkct_7l7Kjk/s1600/gartersnakewfrog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWexSLEJw_jKaLEqNbQw6tuaFKgPFWVTlBppy4em4nBLFSDP1Nkuqe3nA41XcyQdyUUqRW_To-voaa81Qk9xW9oVBqGxnIZZHUUrCMT1ecORXGQfHH2YVLWaGpY9VwEvhTdkct_7l7Kjk/s640/gartersnakewfrog.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A Common Garter Snake has snatched a Plains Leopard Frog</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">in a wetland in the hills.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Find a friend and visit the Red Hills for an adventure of herping the hills of the Kansas Outback. Enjoy life!</span></b></td></tr>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-1981486780087852022019-06-24T10:42:00.001-07:002019-06-29T14:48:35.428-07:00Pollinator Party<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>With all the rains in the Red Hills this year, the prairie wildflower show is spectacular. And all the pollinator insects are enjoying this bonanza. Many different insects are attracted to nectar from these flowers. They include butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, and beetles but sometimes there are other visitors as well. Come to the Red Hills for this wonderful, natural exhibit of plant and animal life. </b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Lots of insects love Lemon Beebalm but none more than bumblebees.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">These recently emerged Widow Skimmer dragonflies are not<br />pollinators but decided to hang out on some Blue Wild Indigo.</span></b><br />
(Thanks Roy Beckemeyer for the ID.)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8rfMIz8w1A4cAGCplcT4ulCD4UEkypcqyxHOes7UZHpP7ITlfSdjR2vhi1SKOnf9T2rn61p5oulnuC10z2Z-P9J3-uMIeY-M7A1TxuzHQpYe7VK1XZi4NzBXLOv1MXAsxDkzG34lfus/s1600/IMG_2415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8rfMIz8w1A4cAGCplcT4ulCD4UEkypcqyxHOes7UZHpP7ITlfSdjR2vhi1SKOnf9T2rn61p5oulnuC10z2Z-P9J3-uMIeY-M7A1TxuzHQpYe7VK1XZi4NzBXLOv1MXAsxDkzG34lfus/s640/IMG_2415.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>A Variegated Fritillary butterfly loves on the</b></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Butterfly Milkweed.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNlTCknegbL-CToOVJNxLEqcW-QWVN2wpccatRtgoBLyypwiS-ecPhv7NaLx3XOlZwJ0RjfBuA8lLJ9xSzv806Rk8Vbw7Gg96B0bdxGq_6IBeEChn8OKseip6KGyLXmKvEsm1X9jQzq8/s1600/IMG_2418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNlTCknegbL-CToOVJNxLEqcW-QWVN2wpccatRtgoBLyypwiS-ecPhv7NaLx3XOlZwJ0RjfBuA8lLJ9xSzv806Rk8Vbw7Gg96B0bdxGq_6IBeEChn8OKseip6KGyLXmKvEsm1X9jQzq8/s640/IMG_2418.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>A Checkered White Butterfly also enjoys<br />Butterfly Milkweed with the Variegated Fritillary.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyHOnYcd66q5TNHCUbPT5a2CqX1Ojy98s0hxQYVa2UD0LtE4jlkeRsBntItbmG2HNmhv1PbY3YMsrVSlco4Htxhv687G5g_jtNACMJvY8HbPqLf-yJpmxH2VZpyFQDevMRH_t3RZkR5o/s1600/IMG_2639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzyHOnYcd66q5TNHCUbPT5a2CqX1Ojy98s0hxQYVa2UD0LtE4jlkeRsBntItbmG2HNmhv1PbY3YMsrVSlco4Htxhv687G5g_jtNACMJvY8HbPqLf-yJpmxH2VZpyFQDevMRH_t3RZkR5o/s640/IMG_2639.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;">These scarab flower beetles are also important pollinators.<br />Even this Wavy-leaf Thistle has plenty to offer.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxZa1gPpC-LuQrVP4FIr4Q-lrauluXQj3_ryQp79f2DK0p3DZRJ7AFty0lV2-xZRnhfdzo511MyXvPiMiXEkXY4yvyP-sYF1C5Zz5TVDzxbqGA6WO9VDYkONjSLphP0G5gdcsXeqLg24/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxZa1gPpC-LuQrVP4FIr4Q-lrauluXQj3_ryQp79f2DK0p3DZRJ7AFty0lV2-xZRnhfdzo511MyXvPiMiXEkXY4yvyP-sYF1C5Zz5TVDzxbqGA6WO9VDYkONjSLphP0G5gdcsXeqLg24/s640/download.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>A Regal Fritillary Butterfly perches on a Common Milkweed. Milkweeds<br />are very important food sources for Monarchs and other butterflies.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PCaDDnOwUsriETpurY1AAx0F7LwuVMjDd1Qk502r5mFrtBp6uSO3CGZ7cnL2w7sXVC3djBBuoLfdIhmXN3jtSn5TN_O11BtvxZWSuZ5YAlldoX_9pq4kCww4dwR9fWhwmTKSUCSU28Y/s1600/IMG_2640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PCaDDnOwUsriETpurY1AAx0F7LwuVMjDd1Qk502r5mFrtBp6uSO3CGZ7cnL2w7sXVC3djBBuoLfdIhmXN3jtSn5TN_O11BtvxZWSuZ5YAlldoX_9pq4kCww4dwR9fWhwmTKSUCSU28Y/s640/IMG_2640.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>The scarab beetles also love the<br />Prickly Pear Cactus flowers.</b></span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ_jO7QLhca9IFCh2ngsFhkZu7AephWxXKNInlG9gokogF7oN4Yj0DpgpRriEjcIOrnxgJCLZewX05k5kQCNCNSeA_gf-HdfV2v3-sFzrUbd6pdfxuP8o5QbsrVT-15UoTV7QAXyStmo/s1600/IMG_2627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQ_jO7QLhca9IFCh2ngsFhkZu7AephWxXKNInlG9gokogF7oN4Yj0DpgpRriEjcIOrnxgJCLZewX05k5kQCNCNSeA_gf-HdfV2v3-sFzrUbd6pdfxuP8o5QbsrVT-15UoTV7QAXyStmo/s640/IMG_2627.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Several butterflies mob this Leadplant.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMfZkMYdRpOE0V0e6WTIsC7N22iLjlbiIa2AW6sFEMxfUgcN2h-9NfeylBlUBMub6RRcfLbdXZVxKJ5rKR13vgW7LGxjeM6CZGHc2AUpHHw6c98EMUxX4RqQIalkQev9PA9X0CgoxNfA/s1600/IMG_2653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMfZkMYdRpOE0V0e6WTIsC7N22iLjlbiIa2AW6sFEMxfUgcN2h-9NfeylBlUBMub6RRcfLbdXZVxKJ5rKR13vgW7LGxjeM6CZGHc2AUpHHw6c98EMUxX4RqQIalkQev9PA9X0CgoxNfA/s640/IMG_2653.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>This Orange Sulfur Butterfly nectars on<br />Plains Sunflower.</b></span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtvI90nZKYuipb3OEPhcKSbmFScrcF8U8kHNZetY1V00R928VaY7NudEuWHU9D9j-WDgWyNCdGWjWbhOfl-8erRloriPhgqPSEw2MFg6RUzhJq7DlxMHCb-QKZuOsXnWi3IAenS3Luvw/s1600/IMG_2658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtvI90nZKYuipb3OEPhcKSbmFScrcF8U8kHNZetY1V00R928VaY7NudEuWHU9D9j-WDgWyNCdGWjWbhOfl-8erRloriPhgqPSEw2MFg6RUzhJq7DlxMHCb-QKZuOsXnWi3IAenS3Luvw/s640/IMG_2658.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>A Variegated Fritillary likes Plains Sunflowers too.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_cBsM9kJP6O8qcT8zlX64uNYK74fUj2RtMM3Rowh2JHBc_L6KypxPBSQ0vlfH8TNhQU7yoAAdMS-3PgqJr7VHdwVQWeuL8_uYZAc4XUW4iImyujrupMlxN0fpYk37vm5j5p6ZSwprt4/s1600/IMG_2659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_cBsM9kJP6O8qcT8zlX64uNYK74fUj2RtMM3Rowh2JHBc_L6KypxPBSQ0vlfH8TNhQU7yoAAdMS-3PgqJr7VHdwVQWeuL8_uYZAc4XUW4iImyujrupMlxN0fpYk37vm5j5p6ZSwprt4/s640/IMG_2659.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Lots of insects use and pollinate Plains<br />Sunflowers including Painted Lady Butterflies.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3upZ7mDGYfBeAGMIyQvZ9_3yPrUsmg2cwExsVH1hpRvyY3b6IRJ0NUaiDZJg6ByQdb_-Ip7higimqziL6a6KgYCqcthBYgKlQfd1BzCnsRS8w_IoG4SPuwSuCu7FrXEMBZAypYqOzzIA/s1600/IMG_2608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3upZ7mDGYfBeAGMIyQvZ9_3yPrUsmg2cwExsVH1hpRvyY3b6IRJ0NUaiDZJg6ByQdb_-Ip7higimqziL6a6KgYCqcthBYgKlQfd1BzCnsRS8w_IoG4SPuwSuCu7FrXEMBZAypYqOzzIA/s640/IMG_2608.jpg" width="476" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>This pretty true bug (Hemipteran) is<br /><i>Apiomerus spissipes.</i> Not sure if it has<br />a common name. Feel free to offer one.</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ymMbDzfvRh0suuvZBLaHkg4R8cDJGcxFE16iD8dXqKgpqNzsvzkA4Zfd5BmTm0U0wHnWhLc00uyngrNRUZfV_UI88SpRaYeMArQAcZ9uFu97RzTakSawqJUUxI_bbf8DiXytYlVgWQU/s1600/IMG_2690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ymMbDzfvRh0suuvZBLaHkg4R8cDJGcxFE16iD8dXqKgpqNzsvzkA4Zfd5BmTm0U0wHnWhLc00uyngrNRUZfV_UI88SpRaYeMArQAcZ9uFu97RzTakSawqJUUxI_bbf8DiXytYlVgWQU/s640/IMG_2690.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">This Flowerloving Longhorn beetle is doing as its name implies.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: bold;">Prairie Coneflowers are very showy this year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> <span style="background-color: white;">F</span><span style="background-color: white;">or more information about native, pollinator plants, visit the Kansas Native Plant Society website </span></b></span></span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;">(www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org) and its excellent Facebook page. </span></b></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-85619268794171521462019-04-16T12:33:00.001-07:002019-12-26T15:14:34.187-08:00Red Hills Voices from the Past<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">I am afflicted with an insatiable appetite for history. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">In past blogs, I've posted about the very ancient history of the Red Hills in describing hundred million year-old fossils from the Cretaceous Period found in sandstone and shale deposits. For this post, I'm skipping nearly all that geologic time frame straight to the age of humans. While emphasizing the early settlers and eventual ranching culture, I offer some insight to the hardships and perseverance of early pioneers as well as some obvious joy in early living in the Kansas Outback.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGht4lrccWB7IkynzYs545vcRTQqbztCiofxl8tjL8F1A4y7FXVqNtEdocZHaRwBvlwONWbb-EnVH8epcTGAUiWaKYHm8F8pBLYuHtE2tSiIJRPpx3emM9koSv8kqLVClPlspqTOrPsf4/s1600/Pictograph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGht4lrccWB7IkynzYs545vcRTQqbztCiofxl8tjL8F1A4y7FXVqNtEdocZHaRwBvlwONWbb-EnVH8epcTGAUiWaKYHm8F8pBLYuHtE2tSiIJRPpx3emM9koSv8kqLVClPlspqTOrPsf4/s640/Pictograph.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;">The earliest humans of the Red Hills were plains tribes who fought over the rich hunting grounds of the area. In "Empire of the Summer Moon," S. C. Gwynne describes some of the travels of the Comanches into this area. Perhaps it was one of Quanah Parker's warriors who painted these pictographs on the ceiling of one of its caves.</span></h1>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ4KS4Uy6yg6jPgZumLgtM6UHAIJDhk8hTky_QbokhQZ6UndBx8PEyyGi0FZwm174WY25k6eiFyYo_MvS7Af9rOuBumFmiRYd24xso6BvtP8wLCOqc-4C3sqqRCUILRKQhwG3CSexWic/s1600/IMG_9559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZ4KS4Uy6yg6jPgZumLgtM6UHAIJDhk8hTky_QbokhQZ6UndBx8PEyyGi0FZwm174WY25k6eiFyYo_MvS7Af9rOuBumFmiRYd24xso6BvtP8wLCOqc-4C3sqqRCUILRKQhwG3CSexWic/s640/IMG_9559.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> A marker identifies the final resting spot of a native American just<br />southeast of Ashland in Clark County.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Lodi Cemetery southeast of Medicine Lodge <br /> bears gravestones from some of the first white settlers <br />of Barber County. </b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The earliest birthday found in the Lodi Cemetery. </span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some distant relative obviously replaced and updated</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>the original headstone. Nicely done!</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Dora Reaves was less than a year old and one of the <br />earliest burials in Lodi. Was she one of the Jewish settlers<br />who came to this area as well as other parts of Western Kansas<br />during the 1880's? Jews from the east and Europe attempted to<br />make livings in a land very inhospitable at the time to humans<br />with severe droughts, floods, and winters through the 1880s. Google<br />"Kansas Jewish settlements" for some very interesting history! </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">And see the reference at the end of this post.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Many Civil War Veterans homesteaded in Kansas. J. W. Rhodes<br />ended up in Barber County and eventually in the Lodi Cemetery.</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>The extreme weather that contributed to the Jewish settlements failures also put an end to the Comanche Pool. </b><b style="text-align: center;"><b>Still standing is most of the original commissary of this organization at Evansville in Comanche County. This was an organization of ranchers who pooled their herds in the open range in the early 1880's. As many as 80,000 head were grazed through the growing season in a huge area of 4,000 square miles in primarily Barber, Comanche and Clark counties </b></b><b>in Kansas and extending into Woods County, Oklahoma. Scan the internet for more </b><b><b>on this amazing early day open range grazing effort and see my reference at the end.</b></b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Thomas and Charles Watt met violent deaths from local<br />open range advocates when they were carrying a load of<br />barbed wire across southern Barber County. These graves</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">are in a very remote tract of red dirt prairie.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A local resident views the last standing headstone in the Nescatunga<br />Cemetery southeast of Coldwater, Comanche County. Many small<br />communities sprang up and flourished--for a while. Then they slowly<br />died or were moved at the mercy of railroads, county seat battles<br />and many other reasons of hard living in this country.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This homestead and settlement of several structures reside on a<br />ranch near the Medicine River. Reports are that it was still<br />occupied in the 1950's.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Some locals used the accommodations of area caves to distill spirits. These are remnants of<br />a still from, you guessed it, Still Cave in Barber County. First settlers searched for nearby water sources to build their first shelters which were dugouts into hillsides. Many times<br />springs from caves were highly desirable for homestead sites. Later, after a year or two,<br />these pioneers might find materials for log and rock cabins.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">This rock cabin was reportedly owned by a former President, probably<br />Calvin Coolidge as per a local resident. It's in a very remote area north of the Medicine River<br />in a very secluded canyon next to a spring. </span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Of all the violent deaths witnessed by the Red Hills, perhaps none are as<br />heart-wrenching as Rosa who died fighting a wildfire. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">A thoughtful rancher friend donated this<br />memorial near Thompson Creek in Kiowa County.</span></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><b style="font-size: medium;">The cowboy heritage runs deep in the red soil of the Kansas Outback.<br />This is a more modern day depiction of this respect in the<br />Sun City Cemetery.</b><br />
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: large;">The people and places of the Red Hills offer endless opportunity for study and adventure. Reading on-line and library research is a great way to start. Going to some of these places </span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 700;">completes the </span><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 700;">passion. For more extensive history of the Jewish settlements and the Comanche Pool, reference <a href="http://kancoll.org/books/harris/sod_chap09.htm">http://kancoll.org/books/harris/sod_chap09.htm</a> . (Thanks to Dennis Angle for the reference.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Locations of some sites not available due to consideration for private property rights. The Lodi and Sun City cemeteries are both accessible.</i></span></span></div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168392997766193552.post-83389884494387872082019-02-15T08:48:00.003-08:002019-02-15T08:48:53.085-08:00The Eight Natural Wonders of the Red Hills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> Over the past few years, I've presented what I feel are the best 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills in separate installments. I brought them all together in this one post with respective links (see picture captions) to each posting. </b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Perhaps you've heard of the 8 Wonders of Kansas at https://www.kansassampler.org/8wonders/? Any self-respecting Kansan should be aware of and have been to this wonderful site developed by the Kansas Sampler Foundation and a whole bunch of fine folks led by Marci Penner. There are other 8 wonder sub-categories including such subjects as Architecture, Art, Cuisine, History and others. I'm expanding on this theme by presenting my own selections for the special place in Kansas I call the Kansas Outback. The Red Hills represents the proverbial counter to the claim of a flat Kansas. While all of Kansas offers so many interesting features in so many categories, the Red Hills is a particular land of enchantment and treasure trove of natural surprises. Recognizing there are certainly more great wonders in this Kansas Outback, here are my selections of the best 8 Natural Wonders of the Red Hills in no particular order of rank. </span></b></div>
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<b style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">[To navigate to each respective post, place the caption's url link in your browser bar and search or block out the caption and then right click. Tap the "go to..." and it will take you there.]</span></b></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MPBof4wvRCQVGVAms1cRcJGk7GPTiS_dExp20CItb9BEKY7qBld-GhL-LXVUq-QgoMKmjHBquGNu_WWHC4mQXi0gTDIOnDt3i6bnahIMVsEjsJ_gNjboGsu0a6GojgfhHMgtXwvStGE/s1600/Bear+Creek+ridge+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MPBof4wvRCQVGVAms1cRcJGk7GPTiS_dExp20CItb9BEKY7qBld-GhL-LXVUq-QgoMKmjHBquGNu_WWHC4mQXi0gTDIOnDt3i6bnahIMVsEjsJ_gNjboGsu0a6GojgfhHMgtXwvStGE/s640/Bear+Creek+ridge+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;"> https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsLandscape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Wildlife</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_PBkEkwaws37XNtL2nL2JjgQpF40C0eVgtUij6SdqHaqtAIwDny45vFWB1E0ohb4lSRN9JS2rChAweqoIMM3cfL_VmfEArfcAkgWLdV-rql14nrqqWfKvwJQYR4wwNoxmvlE3PVlB9c/s1600/PBsinging1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="640" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_PBkEkwaws37XNtL2nL2JjgQpF40C0eVgtUij6SdqHaqtAIwDny45vFWB1E0ohb4lSRN9JS2rChAweqoIMM3cfL_VmfEArfcAkgWLdV-rql14nrqqWfKvwJQYR4wwNoxmvlE3PVlB9c/s640/PBsinging1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsWildlife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Streams</span> </b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYWiGaPtA2dZ3pieQXic9lN99QG5LWKn50auOC1IqyNNA8wruwBrLZjaw5mBFbC6ZUhOQLIz3llKr76RJgS9JIH1ACyU8uR8Ye_wSOe3QuP6VImj9TzOED4PNZ6_x-NDeCTjbAIOG50c/s1600/Med+River+Lake+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="640" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYWiGaPtA2dZ3pieQXic9lN99QG5LWKn50auOC1IqyNNA8wruwBrLZjaw5mBFbC6ZUhOQLIz3llKr76RJgS9JIH1ACyU8uR8Ye_wSOe3QuP6VImj9TzOED4PNZ6_x-NDeCTjbAIOG50c/s640/Med+River+Lake+City.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsStreams </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Caves</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReUw2YOJy24M9WdNb5FjGMdp-x4rmuRfkV8q3LGGPSah9BMjP-1iZNAc-oXeXl0PhPsAfZ3ORVdAtK0EntVat1W6QndJyhQOpd8Qv60UJ07QgpXfILArda-lqbvNbviKqjgDuXwrGdu0/s1600/Triple+Arches+w+Paxon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReUw2YOJy24M9WdNb5FjGMdp-x4rmuRfkV8q3LGGPSah9BMjP-1iZNAc-oXeXl0PhPsAfZ3ORVdAtK0EntVat1W6QndJyhQOpd8Qv60UJ07QgpXfILArda-lqbvNbviKqjgDuXwrGdu0/s640/Triple+Arches+w+Paxon.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsCaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />Wildflowers</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQxMzeGSuRGKKWEwt02RrrmK3BWsGukbnz1rVfKZqNUwqDM1csZhXnx6zYPVBO0SPmr-2Mh6H9EbNtxn23p2SvfnUfkVJqLD3q02Ttxu2POg-CIxZCCv6NNalhGnQ0mWzGEC2FdkStwk/s1600/Chalk+lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVQxMzeGSuRGKKWEwt02RrrmK3BWsGukbnz1rVfKZqNUwqDM1csZhXnx6zYPVBO0SPmr-2Mh6H9EbNtxn23p2SvfnUfkVJqLD3q02Ttxu2POg-CIxZCCv6NNalhGnQ0mWzGEC2FdkStwk/s640/Chalk+lily.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsWildflowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Big Basin Preserve and St. Jacob's Well</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvN_rEXg52sayB27RI32BoY2vF7dXrSJYdZ1HxUAKIEPkN2MwtaYRuJ3Pl23TZzK6qo0XmtFteT5k4WByHKFozHfseNZyDipAxle6O_dXbHW0bDB6rBT09Crw4bgEZIAIH3hQk77XiQc/s1600/Big+Basin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="400" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvN_rEXg52sayB27RI32BoY2vF7dXrSJYdZ1HxUAKIEPkN2MwtaYRuJ3Pl23TZzK6qo0XmtFteT5k4WByHKFozHfseNZyDipAxle6O_dXbHW0bDB6rBT09Crw4bgEZIAIH3hQk77XiQc/s640/Big+Basin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/St-Jacob-sWell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Grasslands</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZqvxOluKtYXa9tc9lDSLH1VcC6bZlry1j27XOoW0u5oTajeWjPq2yTvouhyH3_qjSrKL9n9Z6JTol5NHgp4nQq2p_t_1D8dH1VM7U9Xcw9CmkUPpVA01UOHiKJkBszqJHh6eQa7_mAI/s1600/forbs+and+grass+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZqvxOluKtYXa9tc9lDSLH1VcC6bZlry1j27XOoW0u5oTajeWjPq2yTvouhyH3_qjSrKL9n9Z6JTol5NHgp4nQq2p_t_1D8dH1VM7U9Xcw9CmkUPpVA01UOHiKJkBszqJHh6eQa7_mAI/s640/forbs+and+grass+sunset.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsGrasslands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Fossils</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPmWHvx74iPsjVLA86fr_SMJzWFTQeTIo4FegZf1QkD3325YeZeANPZp0Qpo5vKV66YEIz4sSYNMlFAen_NhT3Tyh2SV1ZTraUQlDXqwDXpxpDOQfkEygY_CH_yUZZSjDLTYrn15P-u8/s1600/Fossil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMPmWHvx74iPsjVLA86fr_SMJzWFTQeTIo4FegZf1QkD3325YeZeANPZp0Qpo5vKV66YEIz4sSYNMlFAen_NhT3Tyh2SV1ZTraUQlDXqwDXpxpDOQfkEygY_CH_yUZZSjDLTYrn15P-u8/s640/Fossil.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">https://tinyurl.com/RedHillsFossils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau</b></i></span><br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">All rights reserved. All images copyrighted.</div>KansasOutbackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07198883548865614564noreply@blogger.com3