Respect the coyote

I really do not understand some human’s hatred of coyotes. I guess that is not really true. I do understand speciesism. I understand how many humans need an out group whether that be other humans or other species. After all, speciesism is the first “ism.” Whenever I see a coyote, I am immediately aware of his or her fear of me. In Kansas, it is legal to shoot coyotes from cars, so this one keeping an eye on me while I took pictures from the car has more to do with fear, I imagine, than curiosity about what I am doing. Respect the coyote.
Click on picture to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

 

 

Content Protection by DMCA.com

Young coyotes

These are not the best pictures. I was really far away, but seeing these young coyotes out and about this morning was a great way to start the day. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Content Protection by DMCA.com

A morning of little birds

I went looking for warblers this morning and was rewarded with a Prothonotary. What cuties they are. There were several of them working the trees. I also saw quite a few of the little gnat catchers and a host of young barn and tree swallows. The weather was amazing. What a nice morning to sneak out. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Content Protection by DMCA.com

Cooper’s hawk visit

Every once in a while, a Cooper’s hawk comes to visit. While I am sure the little birds would not appreciate this humor, we do, in one way or another, feed everyone at our house. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

Nervous robin waits to see if it is safe to take a bath.

© Chris Taylor

Young house sparrows hide in the thicket until parents give the “all clear.”

© Chris Taylor

The titmice don’t mind. Fierce.

© Chris Taylor

Content Protection by DMCA.com

It’s hummer time again

We put our hummingbird feeders up again and immediately received many visitors. The heat is hard on them, too. I noticed this morning one flying back and forth through the mister we have set up by the bird bath. Misters are great to use in this kind of weather as they use very little water, but they cool the air around them considerably. The birds will fly through them, or just sit under them. When it is this hot, it is also a good idea to change the nectar every day. The heat will ferment it fast and it does not help the hummers much if the nectar is making them sick. Wash the feeder out with hot water. While one should avoid any kind of detergent, a vinegar/water solution will work. Rinse the feeder well. Never buy the pre-made nectar or the mixes. Most of them contain dyes and chemicals that are harmful to hummers. Use a good fair trade sugar (the Wholesome brand is also vegan). 1/4 cup of sugar to 1 cup of boiling water is all you need. Let it cool a bit, stick it in the fridge, and it will be good for about a week.

Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

 

Content Protection by DMCA.com