It was a frosty morning at the wetlands, but the sun quickly warmed things up. A bald eagle was enjoying the sunrise, a Cooper’s hawk was hanging out, and the male wood duck was patrolling while his mate was investigating the nest box. I can’t wait to see the baby wood ducks!
No surprise in Kansas. Our weather at best is unpredictable. The biggest snow storm I remember from childhood was late April. School was closed for a week! This morning, I rushed to get out to the wetlands because I haven’t been out there this winter when it was snowing. I was sure I was going to miss a snowy wetlands this year, so thank you, universe!
I’m seeing quite a few great blue herons and green herons. I’m looking forward to the little blue herons.
So privileged to get to see a mama beaver this morning! I wish the pics were better, but the sun was in my eyes and I was just shooting in the direction of the movement. She was about the size of a Labrador!
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.
It seemed every box at Clinton State Park had a pair of tree swallows sitting on top ready to defend. It’s good to see them!
In all the years I’ve been visiting the wetlands, I have only seen river otters twice. I’ve been stalking the same area at the same time hoping for another glimpse, but I know they’re smarter than I am and probably right under my nose.
