34 Nebraskaland • December 2022
launches and intercepts its prey in the air. The broad open
habitat of blowouts are perfect for this predatory approach
because robber fl ies can see potential prey in all directions, as
well as any possible threats.
From a distance, blowouts look empty and barren. Upon
closer inspection, however, they are full of activity, especially
during mornings and evenings. During the heat of the day,
many of the animals that use blowouts have retreated
underground or into the cool shade around the edges of the
open sand. Even then, signs of the abundant and diverse
blowout community can be found in the tracks, burrows and
other evidence left in the bare sand. That is, unless the wind
is blowing.
Maybe blowouts just need a better name. The term
Intersecting highways of wildlife tracks crisscross blowouts, indicating the considerable activity that takes place
in those habitats.
