I don’t imagine there are eggs yet, but if you look closely, one of the parents is in the nest. I think they are making nestorations right now. Good to see them! click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
My favorite couple is back
Monthly Archives: November 2013
Point of View
Morning hawk
One of the many beautiful hawks wintering at the Wakarusa Wetlands. I think this is a Cooper’s, but might be a Sharp-shinned; I get these guys confused sometimes. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Excellent article in the Huffington Post
“Kansas Highway Construction May Unearth Human Remains”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-smarsh/kansas-highway-construction_b_4164775.html
Plentiful acorns
With the drought, there were very few acorns this time last year. I am happy to report quite a few in our neighbor’s trees this year. The blue jays are very happy right now. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
A morning of cardinals
I love the big groups of cardinals at this time of year. With many predators visiting our yard over the last few weeks, I am not seeing the big numbers of small birds that we usually see. For instance, I haven’t seen many mourning doves since I discovered three piles of mourning dove feathers in the yard over several days. I would stay away from this yard, too! What I can always count on are the big groups of cardinals that visit the feeders and water at dawn and dusk. A few nights ago, I counted eighteen at the feeders. Today, I was raking leaves and I guess a human being out there keeping the predators away made them feel a little safer. More cardinals, more chickadees, more titmice, and even a brown creeper. I do hope the mourning doves come back soon. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Cloudy, cold, and cathartic
I spent several hours at the Wakarusa Wetlands this morning. It was cloudy and cold, so I pretty much had it to myself. I stayed on the south side, as far away as I could from any impending construction. Many species of sparrows have arrived and seeing huge flocks of goldfinches and Eastern bluebirds was magical. While these cold, windy fall days are a favorite, they are not the best for taking pictures. I was able to get a few sparrow shots and a charming beaver who I only saw because I heard his chewing. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor