On an absolutely gorgeous spring day, I, impulsively decided to make a trip to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, a great spot for photography and only about 80 miles from my home in Oklahoma. I grabbed a bedroll and an ice chest and then, feeling the need to share this experience, I asked my wife if she would care to accompany me. After much consideration, she reluctantly agreed.

The day started out with much optimism after spotting a Scissortail Flycatcher on a fence that patiently sat for a portrait even after I nearly drove the pickup into a ditch and onto a bank of weeds. I was firing off frames like crazy when I noticed the 20 mile an hour winds were flopping his long tail up and down like a sewing machine needle, no doubt causing excessive blur. Scratch one roll of film.

Not to be discouraged, I proceeded on to greener prairie. I asked my wife if she would mind sitting in the extended cab section of the pickup. If you're familiar with this type of vehicle you know that the rear area has minimum legroom resulting in maximum griping. Well, a photographer needs the entire front seat to keep his gear handy doesn't he? In truth she settled in fairly well except for a part of the seat belt fixture, which kept banging into her ear. I'm sorry to report that I had to ask her more than once to please be quiet because she was scaring the birds. Meadowlarks were abundant as usual and also just as elusive as usual. After repeated failed attempts for a close approach, I resorted to giving them obscene gestures when they refused to hold still and flew off. This drew some puzzled stares from the ranchers and oil field workers in the area. It was at this point that I noticed my bride had seemingly shrunk even further into her minimum seating space.

I was pleased to see the return of one of my favorite birds, the Dickcissel. They were everywhere and some had the decency to remain in camera range and sing their little hearts out while I burned some more film; not like some stupid *%*&*#$ Meadowlarks that I could mention. As the sun touched the horizon and lit up the clouds, I decided to put the long lens away and keep the short stuff out in case I saw a nice sunset composition. You already know that was a mistake don't you? I hadn't gone a half-mile when I spotted, as I was flying down the road leaving volumes of dust clouds behind me, an Upland Sandpiper sitting on a post with an absolutely gorgeous sunset behind him acting as the perfect background. Of course the bird, now cursing and choking on the dust, flew off before I could react.

A campground at a nearby state park serves as an excellent spot to spend the night in order to get an early start at the prairie the next morning. Now I had never slept two in the back of my pickup before and was not sure how it would work out even though it is equipped with a camper shell. I soon learned it helps to be on good terms with your sleeping partner in this situation and with the amenities of comfort sadly lacking, I was having trouble convincing my wife of the joys of such an outing. The mosquitoes and ticks weren't helping. Nocturnal visits from deer, raccoons, and other unseen critters prompted her to wake me several times to point out that we weren't alone. Reminding her that we were in their home and that we needed be up before dawn was seemingly of no comfort.

The morning dawned bright and clear with little wind. Bless the Upland Sandpipers, forgiving creatures that they are, for they decided to give me one more chance and posed for some nice portrait shots. They did this in spite of the low grumbling noises from the back seat; something about coffee and breakfast; at least that's what it sounded like. Got a couple more Dickcissel photos, made a few more obscene gestures at the Meadowlarks, and headed for home. All in all it was an enjoyable experience at the prairie although I've been told, in no uncertain terms, that I will be going solo next time.

Editor's Comment: Let us know what you think! Please email the Editor to let us know your thoughts. Warren Williams has been doing photography for over 25 years focusing mainly on Nature and wildlife. His work has been published in several magazines, including Outdoor Photographer, Outdoor Oklahoma, Oklahoma Today, and Persimmon Hill (the magazine of the Cowboy Hall of Fame). Several of his photos have also appeared on calendars by Smith-Southwestern. Warren is an active member on Photo Migrations and would also invite you to visit his website located at: Warren Williams Photography - Images of Wildlife and Nature.