Tag: national wildlife refuge

Wild Iris

On By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

Wild_iris_1

In fields wet with moisture the wild iris are blooming like crazy this year. It is amazing how some years there are so few but when it rains more than usual they explode. They bloom for a few days then dry up and quickly disappear. Nature playing hide and seek.

Like a submarine

On By Mike and Christy4 Comments

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One of our favorite little ducks is the Pied-billed Grebe.

Wonderfully described as “Part bird, part submarine, the Pied-billed Grebe is common across much of North America.”1

If you’ve ever spent time watching these guys I bet you’ve marveled at the ability of the Pied-billed to just sink out of sight like a diving submarine.

According to All About Birds:

Pied-billed Grebes can trap water in their feathers, giving them great control over their buoyancy. They can sink deeply or stay just at or below the surface, exposing as much or as little of the body as they wish. The water-trapping ability may also aid in the pursuit of prey by reducing drag in turbulent water.

This little grebe was quietly swimming along on a beautiful sunny morning in water reflecting the brilliant  blue skies above.

References:

  1. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pied-billed_Grebe

Box 29

On By Mike and Christy7 Comments

Last Sunday the wind was blowing hard but that did not deter these little Tree Swallows from spending their day looking for a suitable summer residence and it sure seemed like box 29 was high on their list of desirable homes.

The competition was high and words of caution we flying as freely as these swallows glide through the skies.

A quick resting spot on the roof was in order and acceptable to both shoppers at box 29.