Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Black-necked Stilt

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Snowy Egret

Western Great Egret

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Pied-billed Grebe

My favorite, Snowy Plover Fledgling

White-faced Ibis

White-faced Ibis

female, Yellow-headed Blackbird

American White Pelican

Lesser Yellowlegs

Eastern Kingbird

Dusk at the refuge

We had an exciting, adventurous day at the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. Our oldest son, Will, his wife Morgan, and their kids (6 of our grandchildren) traveled up there. We brought along binoculars, cameras, a picnic lunch, and a curiosity to learn, first hand, about the birds that migrate through Kansas. It has been a very wet summer, so the marshes were lush with plant life and aquatic life, I could see fish jumping out of the water, wildlife and bird life. There was also LOTS of water! When we first got there, we had to watch out not to run over a Red-eared Slider. The kids were thrilled with the turtle. Later my son spotted a huge bullfrog. We saw several White-tailed Deer and a Swift Fox. The refuge had many walking trails, interpretive trails, driving scenic by-ways, camera blinds, and a couple of spotting scopes set-up for people to use. We are looking forward to visiting again later this Fall when many more shorebirds, cranes, ducks, and geese migrate through the refuge.

Mississippi Kites

Mississippi Kites

My husband and I were out walking and we heard this "phewww" sound of a hawk. Ken spotted the fledgling Mississippi Kite right above us. Fortunately I had brought my camera along! The parents soared around above looking for food for the fledge and kept their sharp eyes on us. They seemed to tolerate us quite well, as they didn't dive bomb us! We saw the adult bring food to the fledge...meat of some sort. Then the adults landed nearby as long as we were standing beneath their baby.

The Kites are known to feed on Cicadas and other large insects. Cicadas are plentiful here.

Today while out walking we located another Mississippi Kite family nearby. We couldn't see the Fledgling, but could hear it calling out for food. We did see the two parents perched on the electrical lines.

In Memory of My Mom

My Mom passed away on August 1, 2009.

These are pictures of wildflowers that are located right around the farm. We are a family who have put our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and His promise of a home in Heaven. We know Mom is safe in the arms of the Lord Jesus, pain free and all well and happy! We know we will see her again at the resurrection.

Jesus said,..."I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die..."

John 11:25