Kip’s Comments - December 17, 2025

The App was Correct

Under “Tool Box” tab in the "Iowa DNR” app is “Feeding Times.” This tool provides star ratings for fishing with one star being a slow fishing day and five supposedly being a good day for fishing (maybe other wildlife activity too?). Along with the star ratings are suggested feeding times for when activity should be the best for the day. Long ago a friend of mine who is no longer with us (Arley) told me about the feeding time and moon phases. We discussed them often.

When I talked to Arley about the feeding times I correlated his fishing activity to my wildlife observations/photography success (or lack of). When the charts suggested low activity on the water, my photo work seemed to track. I suppose that should not be a surprise since most - if not all - wildlife are affected by the moon.

Ice Fishing - Image 1051023

As my picture shows, today was a one-star day - a day to not expect much activity. Still, I went ice fishing to give it a try and hopefully to prove the app wrong. Guess what… the app was right. Fishing was slow and catching was non-existent. Still, I gave it a try and enjoyed my time on the ice. In fact, with the warm temps and bright sun I was sweating in my ice hut and stripped down to just a shirt! (No heater running either!)

Ice Fishing - Image 1051008

Ice Fishing - My View from the Hut - Image 1051001

While I left the ice skunked by fish, I did find and photograph some wildlife. One-star day to a five star day, the wildlife is still out there. A person just might have to work a bit harder to find them. Today’s critters that were photographed were a great blue heron that is still around, a pair of barred owls, and rooster pheasants.

Great Blue Heron in Winter - Image 1050726

Great Blue Heron in Winter - Image 1050756

Great Blue Heron in Winter - Image 1050766

Great Blue Heron in Winter - Image 1050783

Great Blue Heron in Winter - Image 1050830

Two Barred Owls - Image 1050458

Barred Owl - Image 1050316

Barred Owl - Image 1050335

Barred Owl - Image 1050371

Rooster Ring-necked Pheasant - Image 1051036

Rooster Ring-necked Pheasant - Image 1051049

Rooster Ring-necked Pheasant - Image 1051066

Rooster Ring-necked Pheasant - Image 1051068