Backyard Action

This heat is awful. I should be used to it as a Kansan, but never! I saw a possum covered with babies this morning–so amazing! Sadly, I did not get a picture. I was standing between where she was and where she wanted to go and when I realized that, I walked around to the other side of the house. The back part of our yard is kind of intentionally wild. We let things overgrow there and create small brush piles. That’s where she was headed, and I hope that provides a safe, cool place to hang out today. Anyway, by the time I made it around from the other side of house, I saw her going into the brush, so no pic. I decided to hang around a bit longer and see if she poked out, but no luck. I did, however, get to see plenty of our other backyard friends.

Juvenile rabbit
Baltimore Oriole

Catbirds love the raisins!

Gray catbird with raisins
American robin eating from jelly feeder
House wren singing on top of nest box

Rain and More Rain

It has rained every day for over a week. Paths at the wetlands are covered with water and our yard is just soaked. It’s a bit worrisome, but here’s hoping the rain lets up soon. I tried heading out to the wetlands on Friday but was rained out. I’ve been trying to get some decent pics of our backyard friends, but it is so dark out all the time right now! I’m looking forward to seeing the sun again.

It was wonderful to see a baby bunny and parent this morning!

Baby bunny
Backyard rabbit

We put up a new wren house we can see from a window. It didn’t take long for them to move in!

House wren

Celebrating backyard birds

Sitting in the backyard is so much better than television! 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

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

And, don’t forget the mammals.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Young ones at the Wakarusa Wetlands

I haven’t been to the Wakarusa Wetlands in about a month. At this time of year, that means a lot of change. I got out there a little late this morning to stay long (just too hot), but I did manage to see some young ones–a bunny, tree swallow, robin, and a yellow-crowned night heron! Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Bountiful Bunnies

We are privileged to have a yard full of rabbits right now. At one time or another, we’ve counted four babies, at least four juveniles, and two adults. It’s wonderful to watch the young ones playing and eating, and eating, and eating. Click on pictures to enlarge.

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

© Chris Taylor

Love that nose!

 

© Chris Taylor

I feel like this rabbit and I know each other very well. We see each other pretty much every day. She has a great little place under a shrub where she spends most of the day. When I am out in the yard, she comes over and hangs out on the periphery.  We have a nice respect for each other.  She never gets closer than a couple of feet and I never make any sudden moves. We get along. She’s probably getting a little tired of having her picture taken. 🙂