Kip’s Comments - January 28, 2026

Ice Shard and Birds

As I waited this morning for time to tick away for an appointment, I drove down by the Cedar River to do a wildlife census. Canada geese were all that I saw from a distance away. What did catch my eye was this backlit shard of ice popped out of the river, with another streak of sunlight on the ice behind it. Had the protruding ice not been backlit, I may not have even noticed and certainly would not have found it interesting enough to photograph. Soon after this image was recorded the sun rose high enough that this scene was gone, maybe forever since the river is ever changing.

Ice Shard on Cedar River - Image 1060331

As for wildlife … At another location on the Cedar River I checked on the swans gathered around the open water. There were plenty with some Canada geese mixed in.

Trumpeter Swans on Cedar River - Image 1060201

Trumpeter Swans on Cedar River - Image 1060252

Of special interest were two common mergansers. The birds were across the river, so detail was limited, but it is easy to recognize they are common mergansers. I wish they were here to tell us spring is coming soon. But, I would guess they have been here all winter and I just saw them today.

Common Mergansers - Image 1059922