Introducing “America”

This morning I received a message about a downed bald eagle and wondering if there was anything that might be done for the bird. Based on the description provided, the assumption was the eagle was injured and not a victim of avian influenza. I quickly made contact with a wildlife rehabber, organized capture equipment, and traveled to the location of the downed bird.

George and Naomi and Other Raptors

When we moved from our home in town out into the country, we gave up my very active backyard bird habitat. Over the decades I counted many dozen bird species visiting our cover, small pond and stream, and many feeders. Now that we live in the country we gave up that habitat for open fields with a few trees scattered around farm homes. While I really miss my many town birds, we are treated to near daily visits by bald eagles. In fact, we have nicknamed them Naomi and George - names given to my in-laws over the years. We consider the visits from the eagles to be Al and Marlene checking on us. We miss them both so much. Today George and Naomi stopped by together - something that does not happen often.

Here It Is… A Post of Gratitude

For much of the afternoon I enjoyed myself sharing a nature photography presentation at Camp EWALU, near Strawberry Point. Wow… what a pleasant couple/few hours. I saw many friends, made new friends, and thoroughly enjoyed talking photography, wildlife, emotions, and so many things. I want to express my gratitude to the room full of people who made the effort to join me on a brisk January day. Thank you so much!

During the Q and A portion of my program I was asked what my photo of the day for today would be. At that time I had not pressed my shutter release button yet. And, as I mentioned, each day I have been provided a subject of some sort for nearly 24-years.

After the presentation I spent a few minutes walking to the trout stream near Camp Ewalu. On my hike I found a tree full of American tree sparrows. The picture is not much and includes a distracting autumn leaf, but I do not mind. The day went too well to worry about one leaf and I have not seen a tree sparrow in months, so this is fine!

By the way, I also photographed several samples of otter scat. I opted not to include those pics.

Continuing With the Pair Theme That Began Yesterday

Yesterday I shared an image of two adult bald eagles perched on a branch over the Wapsipinicon River. After being out in today’s windy and cold conditions, I did not expect a repeat viewing of bald eagles and I did not get it. However, I was able to photograph a pair of young bald eagles in field - likely feeding on something. Adults were nearby too.

Easy Decision

As I traveled between a class this morning and a meeting this afternoon I noticed many bald eagles in trees and demonstrating their aerial prowess as mating season for birds of prey gets underway. When i could I photographed the birds, but my pictures all looked like previous days’ work.

Later today, as I crossed the Wapsipinicon River, my eyes were drawn to…

Too Early To Get The Garden Ready?
Wow, as nice as it was today on January 12, I am about ready to get the garden ready. I am not sure about our wildlife, especially the birds, but they too appear to be enjoying our warm January.

Today I watched and photographed at least a half-dozen eastern bluebirds. Also seen were many trumpeter swan families, red-tailed hawks, and rough-legged hawks.

If Mother Nature is interested in my opinion, I would be willing to tough out an entire winter like today was. Just a thought!

Goose Gathering

Unlike the winter of 2025 when hundreds of waterfowl - including Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and mallards - along with bald eagles - perished at Sweet Marsh due to avian influenza, so far this year all appears…

This is Why (With a Bonus)

This afternoon I went out to watch for short-eared owls, hoping to finally record a close view of one of the flighty birds. Not one short-eared owl was seen by this guy, but I did see quite a few northern harriers.

As I waited and watched for owls, two pheasant hunters walked into view. No matter where they were, their hunter orange (blaze orange) made it clear to other hunters they were out in the field. Both were very easy to see and identify.

As I watched the hunters I noticed another flash of orange at a lower level. One of their dogs was wearing an orange covering too, making the dog very visible. They did have a mostly white dog (pointer?) without any orange that was easily seen without snow on the ground. Had there been snow on the ground, I am not sure how easy the white dog would have been to see.

The blaze orange regulation required for hunting of some species is a good thing. This picture illustrates its effectiveness.

Unaware of Rain Totals

Yesterday and part of last night I was in Minnesota and unaware of what the weather was doing back here in NE Iowa. Yes, we were only a couple of hours away, but the weather differences were measurable. To the north, at least while we were visiting, the rain was light. Apparently back here the rain came down a wee bit heavier. I was not aware of that significant difference…

Between Here and There

Today’s activities consisted of another trip north for a tune up. Knowing we would return home well after dark meant if I was going to shoot my “Picture of the Day” I would need to find something photo-worthy enroute.

As has happened every day for the last 24-years the good Lord provided. We had two adult bald eagle observations with this being the closest view.

By the way… on February 1 I will begin my 25th year of shooting a picture a day (at least one). I have not missed a day yet, even during some rather challenging times.

Yesterday I hiked at Echo Valley State Park, beginning in the fog and ending with the sun peaking through. I put together a video of the trek. Join me on my hike virtually by clicking on this link:

“Moments of Awe” at Echo Valley State Park

Moments of Awe

Yesterday I read a study that indicated if or when people slow down and allow themselves to enjoy the little things often overlooked (Moments of Awe), folks tend to be happier, more relaxed, and subsequently healthier.

This morning I put what I read into practice when I…

For My Album Cover (with cropping)

I have joked more than once that I have an idea for my first album cover - something with a path or a road or, in today’s case, railroad tracks disappearing into fog.

Scouting - The Seldom Seen Detail of Outdoor Photography

Unless you are consistently lucky, successful wildlife/outdoor photography requires a fair amount of boots on the ground, paddles in the water, and eyes looking around to find quality subject matter. This is scouting - when you are out looking around for likely areas for future photographic endeavors.

Barred Owl and Northern Harriers, But No Short-eared Owls

My wildlife searches for today included barred owls and short-eared owls. Somehow I spotted a barred owl as I was slowly driving at Sweet Marsh. The bird did not allow close, clear views, so I did the best I could.

To the Guy Who Gives Me Grief Sometimes About Birding

I have this family member who has been in the area for the past few days for the holidays. When time allows, he enjoys tromping around with me on my photo trips. During our wanderings in the woods I asked him to keep his eyes open for a long-eared owl since I have not seen one for years. I realized tonight that I was asking him to watch for something that maybe he had not seen. So, this post is meant for…

Got One and Looking Cold

This morning I saw four red-shouldered hawks that were completely against me photographing them in any form. Attempt after attempt ended when the birds took flight. Little time passed before I ended my efforts and did something else.

A few hours later I passed through the area and…

New Year’s Day 2026

My ask is unrealistic, but please Mother Nature, can every winter day be just like today?

Thank you for your consideration!

You Are Safe… Do Not Jump

I was headed west toward a bridge over the east fork of the Wapsipinicon River when a small critter walking on the bridge caught my attention. From a distance I thought maybe a feral cat was crossing the river. When I was closer I quickly recognized an opossum was hiking across the bridge.

In my rear view mirror I noticed a truck was approaching too quickly for me to stop and wait for the ‘possum to move across the bridge. My only option was to…

One Bird… Footprints in the Snow

Within the past couple of days a young birder reported the appearance of a rare bird (for Iowa) in a wooded area north of Cedar Falls. Other birders confirmed the presence of the bird with photos. With that information birders have come out to try to see this uncommon avian visitor.

I tromped on the wooded trail today looking for the bird, but was…

Grandkids’ Snow Fort

When angry Auntie Blizzard hammers you with wind and blowing snow that creates a big snow drift, what is a Gramps supposed to do? Well, this one got a good start on a snow fort for his grandkids. The construction is now at a phase where I need small bodies…