Fall at the Wetlands

Posted on November 10, 2017 by admin

As the temperature drops, I get out more. I love the crisp weather and having a walk to myself. There is still time to see migrating birds and the residents who will stick around as long as the water is not frozen. 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.

Fall migration

Posted on October 7, 2013 by admin

Fall migration is wonderful! The cormorants were coming in all morning and there are thousands of gulls here. I watched hundreds of swallows swooping over the grass and water. I think they will be leaving soon. A very nice morning!

Nice morning

Posted on October 4, 2011 by admin

This fall weather is amazing. It was nice to leave for an appointment a couple of hours early and steal a bit of time at the lake. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Neotropic cormorant

Posted on May 19, 2011 by admin

A bit of a rarity for Lawrence. This is a young one. Lovely! Click on pictures to enlarge.

Have a safe trip, pelicans

Posted on November 4, 2010 by admin

The pelicans have mostly moved on. The cormorants will follow soon. Ducks are arriving in abundance. Meadowlarks are singing fall songs, and coots are everywhere. It’s beautiful weather to be out watching. Don’t forget to look up. Enjoy! Click on pictures to enlarge.