Wildlife adventures may be experienced in Lampe Park

The other day my boys and I headed to the park to take advantage of the sunshine and feed the ducks. In my mind it seemed to be the perfect post-nap and pre-dinner-preparation activity.

The boys ran eagerly toward the stream but the ducks milled about at their leisure, unmoved by our arrival and bag stuffed with goodies. Apparently, the late afternoon is not the best time to try and capture their attention. It was obvious that they had already been visited numerous times by other well-laden folks.

Not to be deterred, we headed across a bridge to the other side of the stream so we could skip stones. The waning sun was warm on our faces and the boys had fun dipping their toes in the cool water.

When it was time to go, we made our way back across the bridge and I noticed some commotion among a group of young people. They were talking animatedly and making their way slowly toward something rather large on the grass.

Suddenly, the "something" opened up its massive wingspan and tried to take off. It was hindered, however, by the sizable white bird clutched in its talons.

Turns out a giant hawk had decided that a lake gull would make the perfect afternoon snack and was perched atop it possessively, eyeing the curious onlookers carefully and trying to figure out how to get out of there with its prize.

I was reluctant for the boys to see such a spectacle so I ushered them toward the car, trying to explain as gently as I could what was happening.

With the boys safely secured into their car seats, I pulled through the parking lot and stopped when I got close enough for them to see the hawk without too much other detail. Then I snapped the picture you see here.

I still am dumbfounded as to how this hawk managed to take down a bird two-thirds its size. Granted, the predatory bird was large; much larger than any other hawk I have ever seen, but it was still impressive to imagine how it might have gone about preying on the unsuspecting gull. I hope he made it out of there without too much more drama.

Final performances of 'Rabbit Hole' this weekend

I received a note from my friend Star about the Pulitzer-prize winning play, "Rabbit Hole," presented by the Minden-based Dakota Organization. She attended a performance last weekend and rated it 4-stars with "superb performances by local talent."

The play runs through this weekend. Performances are 8 p.m. today and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the CVIC Hall, 1602 Esmeralda Ave., in Minden.

Tickets are $15 or $10 for seniors over 60 and students. Tickets may be purchased at 12:30-4 p.m. today at the Copeland Cultural Arts Center in Minden, at www.thedakotaorganization.com or by calling 265-2942 or 782-8207.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com