Prairie Dancers – Featured Story in the BirdWatching Magazine
The April 2012 issue of the BirdWatching Magazine is featuring my article and images on where and when to go to watch the spectacular displays of grassland and sagebrush grouse in the spring. “Award-winning photographer Noppadol Paothong describes the appearance and ranges of Sharp-tailed Grouse, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Greater Sage-Grouse, Lesser Prairie-Chicken, and Greater Prairie-Chicken. Paothong also lists locations where the birds can be observed, and he gives the best times of year to witness their spectacular courtship...
Read MoreCover of the Journal of Wildlife Management
My Gunnison Sage-Grouse image is the cover of the February 2012 issue of the Journal of Wildlife Management.
Read MoreIs wind energy environmentally friendly? Maybe, maybe not …
Hundreds of wind turbines have been built in the Oklahoma panhandle area to help meet the nation’s growing demand for renewable energy. Many people believe that wind turbines are environmentally friendly because there is no burning of fossil fuels or nuclear waste as a result. However, wind turbines have an enormous impact on the environment. Although few scientific studies have been done to determine the true effects, simple observation shows a major impact on migratory and ground nesting birds, such as Lesser Prairie Chickens. Areas where only months before had been prime country...
Read MoreMy Gunnison Sage-grouse photos as award
In 1995, Dr. Clait Braun and Dr. Jessica Young proposed that the Gunnison Sage-grouse was a distinct species, and along with Drs. Jerry Hupp, Sara Oyler-McCance and Tom Quinn, they published their findings in the scientific journal. The American Ornithological Union recognized the Gunnison Sage-grouse as a new species in 2000. While trying to gain access for photographing the Gunnison Sage-grouse (which was almost a mission impossible), Dr. Young has helped me tremendously and became a good friend. The love, passion, and energy I see from these people are always inspiring. Last April,...
Read MoreLast stand of Prairie Chickens in Missouri – Dunn Ranch
After reading an article about prairie chickens at Dunn Ranch from the Missouri Conservationist magazine, I decided to visit the place. It was 2004. (It was 2 years before I started working for the Missouri Conservationist.) Owned by the Nature Conservancy, Dunn Ranch consists of over 3,000-acres of prairie in northern Missouri. It is part of the approx. 70,000-acres that make up the Grand River Grasslands conservation area. At the time of my visit, Dunn Ranch had the most prairie chickens in Missouri, with over 40 male prairie chickens at peak, and offered a viewing platform for bird...
Read MoreSilent spring
Over ten years ago I had my first encounter with prairie chickens here at Golden Prairie, a small town in southwest Missouri. I still remember the excitement of hearing their booming calls for the first time. It was before sunrise and my eyes had barely adjusted to the light. Three small figures rushed past my photo blind. Then all of sudden, I started hearing their booming. For some reason, it sounded spiritual and sad. I called them the three musketeers. I returned to this prairie 3 years in a row to photograph them. I’ve never grown tired of watching them. Lowell Pugh grew up...
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