They always look so elegant. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Scissor-tailed flycatcher
June 14th, 2013Eastern bluebird nest
June 10th, 2013I ran into a new Eastern bluebird nest today and dad was hard a work bringing insects to the young ones. I didn’t stick around long because I didn’t want to disturb him, but it was fun watching him coming and going. I think they must be very small because I could not see them through the entrance at all. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
A few yardbirds
June 8th, 2013Adults are starting to bring their babies around and I am loving watching the robins stuff as many raisins in their mouths as they can to distribute among the young ones. I was thinking this morning that perhaps one of the reasons few people really experience the birds around them is it takes a lot of time before birds become comfortable enough with a human to get close. I have robins coming up to me on the patio for raisins, but that did not happen overnight (I started handing out raisins during our awful extended winter). They are leery of humans, as they should be. Generally, when I sit outside to watch, I need to be in my “sit spot” for about an hour before they get comfortable enough with my presence to hangout nearby. I realize my own privilege in being able to make time to do this. Time outside being still and quiet, watching everything, is immensely good for my soul. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
“Hey buds below, up is where to grow”
May 29th, 2013After a very slow start, flowers at our house are starting to bloom. Birds and insects must be happy to see this; I know I am. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Orioles
May 20th, 2013When I started seeing orioles trying to drink out of the hummingbird feeders, I thought it was time to get an oriole feeder. I made one out of an old feeder by taking off the cage that holds the seeds and using it to hold oranges (the tray made a nice place for the grape jelly they love). That was a big hit, so I got another feeder. Now, we have orioles everywhere, which makes me pretty darn happy. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
House finch family
May 20th, 2013The house finches brought their babies by today. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Virginia rail
May 9th, 2013I saw a Virginia rail at the Wakarusa Wetlands this morning. They are not really uncommon around here during migration, but I’ve never seen one, so it was quite a treat. I got to watch her for a while! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Winter is not quite done with us
May 3rd, 2013I ventured out to the Wakarusa Wetlands yesterday morning and took in the cold rain/sleet/snow and wind. All I could think about was how privileged I am to get to warm up. Geese were diligently incubating while their partners guarded nearby; the coyotes seemed to be everywhere looking for a meal; new arrivals like the yellow-throated warbler, Baltimore oriole, and indigo bunting stayed deep within the brush. I could make out their colors as I walked by. I didn’t stay long as I felt my presence there was just one more thing they all had to worry about when conserving energy was so very important. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Spring fallout
May 1st, 2013Today was a great day for seeing little birds. With the south wind and warm weather, spring arrivals were everywhere. I hope they all do well over the next few days of rain and cold. I saw my first of the season Baltimore oriole, numerous warblers, FOS Eastern kingbird, and more little blue-gray gnatcatchers than I could count. While they were just too fast for pictures, I also got great looks at indigo and painted buntings, a summer tanager, and an American redstart. What a day for colorful birds! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Bald eagle brunch
April 28th, 2013It was nice to have a sunny, warm morning to park along the road and watch the eagle parents and their two youngsters. The eaglets are not quite at the eating on their own stage, but very close. The parents went for fish twice while I was there. This is that time when the number of trips for food never quite seem to be enough and the parents start to look pretty worn out. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor