Warm day in February

The temperature soared one day this week to 70 degrees, which seemed to awaken many creepy crawly things.  This week I found a House Fly, Paper Wasp, Boxelder Bug, Green Lacewing, and House Centipede.  I also had a fly-over by a very vocal Killdeer heading north.  The House Centipede was probably the biggest shock, found skittering across the floor in my basement.  While researching this species, I found out that people in other parts of the world apparently keep them as pets.  Yuk.

House Centipede found in my basement.

Baker Wetlands Survey

Dan Larson graciously allowed me to participate Saturday with the Baker Wetlands bird survey which is conducted twice per month.  We witnessed a very agitated Red-shouldered Hawk harassing a Great Horned Owl, landing a solid blow to the back of the owl’s head.  None of the participants were seriously injured in the fray.  Afterwards, we hit Clinton, Pomona and Melvern Lakes, but found very little open water and very few species.  The day was not without success, however, as I added American White Pelican, Greater White-fronted Goose, and a Striped Skunk to the new species list. 

 

Sunday, as the sun warmed the side of our house, I searched for basking insects and found a small Braconid Wasp (Contesia species).  These small wasps inject eggs into caterpillars, and there are over 1,500 species of Contesia worldwide.  This brings my species total to 113 as of February 16.  

Greater White-fronted Goose at Melvern Lake.

Tribute to Valentine’s Day

I have been making various trips this year to local lakes and collecting a variety of photos.  Knowing that Valentine’s Day is about love and couples, I dedicate the following photos to the holiday.

This pair of Common Goldeneyes at Perry Lake seem to be a picture-perfect couple.

This female Wood Duck is looking for the perfect mate, or maybe just a slice of bread at Lake Shawnee.

Winter Doldrums

With the deep snow impeding travel plans, I have focused on photographing whatever common species can be found locally, and have not been disappointed.  It’s good to see some color on these drab winter days.

A Northern Cardinal in all its splendor on a dreary winter day.

A Blue Jay takes a break from eating at my peanut feeder. 

Wilson Lake

Faced with the fact that finding new species is getting more difficult (at least until it gets closer to Spring), I braved the snow-packed roads and traveled to Wilson Lake in central Kansas on Saturday.  My efforts were rewarded with 5 new species for the year – Townsends Solitaire, Mountain Bluebirds, Canvasback, a pair of Greater Scaup, and a Virginia Rail.  The Rail responded to a recorded call in a marsh located in Sylvan Park below the Wilson Lake dam.  This brings my year species total to 108.

Townsends Solitaire in Wilson State Park.