Monthly Archives: February 2015

WILD ABOUT KANSAS PHOTO CONTEST NOW OPEN TO ALL AGES

Feb. 5, 2015

Photographers age 19 and older invited to participate in contest.

PRATT – Previously a youth-only contest, the annual Wild About Kansas photo contest, hosted by Kansas Wildlife & Parks magazine, now offers an adult category, opening the contest to photographers age 19 and older. Submissions are being accepted now through Oct. 23, 2015.

“Kansas is a state filled with a plethora of diverse and awe-inspiring natural resources and this contest is just one more way we can continue to appreciate and enjoy them,” said associate editor, Nadia Marji. “With the addition of an adult category for 2015, I’m confident we’re going to see Kansas from an array of unexpected and inspiring perspectives.”

Participants can submit photos in three categories: wildlife, outdoor recreation or landscapes. There is no fee to enter, and the contest is open to both residents and nonresidents.

Photographers can submit up to three photos. Photos must be taken within the state of Kansas and must be the entrant’s original work.

Each photo will be judged on creativity, composition, subject matter, lighting, and the overall sharpness. First, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in each category, as well as one honorable mention per category. Winners will be featured in the 2016 Kansas Wildlife & ParksJanuary/February photo issue.

Entries must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 23, 2015. An entry form must be submitted for each participant. Photo format should be JPEG or TIFF and file size should be not less than 1mb and not more than 5mb.

For more information and entry forms, visit ksoutdoors.com/services, or contact Marji at [email protected].

Support the Clean Water Rule

The Clean Water Rule

by Ted Beringer

Political opposition to the Clean Water Rule by special interests that benefit from continuing to spoil the most valuable resource in the country is a serious problem. Since more than a third of Americans get their drinking water from streams that require protection, it is extremely urgent that we support the Clean Water Rule. To learn more about the Clean Water Rule visit the EPA site that describes its benefits succinctly. Then voice your support with your representatives in Washington. If you live in Kansas, your Representatives and Senators are listed below. Click on their names to visit their email page to send the message: “Please support the Clean Water Rule!”

Senator Pat Roberts

Senator Jerry Moran

Congressman Tim Huelskamp, 1st District

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins, 2nd District

Congressman Kevin Yoder, 3rd District

Congressman Mike Pompeo, 4th District

Seahawk, Does it exist?

Text from Wikipedia

The osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as the fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk, or fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eatingbird of prey. It is a large raptor, reaching more than 60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71 in) across the wings. It is brown on the upperparts and predominantly greyish on the head and underparts.

Photo by Mike Baird

The osprey tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply.

The osprey and owls are the only raptors whose outer toe is reversible, allowing them to grasp their prey with two toes in front and two behind. This is particularly helpful when they grab slippery fish.

Ospreys have vision that is well adapted to detecting underwater objects from the air. Prey is first sighted when the osprey is 10–40 m (33–131 ft) above the water, after which the bird hovers momentarily then plunges feet first into the water.

75th Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference – Natural Resource Management in an Increasingly Connected World at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indiana on February 8-11, 2015.

For information on how to register and attend visit http://www.midwestfw.org/index.html

Burroughs Audubon to discuss Sparrows, February 3rd.

Tuesday, February 3 – DISCOVERY CENTER AUDITORIUM – “Sparrows of the Kansas City Area: Tips and Tricks for Identifying our Beloved LBJs”. Matt Gearheart, Burroughs Audubon Society and Kansas Ornithological Society member. Did you know that over 30 species of sparrows have been observed in Kansas City? These “little brown jobs” can be quite frustrating and tricky to find and identify. Come to an informative discussion to learn more about these birds, their habitat preferences and seasonality, and acquire some great ID tips to enhance your winter sparrow watching!

Fox Sparrow from Audubon Guide to North American Birds

Please feel welcome to join our host committee and Matt at BoLing’s on the Plaza before the meeting. Meet around 5:00 p.m., and ask to be seated with the Audubon party. Otherwise, join us at the Discovery Center at 6:15 p.m. for refreshments and socializing. Business and program begin at 6:45.