That TIme of Year Again

They say that migrating birds have a place in their brain that is magnetically sensitive that directs them back and forth between their summer and winter homes.  I am sure that there is a place in my brain that is scone sensitive.  My calendar is set by fair season and pomegranate season.  Right now it is fair time and it is about more the food it is also about the lessons learned and the friendships made as well.

In Power County the fair is the culmination a summer of hard work for 4-H and FFA exhibitors.

4-H is a time honored tradition that starts early.

But the tradition is carrying on and there is a lot of work to show off your animals

 Fair week is capped off with the rodeo which was action packed.

And of course the kids got in on the action as well.

The fair and rodeo are great because everyone gets to be a cowboy or cowgirl for a little while.

After the rodeo it was time to dance..

There is still the Eastern Idaho State Fair and scones to be had this year.



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Pleasant Pheasants

Wildlife is always makes great subjects to photograph.  It is also just exhilarating to be near a wild animal.  I got an invitation from my friends, Bryan and Sheree Sprague to watch the release of pheasant chicks that they had been raising from eggs.

Bryan became concerned about the declining pheasant populations in Power County, ID, after he and his son started struggling to find birds in places that had previously housed dozens to hundreds of roosters.

About three years ago Bryan began raising and releasing pheasants in an attempt to increase numbers in the area. in previous years the Spragues have let go over 20,000 birds each year.  After doing some research Bryan discovered a plan, developed by retired California Fish and Game biologist Ed Smith.  Smith has spent the 12 years since his retirement working with pheasant raising operations around the country.

Biologist Ed Smith (middle) talks with Brayn Sprague about improvements that can be made to Sprague's Power County sites. 

Smith's plan includes building and irrigating brood strips.  These brood strips are clear areas, That when kept damp during the summer will be a home for insects.  Both Smith and Sprague agree that a high protein diet is integral to the success of younger birds and sustaining a population.

 As part of the program Bryan has been raising the chicks, up to four weeks old, near the brood strips so that the chicks can find the bugs quickly.

It was a great experience to see these birds wandering around, discovering their surroundings and to see older birds interacting with the newly released birds.

I always to see how well camouflage works.  Conceptually I understand that it is a defense mechanism but it is still amazing to me to see it in person.



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Natural American Falls

I was wandering around over the last few weeks I found several things to take pictures of.  Starting with the moon tonight

The other day I was down by the Snake River and I found this crane.  I believe that it is a Heron. I especially like the reflection off the water.

It was a good day because the Heron had a friend along side.

I will admit that this next picture isn't the greatest but I thought I would include it for those who like to play "guess the bird" would appreciate it.

I also had the chance to go out to a local historical site, Register Rock.  Just like in the days of the Oregon Trail it is an oasis from the sagebrush covered desert.

The reason that it is named Register Rock is the large boulder that travelers etched their names into as they passed by moving further westward.

During that time one artist, J.J. Hansen, carved the image of a preacher and an Indian chief.  the images were actually buried and no one knew they were there until Hansen returned to review his work at which time he dated the carvings a second time.

Register Rock is one of those hidden gems that are off of the highways and byways that if you ever have a chance to visit, you wont be disappointed.

Here are a couple of local monuments that are unique to American Falls.

The Power County Grain Growers no long own this silo complex but the sign is a signal of the county's past.

Finally the Snake River Plain produce some enviable sunsets

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Its A Family Thing

I have been a bit busy and that means that I have been a but lazy about posting.  So my many apologies.  I have posted pictures of my family before.  They are a great bunch of people that like to get together as often as possible.  They are great as photography subjects because they have very expressive faces and they are always laughing.

This specific event was a chance to catch up with my cousin Brent (Bubba) Workman who is currently stationed in San Diego with the U.S. Navy as well as his family.

I did something a bit different at this BBQ with the pictures as well.  And that was I handed the camera over to a few random cousins to take pictures.  This meant that I actually made it into some of the pictures

We even let some of the kids take a few.

Like most families (the Gotti's excluded) we like to document our high jinks and so I am going to link to this album HERE and at the bottom as well. I would also like to add in a shameless plug.  Please take a moment to become a follower.  You can find the link at the top right. At the very least leave a comment.  You can do that at the bottom of this post.

I thought I would just add a few more that I thought turned out well.

For those of you who have more urban sensibilities the women in my family are not trying to restart a westside gang rivalry.  Just flashing the Workman "W".

And to cap off the evening some of the more adventurous Workman Woman decided they needed to climb a waterfall.

And then jump into the Snake River.

 



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