Upland Sandpiper Bird – Small Waders – 6/25/2014

The Upland Sandpiper was photographed on the farm road going to the Badlands National Park in South Dakota

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Upland Sandpiper

The Upland Sandpiper is a “pigeon-headed” brown sandpiper with a small head, short bill, thin neck, long tail, and shoe-button eye. It often perches on fence posts and poles and holds wings elevated. It has a range of mostly Canada and northern United States. It has a habitat of dry grassy prairies, open meadows, and fields. It is almost never seen on mud flats or other typical shorebird habitats. It has a diet of mostly insects and seeds.

 

Burrowing Owl Bird – Birds of Prey – 6/25/2014

This Burrowing Owl was photographed in Badlands National Park in South Dakota

Select this link to see photos or a slideshow of the Burrowing Owl

The Burrowing Owl is a small tannish barred spotted owl with white chin stripe, round head, long legs, and stubby tail. It is often seen in open country by day standing erect on the ground or posts. It has a range of southwestern Canada, western United States, and Florida. It has a habitat of open grassland, prairies, farmland, airfields, and lives in burrows and prairie dog towns. The diet consists of insects and small mammals.