Birds of Prey A Western Photographic Collection
S
US Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service
bob.blank@ars.usda.gov
By Dr. Robert R. Blank and Fay Allen
ince 1987, Dr. Robert Blank has been the Research Soil Scientist at the Great Basin Rangelands Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, located in Reno, Nevada. Throughout his career, he has been involved with soil studies examining a variety of natural landscapes and environments mostly located within the Great Basin. His research includes; invasive weeds, effects of wildfires on soil chemistry, pedology of landforms, soil mineralogy, seedbed ecology, biogeochemical cycling, and rangeland rehabilitation projects.
During this time, Dr. Blank has become more interested in photography. His artistic talent and ability to photograph flora, fauna, and landscapes within the Great Basin and eastern Sierra Nevada’s provides a unique visual collection of the environment. He carries his camera with him in the field, but mostly spends the weekends exploring the countryside for his next photo opportunity. This article showcases Dr. Blank’s birds of prey photography. A special acknowledgement to Dr. William Longland and Ms. Lindsey Dimitri for their assistance in identifying bird species. Birds of Prey, the larger birds of prey dine on larger mammals; rabbits, squirrels or racoons. Other brids fascinate these meat eating, blood sucking flying killers, like sage hen chics, which are eaten as well. Leana
Red-tailed Hawk, Swan Lake Nature Study Area, Reno, NV
This is a Red-tailed Hawk in its light phase. The coloration patterns of these hawks can vary greatly. Commonly found across North American deserts, grasslands and forests, these birds are intelligent, learn quickly, and often are used in training tasks and falconry.
8 April 2016
Cooper’s Hawk, Oxbow Nature Study Area, Reno, NV
This medium size hawk can be found in habitat ranging from mature forests, to open woodlands, and wood edges. The adult has a blue-steel gray back and reddish underparts, with thicker dark bands on the tail. Short powerful wings and a long tail, aid this agile bird as in maneuvers in dense forest areas.
The Progressive Rancher
www.progressiverancher.com