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
Adults are starting to bring their babies around and I am loving watching the robins stuff as many raisins in their mouths as they can to distribute among the young ones. I was thinking this morning that perhaps one of the reasons few people really experience the birds around them is it takes a lot of time before birds become comfortable enough with a human to get close. I have robins coming up to me on the patio for raisins, but that did not happen overnight (I started handing out raisins during our awful extended winter). They are leery of humans, as they should be. Generally, when I sit outside to watch, I need to be in my “sit spot” for about an hour before they get comfortable enough with my presence to hangout nearby. I realize my own privilege in being able to make time to do this. Time outside being still and quiet, watching everything, is immensely good for my soul. 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
Every once in a while, a Cooper’s hawk comes to visit. While I am sure the little birds would not appreciate this humor, we do, in one way or another, feed everyone at our house. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
Nervous robin waits to see if it is safe to take a bath.
© Chris Taylor
Young house sparrows hide in the thicket until parents give the “all clear.”
© Chris Taylor
The titmice don’t mind. Fierce.
© Chris Taylor
If you can, put out a water bowl for neighborhood animals. With temperatures expected in the hundreds for the rest of the week here in Kansas, everyone needs to stay hydrated. I’ve even been hearing about many hawks and owls around the area visiting sprinklers and bird baths to keep cool.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I love watching the robins feeding their kids. As hot as it has been, I have not seen them as often and was a bit worried that the heat was taking its toll this year. Good to see them! Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Now that we have the feeders up, our list of backyard visitors is incredible. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
While the heat has made everyone a bit scarce these days, there are still quite a few young ones out in the morning, following their parents around, and taking advantage of the cooler temperatures (if one can call 80 cool!). Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The Wakarusa Wetlands were rowdy with robins a few weeks ago. I meant to upload these pics earlier. I am a bit behind in the updates again. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
I know I’ve said this before, but I love robins. We have robin families building nests and raising families all around us and I love every minute of watching them.
Nest building is serious business.
It’s great to see the robins back, hard at work on the nest over our garage. They built there last year, but something (or someone) happened to the babies before it was time to fledge. I hope they have better luck this year.