Late July and August are usually the pits when it comes to weather and the marsh. This year is a bit different. 

We have some water for the first time in a couple of years. It seems like a whole bunch of things are off balance. We have had a successful nesting of Black-necked Stilts. The only other time I saw them was at Quivira about five years ago. I saw Snowy Plovers at that time also. Quivira has a special area for the plovers- it’s worth the drive to see those special birds. I see them in our marsh, but have never seen them raising babies. I also saw baby Avocets one time about four years ago in our marsh. 

There are a few thousand Franklin gulls. About 7:15 a.m., they all leave the Bottoms and head for the landfill. They go right over John Moriandi’s home, and he has a front row seat to an all-star show. They grocery shop on the way to the landfill and seem to catch flying insects, but I’m not sure about that. They may just eat minnows and such. It is amazing to see the grace and energy those birds have. I have seen very few Ring-billed gulls, and am sure there are some Herring gulls here. It is a mixed bag and beautiful!

There is a whole group of insects that we overlook or ignore. The Monarch and Swallow-tail butterflies work the margins of the roads and marsh. It is a safe and happy place for them in their travels, and they do their best to show off their colors.

I have seen fewer snakes and turtles than usual this year. I think the rising water throws them off a bit. They will get settled. 

There are so many egrets, great blue herons and white-faced ibis. It is well worth the ride to go see these happy birds in water. 

The snakes are blind and bite everything, and the fish are too hot and don’t bite anything! Such are dog days in Kansas! Nothing new—happens every year! It’s not long until teal season and another year will be upon us! Don’t miss these birds—they are spectacular!!

Doc

Doctor Dan Witt is a retired physician and nature enthusiast. He can be reached at danwitt01@gmail.com.