June 23-24—Today we traveled about 280 miles to Webster Lake near Stockton, Kansas. W0e are staying at Webster State Park and we have a very nice campsite on the lake. After getting settle in to our site we headed out in the late afternoon to do some birding in the Webster Wildlife Management Area which includes the lake. The most striking thing about this area is the abundance of Red-headed Woodpeckers of which we have seen a number approaching 50. These birds are seen in East Texas and I thought they rarely were found this far west. The area we are in is part of the Solomon River valley and has lots of massive cottonwood trees and cedar. As all know Kansas is basically know for its lack of trees.
While driving the back roads we found a pair of pheasants, male and female and the male was intent on courting this lovely female. I always enjoy seeing them as they are really beautiful birds.
Before heading back to camp we stopped by Rooks County Fishing Lake nearby where we found several additional species for the day. To date we have found 45 species in Rooks County. Below are pictures of some additional species we have see. Below are Baltimore Oriole, Eastern Kingbird, and Grasshopper Sparrow.