It has been hot and muggy. I go to the Activity Center to exercise in these conditions. I much prefer to jog and walk (it’s all about the same when you get past 60...) in the cool fresh morning air. There is a regular group that seems to appear about the same time every morning. One of my exercise friends brought me some cucumbers fresh from the garden. Exercise has its benefits! My Fitbit seems to manage my life early in the morning and I give it credit for making me go.

Things are going on at the Bottoms. I was looking to see if I could re-discover some odd ducks that I saw yesterday. They were funny nondescript blackish-brownish Mallard-looking birds with a dark bill that looked like a shoveler. I sent pictures around (my birding skills have always been suspect) and some thought they were a cross-breed and the source that I trust the most said molting or transition mallards.

I found one of the birds today but it didn’t cooperate. This saga will continue...

The exciting thing that is happening is an exceptional group of new signs. Now you will have to go to the Bottoms to see them. They are beautifully colored signs about the function and special events that involve the weather-related transitions and migratory legions of birds that travel thousands of miles to rest and dine on our blood worms and crustaceans. I saw the guys putting them up today and I assume these are the first pictures of them. I’m not sure who is responsible for these beauties but will find out and let you know. It was an excellent idea!

There is not a lot of activity right now at the Bottoms. There are some beautiful Snowy Egrets and there are lots of pelicans. I’m not seeing very many snakes right now – they are probably hanging out in the shade. The turtles seem nervous – not sure why. There are lots of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets.

The area around the Bottoms always produces some great sights and photographs. The cattle egret perched on the cow is pretty cute. Those birds perch all over the cows.  

The best news is happening on the rivers. With the rainfall excess during harvest, the rivers came up quite a bit. That means the flatheads and channel catfish are moving and shopping for groceries. There is a very select group of stout people who noodle catfish. It’s not for the faint-hearted and you can bet that I’m not going under the water in the holes to feel around and stick my hand/arm in their mouth and pull out 40-pound flatheads. That gives me the wilies, but I do know that Zack and Melissa, and the boys will have a fabulous fish fry! Fresh corn and tomatoes, catfish, and the company of good friends are the flavors of Kansas in the summer. Did I mention home-made ice cream? Family gatherings, great food and a cold drink hit the spot! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do!

Doc

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