George Miksch Sutton Avian Research Center

Wet areas attract many birds in dry country. Here observers participate in a blockbusting trip to the Black Mesa area. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

Jeanette Bider checks for a nest in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

Lunch is an important part of any atlasing adventure. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

The cliffs of the mesa country are home to such species as Rock Wrens and Prairie Falcons. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

Golden Eagles nest in far western Oklahoma, either on cliffs or in trees as this pair did. Photo by Richard Day.

Encountering a prairie rattlesnake while atlasing is sure to keep one awake! This snake was in a Cimarron County atlas block. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

A mirror mounted on a long pole makes checking the contents of this Western Kingbird nest easier. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

This Dickcissel nest with a Brown-headed Cowbird egg in it counts as two atlasing confirmations! Submitted by Dan Reinking.

This Tree Swallow is looking out its window to the world. Submitted by Patricia Seibert.

Tree Swallows live up to their name by selecting a nest site such as this. Submitted by Patricia Seibert.

This grass pink orchid (Calopogon) is pretty enough to liven up even a slow day of atlasing. Submitted by Jim Norman.

The very spot where the Swallow-tailed Kite was observed flying overhead on a spring atlas project blockbusting trip in LeFlore County. Sorry we didn’t get a photo of the bird! Submitted by Dan Reinking.

Does this look like Great Crested Flycatcher nesting habitat to you? Submitted by Dan Reinking.

A Great Crested Flycatcher nest with young was found inside this piece of farm equipment by Dan Reinking. Imagine the temperature inside with the McCurtain County sun shining outside! Submitted by Dan Reinking.

Atlaser Bonnie Gall points out Bachman’s Sparrow habitat in her Osage County block. Submitted by Dan Reinking.

Bill Carter wanted to make sure that all birders could find his house for the wine and cheese reception, so he stationed this Emu to help point the way! Submitted by Dan Reinking.

As a token of appreciation for their efforts, atlas volunteers enjoyed a wine and cheese reception at the home of Bill Carter in conjunction with the Oklahoma Ornithological Society fall meeting. Submitted by Dan Reinking.