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
A bit of a rarity for Lawrence. This is a young one. Lovely! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I watched this wonderful mink going back and forth between a den and somewhere in the woods. At first I thought he/she was transporting young because she/he made the trip twice. I’m just not sure that is a kit she/he is holding. I do my best to always stay back and try not to disturb anything or anyone. Even though I was hanging back and waiting for her/him to pass by again, minks are just so darn fast that I couldn’t get a great look. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Fast, fast, and fast.
© Chris Taylor
I’ve been seeing quite a few herons lately–little blue herons, night herons, and great blue herons. Last year, it seemed I was constantly seeing green herons, but no little blue herons. This year, migration seems a bit off; I am not seeing nearly as many shore birds as I did this time last year. Between climate change, general habitat loss, and BP (and, of course, a host of others), it’s hard to say what might be going on. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
How I love their acrobatics, the blue gleam of the tree swallows, the amazing mud dwellings of the cliff swallows, and the wonderful expressions of the barn swallows. I can watch them for hours skimming their way across the Wakarusa Wetlands, the Kaw, and Clinton Lake. Click on pictures (tree swallows) to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Okay–so they are not really seagulls, but Franklin’s gulls. 🙂 Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
He stayed in this position singing his heart out for quite a while. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
This tiny little bird is just packed full of personality. As I walked near the boardwalk at the Wakarusa Wetlands, it seemed every time I looked to my right, he was perched on a limb peaking out at me. My bird book says, “These birds are not shy.” So true! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
It was a lovely morning at the Wakarusa Wetlands. One of the highlights was a little blue heron. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
