Courting Coyotes

Posted on March 31, 2017 by admin

A morning at the wetlands without coyote sightings is always a bit disappointing. They are just so amazing. I am always looking for them and if I wait long enough, I can usually spot one watching me from a safe distance. They always stop and look for a while, we acknowledge each other, and then they go back to what they were doing. I imagine they have a pretty good sense of who they should worry about and that is certainly a good thing with so many people out to get them. Cloudy days are great for seeing them, but not so great for pictures. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Beavers

Posted on March 31, 2017 by admin

Doing my part to upset the beavers. There was a great deal of tail-slapping going on, so I took the hint and went on my way. Click on pictures to enlarge.

A Good Day for Coyotes

Posted on February 28, 2017 by admin

I particularly want to highlight coyotes because they are in more danger than ever from this administration and wildlife “management” agencies propelled by junk science and blood lust who think they have a mandate for destruction. An administration hell bent on plundering natural resources and destroying more public land for animal agriculture is going to be even worse about attempting to destroy those they see as “scavengers” or “predators.” Celebrate the coyote. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Wetlands Updates

Posted on December 14, 2016 by admin

Finally, I am getting around to getting out to the Wetlands a bit more regularly. I always look forward to cold mornings when there are just a few humans on the paths. We nod at each other and sometimes share our stories of who we have been seeing. It is a kind of quiet community, and I would venture to say, one that brings some peace to many of us worrying about the current state of things. While we may not know what is coming, one thing I am sure about is my commitment to keep sharing and hoping more humans pay attention. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Not a great a picture, but I wanted to share this because I think this bald eagle couple might be contemplating a nest here. This would be a wonderful addition to the wetlands, and it looks like good real estate!

Northern Harrier trying to outmaneuver a group of sandpipers and a killdeer. They got away.

Deer and coyotes.

Bluebirds, goldfinches, and herons, oh my.

Wetlands Residents

Posted on November 20, 2016 by admin

It is that time of year again when I have trouble staying at my desk and getting my work done. The number of migrants at the Wakarusa Wetlands has been astounding. And, of course, the year-round residents like the deer and bald eagles are always a pleasure to see. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Northern Harriers

Posted on November 19, 2016 by admin

The Northern Harriers are back in all of their amazingness. I love watching them skim along the top of the grass. Yesterday, it was especially fun to watch how they were using the wind to their advantage by facing into it, and hovering almost motionless just inches from the ground. This morning, I was taking pictures of the sunrise from behind the tall grass and one was hovering right in front of me. Unfortunately, since the sun was behind him, I did not get much detail of his amazing face, but it certainly was fun to watch him so closely. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Meanwhile, at the Wetlands

Posted on September 25, 2016 by admin

I did not get to the Wakarusa Wetlands much over the summer, but now that we are heading into fall, I plan to do something about that whenever I can. I took a couple of hours off yesterday to see if what I had been hearing about great numbers of pelicans was true. While a road grater scared many of them away right after I got there, a few remained. It is great to see them in this relatively new space (part of the mitigation for the SLT). While I in no way can speak to the anger and betrayal felt by so many regarding this sacred space, I am choosing to focus on making peace with my relationship with this place that has meant so much to me. I hope it will continue to be a place of relative safety for the beings who live there, and I hope that migrants continue to find it a restful and nourishing spot in the fall and spring. It was wonderful to see thousands of gulls coming through high overhead and the blackbirds were dining on sunflower seeds. A few cormorants were hanging out in a tree, kingfishers patrolled, and grebes dived. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Busy Wetlands

Posted on May 3, 2016 by admin

It has been a busy few days at the Wakarusa Wetlands. The wet, cool weather has been especially good for early morning walks. Shorebirds are arriving in abundance and year-round residents are busy staking out territory, courting, and gathering nest materials. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Egrets and Herons

Posted on September 15, 2015 by admin

Some areas of the Wakarusa Wetlands south of the work on the SLT are accessible now by car. Click on pictures to enlarge.

A few fall yard birds

Posted on November 20, 2014 by admin

The year-round residents are getting into their winter groups and the winter residents like the juncos are here in abundance. Generally, at this time of year, I would be at the Wakarusa Wetlands four or more mornings a week. I know I am one of many deeply grieving this loss. I hope that those of us who are doing more feeding, putting up more cover, winter roosting boxes, and brush piles, can offset some of the habitat loss these birds are experiencing. Support the work the Haskell Students are doing here: https://www.facebook.com/wetlandspreservationorganization Click on pictures to enlarge.