After 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
When 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
The 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
I 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
I 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
Today 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