One of my favorite sounds at this time of year is the “whee-eep” of great crested flycatchers. Their acrobatics in the tree tops are pretty fun to watch, too. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Great crested flycatcher
September 1st, 2010Northern flicker
September 1st, 2010This young flicker was very busy digging for ants when I stopped to take his picture. I love their combination of stripes and polka dots. It always makes me think of my mom, who would tell me when I would dress myself as a kid, “We don’t wear stripes and polka dots together.” Clearly northern flickers did not get the message. They might also be wearing white after Labor Day. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
It’s hummer time
August 31st, 2010I couldn’t resist the pun. As the hummingbirds prepare for their long journey across the gulf, we decided to do what we can this year to help out and provide a little extra fuel. It was less than an hour after putting out the feeder that they started showing up and there has been a steady stream of activity for over a week now. Maybe it’s the fair trade organic sugar nectar? Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Butterflies are free
August 27th, 2010It’s wonderful seeing them all coming through right now. I wish them the best on their journey south. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Wonderful Wakarusa Wetlands
August 27th, 2010Sadly, my camera is off getting fixed and I have no idea how long it will be away. I’ve been so busy with work these last few weeks that I am way behind on updating the blog. The good news is, I have a nice assortment of pictures to post over the next few days and can’t wait to share them. 
These are from a long walk in the Wetlands on August 16. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Lovely cardinal
August 27th, 2010She is magnificent. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
New neighbor
August 18th, 2010I was out taking pictures of hummingbirds this morning when our postal carrier came by and told me a red-tailed hawk was sitting on the roof of a nearby house. I walked down and sure enough, there she was. She is a young one, not scared enough of humans yet to know better. She sure is pretty! Look at those feet! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
The catbirds
August 13th, 2010The catbirds will be leaving soon. It’s always sad to see them go, but quite the privilege to know we had a small role in providing a relatively undisturbed space for raising young. I caught a nice glimpse of this young one bouncing from limb to limb with a house sparrow. The house sparrow looked pretty young too. I think they were playing. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Young cooper’s hawk
August 13th, 2010A very young cooper’s hawk kept the blue jays busy in our backyard this morning. Everywhere she went, they followed. When they got bored chasing her, she would come back, swoop down at them, and the chase was on again. She’s learning to hunt and the blue jays are quite tired of dealing with her. I’m constantly amazed by the drama going on right over our heads. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Hot times at the Wakarusa Wetlands
August 10th, 2010If you visit the wetlands during this heat wave, remember, the trick is to get there as early as possible. Bring water and keep hydrated. There is a lot of activity in the early morning and if you are a photographer, you know you can’t beat that morning light. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor