Today at the Ft Worth Nature Center

[MHampton]

Headed out to the Ft Worth Nature Center with my wife today for our first visit. All things considered, it wasn't a bad visit, but it was not as lively as I had hoped. I'm afraid that Yellowstone has spoiled us.

We got there as the gate opened at 8 and had some early luch with a few young deer and American Pelicans but beyond that, nothing new or spectacular. The clouds were pretty thick, more than just a little overcast, but as we were driving there the weatherman on the radio was promising "mostly sunny and in the mid 60s" so we were looking for a little more light that what we had.

Anyway, here's a few shots from the day. We'll return for another visit I'm sure.

[lfmerrell]

The last two photographs, for some reason, pull The Captain and Tenelle(sp) singinging Muskrat Love out of their distant past.

[MHampton]

Que the music Lewis! :) Those little guys/gals are certainly cute. I shot more frames of them than of anything else out there. Just couldn't get enough of them.

[lfmerrell]

Originally Posted by MHampton

Que the music Lewis! :) Those little guys/gals are certainly cute. I shot more frames of them than of anything else out there. Just couldn't get enough of them.

Google is our friend:

Captain & Tennille MUSKRAT LOVE - YouTube

Captain & Tennille MUSKRAT LOVE - YouTube

[N_Addy]

Nice! You had pretty good luck for this time of year.

We went out there around 2pm today. Other than prairie dogs the place was barren. The highlight of my afternoon was spending 10 minutes (before giving up) just trying to shoot a pair of Spotted Towhees that wouldn't come out of the bramble.

Well... there was a cool old 1950's Ford truck at the visitor's center.

I know what you mean about Yellowstone. It's hard to beat. But don't give up on FWNC for a local retreat. Before too long there should be some painted buntings out there. Watch for them near prairie dog town and the visitor center courtyard. The prothonotary warblers are in abundance in late spring down by the boardwalk. I've also caught a few osprey, white ibis, little blue heron, tricolored heron, yellow-billed cuckoos, green herons, and road runners. Also, there's a few wild pigs and occasionally someone will spot a 'gator.

[JohnT]

Yes. I've heard that spring is a great time for FWNC.

[DigitalScape]

Great set, Michael - I do like the last four images the best.

[David Alaniz]

Captain and Tennille shots are pretty cool.

[MHampton]

Thanks guys. One of the benefits/hazards of the 600mm when you have aging eyes, is that sometimes you don't see everything clear until you get home and put it on the big monitor. For instance, the first p.dog shot, I thought he was standing next to a rock. It wasn't until I got home that I realized it was a bison pile. :)

[preames]

Those prairie dogs are great! Nice work Michael!

[MHampton]

Thanks Patrick. They were fun to photograph.