Kip’s Comments - January 5, 2026

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.

My outdoor time today was invested in scouting locally, primarily along the Wapsipinicon River. Nothing special was seen, but that was not a bad thing. I did see birds and scat - all tell-tale signs that might lead to future photos. While out I did shoot some photos. Don’t expect too much. As I mentioned earlier, today was a day of scouting.

River Otter Scat - Image 1054596

Rough-legged Hawk - Image 1054603

Adult Bald Eagle - Image 1054548

Adult Bald Eagle - Image 1054556

Hickory Leaves Caught on Hickory Tree - Image 1054584