We have had a long stretch of sunny warm weather lately. On one hand, it is lovely to be warm and dry on an outing. On the other hand, water levels continue drop and the harsh lighting makes for lousy photos. Nevertheless, here are some images from a recent trip to Fernhill Wetlands.
The Cackling Geese have returned for the winter.
The Tundra Swan that has spent the entire summer at Fernhill is still around. Hopefully, some more swans will arrive soon to keep him company. It must feel odd to be the only one of your kind. It’s like being a vegan in Kansas (been there).
Here is a more traditional view of the Tundra Swan.
A small group of Northern Harriers flew over the wetlands while I was there.
Shorebird migration is quickly winding down, so it was nice to see this Pectoral Sandpiper.
Long-billed Dowitchers in one of the little ponds by the picnic shelter
A Nutria swimming through the duckweed
This is the first turtle I have seen at Fernhill. Unfortunately, I think he is a non-native Slider, a species common in the pet trade and frequently released into areas where they don’t belong.
Happy Autumn
John Rakestraw 