Short Hike at Jack Sinn WMA

I decided to drive to the Jack Sinn WMA, just south of Ceresco, for a short scout/hike. I have driven past it several times on hwy 77 but never really had a chance to stop until today. As I drove around for a place to park, I noticed a few vehicles pulled over on the side of the road along the stretch of the wetland which instantly reminded me that hunting season was in full swing. So i was a bit weary about wandering out too far into the tall grass and cattails knowing that hunters would be out.
I found a small dirt parking lot right next to the hiking path that led right into the wetland on the West side. I didn't have much time so I scouted just the West side fairly quickly until I ran into Derrald Farnsworth-Livingston, a wildlife/nature photographer based out of Omaha. It's always good to see and meet photographers out in the field. I hope to come out more often within the next few weeks/months for some winter photographs.

Nebraska Sandhills

Away from all traffic and multi-lane roads, we found ourselves in the middle of the great Nebraska Sandhills. A place where one's fast driving habits take a back seat to enjoy such an incredible part of this state. One of the most fragile ecosystems and largest sources of ground water on the planet lies just a few hours from most of Nebraskas bigger cities. A sea of native prairie, untouched wetlands and rolling Sandhills; prairie dogs, burrowing owls and a great number of water fowl are just a few that make up the divers wildlife in the Sandhills.

My feet would sink trying to grasp any form of traction as we hiked along the side of a hill. Looking down into the valley below, keeping a close eye on the ground avoiding coming in contact with any yucca plants or cacti, but at the same time enjoying the colorful wildflowers from this region. The air is dry and cool, massive thunderheads peaking over the hills in the towards the southwest. A Red Tailed Hawk gives a loud shriek over head as it glides by effortlessly looking for a mouse or small rabbit to swoop down on. 

A small storm passes by and immediately the moisture is soaked up by the ground which runs only so deep into one of the worlds largest underwater storage reservoirs, the Ogallala Aquifer.

Nebraska contains more wetlands than its surrounding states.