Perry State Park Wildlife (2)

Perry State Park northeast of Topeka is one of my favorites for seeing wildlife. Not only is Perry a beautiful park with great lake access, a variety of animal species call it home. I often get some impressive film in only one pass through Perry, and today was no exception. The animals there aren’t exactly tame, since they quickly move off the roadways and into heavy brush. But they are used to traffic, and this can mean a little extra time to get good photos.

I saw a variety of species today, including deer, turkeys, raccoons, geese and ducks, gulls, butterflies, squirrels, and one I’m always looking for: woodchucks. Though woodchucks, or groundhogs as they’re also called, are not uncommon in eastern Kansas, it can be hard to get good film on them.

September is a time when woodchucks feed heavily in preparation for winter hibernation, and they’re often out and about during daytime. And this grizzled old individual was true to form, providing some good pictures.

This is my second blog on wildlife observation at Perry State Park this year, but it’s deserved. If you haven’t visited, take your camera or camcorder and enjoy its opportunities for yourself.