I’m seeing quite a few great blue herons and green herons. I’m looking forward to the little blue herons.
Herons
Tag Archives: green heron
New Arrivals
It was a terrific morning for walking in the wetlands. The sunrise was spectacular, and I loved watching the coots eagerly flying across the path and diving into the open water.
I had it mostly to myself and got to see my first of the spring little green herons and an American bittern. The bittern pic is not great, but it’s so good to see them again. There have been so many times I have been standing right next to one and didn’t realize it until they flew away. Such good camouflage!
A great blue heron made some geese very unhappy by standing on their muskrat lodge, but eventually left them to it. I see geese nesting on top of the lodges fairly often. That seems like prime real estate! I’m hoping I will get to see some goslings soon!
I’m still stalking the same area looking for river otters. I didn’t have any luck today, but I did get to see a super cute muskrat having breakfast.
Egrets and Herons
The Wakarusa (Baker) Wetlands are the place for egrets and herons at this time of year. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Wetlands magic
Two young men out running at the Wakarusa Wetlands this morning stopped to talk to me as I stood staring up at a tree watching swallows. They seemed to be visiting for the first time. They wanted to know what kinds of wildlife I was seeing. I don’t think they were from around here because they asked me if there were any bears. I did tell them that the Wetlands are home to coyotes, bobcats, and supposedly a cougar, though I have never seen him/her. One of them said, “Bobcats are sick!” They asked if I was a birdwatcher, which they thought was pretty cool. They asked about where to run and said they thought they would do it again tomorrow. When I got back to the car, the windows were misted over (the humidity). Written in the mist on the window was, “We saw an awesome bird!” I cannot quite put into words how great this made me feel. It is truly a magical place.
© Chris Taylor
Wakarusa Wetlands wood ducks and no water
When I visited last week, there was not a lot of water. I so hope that has changed a bit by now. I have my suspicions that water is being diverted from portions of the Wetlands targeted for destruction to build the SLT. I know it has been a dry, hot summer, but it has never looked like this. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
This area is usually completely covered by water.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Wakarusa wonders
These are from a very good Wakarusa wetlands walk on the morning of May 22 (sorry about the delay in posting). On this morning, I also visited the “new” area, where I discovered quite a few goslings. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Hot times at the Wakarusa Wetlands
If you visit the wetlands during this heat wave, remember, the trick is to get there as early as possible. Bring water and keep hydrated. There is a lot of activity in the early morning and if you are a photographer, you know you can’t beat that morning light. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Wakarusa Wetlands green heron
I was privileged to get a wonderfully long look at a magnificent green heron at the Wakarusa Wetlands this morning. It had been an unusually quiet morning. After a few hours, I was on my way back to the car and there she was. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Green herons
I had a very nice walk in the wetlands Sunday morning. It actually started out chilly! The highlight was dozens of green herons. Click on pictures to enlarge.
