Noon finds us in the Newton library.  We were up before dawn to find a foggy drippy morning.  We went to Prairie Ridge State Preserve anyway to find it equally gloomy.  Still, when we approached the Greater Prairie Chicken viewing area we heard the eerie calls coming from the booming ground.  We stayed until 9 a.m. when the birds became silent.  Only later did the warm sunshine clear the air and sky.

We heard but did not see the bird.  We will be back this evening and again at dawn tomorrow.  They are there, and I’m sure we will see them.

We explored the preserve, surrounding farmlands, and a lake this morning finding our first American Pipit, Horned Lark, and Song Sparrow of the year.  Robins and meadowlarks were singing everywhere.  A fine start to our western expedition.