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It’s one of the hottest summers in memory, with more than 40 days already of triple-digit
heat in southern Kansas. And while it’s tempting to stay indoors as much as possible,
the weather now makes a great opportunity to see and photograph wildlife at waterholes.
I’ve watched a variety of species the past few days at remote waterholes on Pratt Sandhills
Wildlife Area. Where periodic grazing of domestic livestock is used to help control grass and
habitat, solar or wind-powered wells produce water in places that would normally be dry.
And especially when domestic animals are removed, these become wildlife hotspots.
Whether hiding in nearby brush or using pop-up tent blinds, observers have a ringside seat
to one of summer’s best shows. But be warned: waiting can get hot.
“Man, it’s a hot son-of-a-gun in here. It’s probably about 125 or 130 degrees in
here. This is a black inner lining so that this tent blind, nothing can see in here.
So it gives me a great opportunity to film just a few feet away from this waterhole,
but you’ve got to be able to put up with the heat. And that will get your gravy on
a day like this. “Even so, though, you get to see things
that you don’t ordinarily get to see, so this is a great setup. I’m going to sit
here for about another half an hour, and then I’m going to go sit on another waterhole
where a bunch of bucks are coming in. I’ve got the skinny on some 140-inch bucks that
are coming in in a bachelor bunch to water about two miles from here, so I’m going
to try that a little later on. But for now, I’m still working on the birds.”
A blind helps get very close to sharp-eyed birds. Otherwise, I sit in natural cover from
30-50 yards away, always downwind so that animals can’t smell me. There, even hot
breezes can help it feel more comfortable while waiting.
Birds are constant visitors to the water. Since they take on tiny quantities at each
visit, they must come often. And besides drinking, they often wet their feathers for natural
air conditioning. But don’t expect them to pose in open sunlight. For both shade and
security reasons, birds tend to stay in dense foliage and water in the safest places. Predators
like bobcats and Cooper’s hawks also know about waterholes, so birds are usually cautious.
Sometimes, your best view is a reflection in the water.
Larger animals like deer and coyotes may water at any time of day. I usually arrive late
afternoon, when temperatures are hottest. Right now, does often bring their spotted
fawns, providing great photo chances and unforgettable wildlife views. It’s the same for turkeys,
pheasants, and quail. That’s the fun of waiting – you never know what’s coming
next. Visit a KDWPT public land near you to watch
a summer wildlife parade. A local pond, or even a birdbath in a park can provide great
encounters. But braving the heat to see wildlife in Kansas’ wild places is the best of it
– where nature always adjusts, no matter the season.
I’m Mike Blair for Kansas Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.