June 2023 - 27
HARLEQUIN DUCK
Mark Nelson, project coordinator, Cheyenne
I had never seen a harlequin duck in Wyoming, so
I was excited to see a pair searching for insects in
a high-mountain stream. I attended a meeting at
the Game and Fish Whiskey Mountain Conservation
Camp near Dubois. After a long day sitting on an
uncomfortable, metal chair I was happy the work day
was over. It was a perfect evening to take my camera
for a walk along Torrey Creek. The stream took
some lazy twists and turns, and at times quickened
its pace as the flow narrowed between boulders or
the slope increased. It was in the swifter currents
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER
Mark Nelson, project coordinator, Cheyenne
On the outskirts of Cheyenne the Wyoming Hereford
Ranch lies along Crow Creek. The ranch has the
distinction of being the oldest continuous registered
livestock operation in the United States, but is also
renowned for its birding opportunities. The cottonwood-shaded
creek, flowing water and agriculture
fields are a mecca for north-bound birds. As it was
the height of the spring bird migration, I knew my best
opportunity for bird photography would be found on
the ranch. It seemed every cottonwood branch held
a yellow-rumped warbler. I noticed this particular
warbler had a favorite perch he used to swoop down
on flying insects. I wanted to catch the action in flight
but he was fast so I cranked up the shutter speed to
1/4000 of a second to capture all the details. After 100
or so photos, I managed to get a keeper.
Wyoming Wildlife | 27
I caught a glimpse of orange and white. I quickly
realized the colors I saw were the striking markings
of a harlequin duck. I watched as he and his
drab-colored mate foraged for freshwater insects
in the fast water. I sat low to the stream bank and
focused my large camera lens on the male as he fed
upstream toward me. It seemed most of the time
his colorful head was completely submerged as he
traveled up the current. I was impressed at the ease
in which he navigated the rapids. I believe he was
as much at home in the water as he was in the air.
June 2023
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of June 2023
June 2023 - 1
June 2023 - 2
June 2023 - 3
June 2023 - 4
June 2023 - 5
June 2023 - 6
June 2023 - 7
June 2023 - 8
June 2023 - 9
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June 2023 - 27
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June 2023 - 48
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