







Respect them or lose them Day 77. Bald eagle nest photographed June 5, 2009. In 2009, this nest was approximately twenty years old. They built a new nest nearby a few years later. Canada geese nested there that year. Another year passed and a storm knocked the nest down. Bald eagles are amazing at construction and must have known this nest was getting too old and too heavy to withstand the Kansas weather so they constructed a new nest and moved out before this one failed.
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.
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.
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.
Warm weather and open water are making trips to the lake pretty wonderful right now. Bald eagles seem to be everywhere and I am still hearing snow geese coming over early in the morning. Click on pictures to enlarge.
A wonderful morning. Click on pictures to enlarge.
Nice to see these young eagles on a recent outing to Clinton Lake. Click on pictures enlarge.
There has been a lot of eagle action at the Kansas River and Clinton Lake the last couple of weeks. With a major snow falling today and more extreme cold, I am sure that will only intensify wherever there is open water. I wish everyone safe travels! Click on pictures to enlarge.
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.