Stolen Visit with the Moon

On Monday I visited the prairie parcel of Pheasant Branch Conservancy in search of sparrows with Harris's on my mind. Under sunny skies the moon was my companion.

Moon over the drumlin, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017

The impressive numbers of White-crowned Sparrows were encouraging for finding Harris's Sparrow given Harris's most often show up in flocks of White-Crowneds. Alas my search came up empty...but only in the Harris's department. For the prairie was alive with the song of White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, American White Pelicans and Sandhill Cranes flying overhead and a Northern Harrier attempting to escape the harassment of crows. Waves of American Goldfinches were flying about in undulating flocks, seed head to seed head...

White-crowned Sparrow, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017

A Pileated flew over alerting me with its nasal resonant call. This woodpecker was a life bird at this particular location. 

Palm Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017

Palm Warblers were numerous offering spectacular views against the autumn foliage.

Palm Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017

Palm Warbler, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017 

Migrant Hermit Thrushes, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and Brown Creepers were sharing the drumlin top along with a concentration of White-throated Sparrows. 

White-throated Sparrow, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017

Reptiles were on the move seeming to be making their way toward the springs. 

DeKay's Brown Snake, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, Dane Co, WI 9Oct2017

This small Painted Turtle was poised to be crushed as it sat motionless like a dried turd in the path. I assisted it toward safety near the spring. 

Painted Turtle

On my descent from the drumlin I rounded the corner where I had the fortune some years past of an incredible encounter with an exquisitely perched Nelson's Sparrow. Alas that glorious bird lives several years in the past now. 

Nelson's Sparrow, Pheasant Branch Conservancy, 12Oct2014

That memory feels strange, even ominous in some regards. Were it not for the photo, I would think it was all a figment of my imagination like so much of that time apparently was. 

October moon above Bellefontaine (Pheasant Branch Conservancy prairie)

Ah...but back to the moon, the uplifting October moon, I'll steal a visit here with her any day.