Another Snow Show in the Red Hills

Drifting from a sullen sky come fluffy crystals soft and light

on enchanted land of Permian red accented by showy gypsum beds.

They flutter down so quietly adding to the scenery

sporting a blanket of pure white snow on thirsty fields of grassy gold.

The ample moisture is a pleasing sight and to Red Hills ranchers pure delight,

a welcomed winter present yielding later great forage benefits.

As spring returns and takes a drink from water laden soils below

the landscape will respond with green and display a quite colorful show.

We relish this beautiful, natural present as we watch it fall in such calming essence

reminding us of nature’s glory sometimes coming as raucous story.

But today it arrives with comforting grace floating down in frozen state

and feeds the streams of this hilly land as well as soul of beasts and humans.

Birding the Red Hills

     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 ornithologist Frank M. Chapman, an early officer in the Audubon Society, proposed a bird census that would count birds during the holidays. 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. Those original 27 Christmas Bird Counters tallied around 90 species on all the counts combined. 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 14 observers led by Pete Janzen. The count area is located entirely in Barber 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. 

     Predawn surveying for owls was super productive with 24 Great Horned Owls as well as Eastern Screech Owls, Barred and Barn Owls being found.  A special treat was a big meteor shower. Bird counters came from Tulsa, Olathe, Lawrence, Berryton, Manhattan, Emporia, Wichita, Hutchinson and Pratt.  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. 

Bird counting begins before dawn and provides a pleasing
Red Hills scene as the census begins.

Stan Roth (with hunter orange cap) is not only one of
the regular Red Hills CBC birders but a well-respected
Red Hills natural resource expert.

The Red Hills is recognized as an official
Audubon Important Bird Area.

Typical views may be quite fleeting; but, this Merlin (Pigeon Hawk)
perched on a fence post for several minutes, allowing for a picture.

Mountain Bluebirds concentrate in the Red Hills in winter
and are regular entries in this count.

End of count day supplies a beautiful Red Hills sunset to cap an enjoyable outing.

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.

Winter Wonderland

     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. 

A quiet sunset helps paint beauty in the waning hour of daylight.

A Great Blue Heron guards his pond at dusk.

The Red Hills seems at its best when highlighted by snow.

A drive through the Red Hills in winter is especially fulfilling.

Cattle and ranchers keep right on grazing and working through the winter months.

Ranchers and most prairie wildlife would prefer no trees
on the rangeland; but, they can provide some variety to landscape pictures.

A ride on the Gyp Hills Scenic Byway west of
Medicine Lodge can be a winter delight.

The Bees' Needs

    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. 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. 

     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.

A Honey bee already carrying a packet of pollen 
approaches a Purple Prairie-clover flower .

Bumble bees love clover flowers.

A Scoliid wasp takes its turn.

Not a pollinator but a predator, this robber fly waited
patiently to snatch a honey bee.

A Scoliid wasp nectars at this White Prairie-clover.

A honey bee shares this plant with several other
pollinators including Halictid sweat bees.

Three native Halictids enjoy this clover flower.

A healthy prairie supporting a wide variety of native plants is the
best food table for native pollinators. A healthy prairie supports
species which flower at different times through the year which is
a critical need for our native insects.

Biking the Outback Blacktop

     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. 

Some days on the more remote back road blacktops of the Red Hills, there is hardly
any car/truck traffic which makes for a safer trip. With the right weather
and temperatures, finding critters can be very fruitful.

September and October is the fall movement time for Texas Brown Tarantulas.
At the right times, dozens can be seen on any particular road trip.

Of eight legs available, this poor tarantula had one bad one.

Probably the creepiest critter of the outback is the Giant Desert Centipede.
This 8 inch one was keeping company with the tarantulas.

Don't let this thing crawl up your leg!

  

Many of these road creatures may not be your idea of a hand pet,
but, a juvenile Prairie Rattlesnake is certainly off limits!

And bicyclists can get on some of the gravel roads and just enjoy the scenery too!

Herpin' the Hills

     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. 

     The region attracts herpers of all ages who chase after all things slithery, slimy and scaly.  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.

      Groups such as the Kansas Herpetological Society http://ksherp.com/ 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.

      An excellent website for learning more about Kansas herps is the Kansas Herpetological Atlas http://webapps.fhsu.edu/ksherp/default.aspx administered by Sternberg Museum of Fort Hays Kansas State University.

The Ornate Box Turtle is the official state reptile of Kansas and a common
animal in the Red Hills.

The Kansas Herpetological Society has sponsored several field trips
to the Red Hills. Gracious landowners share their nature's bounty.

The Coachwhip is very fast as well as very interesting looking with
that distinctive scale pattern. 

The Eastern Collard Lizard looks ferocious and for a good
reason. It can inflict a painful bite with those strong jaws!

The Long-nosed Snake is one of the more colorful
animals of the Red Hills--and appropriately reddish.

The Red Hills region offers ample opportunity for surveys and special
studies as evidenced by this crew of students from Fort Hays State University.

The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake shown here is smaller than the Prairie Rattlesnake.
Both occur in the Red Hills and add a degree of excitement to the Kansas Outback.

Excitement exudes from a kid catching
that first Texas Horned Lizard.

Woodhouse's Toad is one of the most abundant amphibians
in the Red Hills as well as a very popular wild "hand pet." 

A Common Garter Snake has snatched a Plains Leopard Frog
in a wetland in the hills.

Find a friend and visit the Red Hills for an adventure of herping the hills of the Kansas Outback. Enjoy life!

Pollinator Party

     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. 

Lots of insects love Lemon Beebalm but none more than bumblebees.

These recently emerged Widow Skimmer dragonflies are not
pollinators but decided to hang out on some Blue Wild Indigo.
(Thanks Roy Beckemeyer for the ID.)

A Variegated Fritillary butterfly loves on the
Butterfly Milkweed.

A Checkered White Butterfly also enjoys
Butterfly Milkweed with the Variegated Fritillary.

These scarab flower beetles are also important pollinators.
Even this Wavy-leaf Thistle has plenty to offer.

A Regal Fritillary Butterfly perches on a Common Milkweed. Milkweeds
are very important food sources for Monarchs and other butterflies.

The scarab beetles also love the
Prickly Pear Cactus flowers.

Several butterflies mob this Leadplant.

This Orange Sulfur Butterfly nectars on
Plains Sunflower. 

A Variegated Fritillary likes Plains Sunflowers too.

Lots of insects use and pollinate Plains
Sunflowers including Painted Lady Butterflies.

This pretty true bug (Hemipteran) is
Apiomerus spissipes. Not sure if it has
a common name. Feel free to offer one.

This Flowerloving Longhorn beetle is doing as its name implies.
Prairie Coneflowers are very showy this year.

     For more information about native, pollinator plants, visit the Kansas Native Plant Society website 
(www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org) and its excellent Facebook page.