Swallow feeding

It is so much fun to see all of the young tree swallows at the Wakarusa Wetlands. They were keeping their parents very busy. It is amazing how quickly mom and dad swoop in, plop some food in, then move on to the next kid. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Wetlands magic

Two young men out running at the Wakarusa Wetlands this morning stopped to talk to me as I stood staring up at a tree watching swallows. They seemed to be visiting for the first time. They wanted to know what kinds of wildlife I was seeing. I don’t think they were from around here because they asked me if there were any bears. I did tell them that the Wetlands are home to coyotes, bobcats, and supposedly a cougar, though I have never seen him/her.  One of them said, “Bobcats are sick!” They asked if I was a birdwatcher, which they thought was pretty cool.  They asked about where to run and said they thought they would do it again tomorrow. When I got back to the car, the windows were misted over (the humidity).  Written in the mist on the window was, “We saw an awesome bird!” I cannot quite put into words how great this made me feel.  It is truly a magical place.

 

© Chris Taylor