While I wish more people would enjoy the wonderful places around us, the great thing about this time of year for me is having most of these places to myself. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Everyone is busy choosing the best nesting spot, gathering materials, and building the perfect nest. These Wakarusa Wetlands bluebirds were checking out several different trees while I was there. Location, location, location. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I’m loving these cold mornings at the Wetlands. Bluebirds and harriers. Oh my. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
There is an excitement in the air this time of year. I love these cold mornings when the sun is bright and there is a bit of wind. There is something really neat about that little bit of lens flare in some of the early morning pictures, this shiny burst of energy. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Unmask.Unearth: Discovering the Wetlands
Art Show opens July 23rd, 6-9pm
Youth Ensemble Performances – July 23 & 24th at 7pm
The Lawrence Percolator, Ninth and New Hampshire, Lawrence
Look for the green awnings in the alley between the Lawrence Art Center and Ninth Street.
http://lawrence-percolator.blogspot.com/2010/06/call-for-art-unmaskunearth.html
© Chris Taylor
The animals of the Wakarusa Wetlands need our help. Help save this sacred space. Don’t pave their homes.
© Chris Taylor
I saw this little fellow in a parking lot at the lake. He was about halfway between two nest boxes, so he could have fledged from either. I walked over to him so he would move into the grass. I thought this would be out of harm’s way. About twenty minutes later, I came back by and the big mowers were going near where he was. I ran over as fast as I could and tried to wave at the guy mowing to stop. He wouldn’t stop, just waved at me, so I ran ahead and looked for the little bluebird in the grass. I never found him, but I hope that means he took off with his parents. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
After a careful inspection, this looks like the place. I’ll be checking back in a bit to see the bluebird puffballs! Hope I can remember which tree this is. 🙂 Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I stopped to watch some bluebirds yesterday and observed two males and two females having what looked like a “bluebird smack-down.” I think they might have been fighting over a nest box, but of course, I wouldn’t know. At one point the males were wrestling on the ground and one of the females dived in. It was pretty amazing to watch. I am very happy to report that it looked like no one was hurt. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
While the bluebirds are a year-round treat in these parts, they’re not always so easy to find in the winter. It’s nice to see them returning to their usual spots near nest boxes and other regular nesting areas. This barbed wire fence is a particular favorite. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor