Wondrous wildlife abounds in Amherst area

The Sandhill Crane nests starting in early April through May. A long wingspan allows it to fly from 25 – 35 miles per hour. It also boasts great endurance, traveling as much 200 – 300 miles per day when migrating. (Bill Van Lannen)

A young whitetail deer mugs for the camera while munching on a bit of backyard plant life. (Bill Van Lannen)

A red-topped woodpecker goes to work on a dead tree branch. (Bill Van Lannen)

Sleepin’ in: The students of Amherst weren’t the only ones choosing to sleep in late on the morning of Wed., Jan. 19 (an off day for everyone as the semester came to a close). (Bill Van Lannen)

A bird’s eye view of a duo of deer on a frozen Waupaca pond.

I see you; do you see me?

Runnin’ for cover.

The whitetail in flight is an extraordinary leaper. (Bill Van Lannen)

This looks as good a spot to eat lunch as any other, ponders this American Bald Eagle.

Eagle 1, squirrel 0

An American Bald Eagle feasts on a dinner of squirrel while perched atop a tree. (Bill Van Lannen)

An 8-point (?) whitetail buck waltzes across the road on a cold Saturday afternoon south of Amherst. (Bill Van Lannen)