Shorebird Bonanza!

As soon as I was out of my truck the gnats attacked in droves at Sweet Marsh. My only escape for my face was to put my 3D face mask on. That may have ended up being a good move - gnats or not - when I then parked myself on a mudflat to watch what came through…

Long Lens, Little Blossoms

During a day that included a couple of unplanned trips I was afforded time and close proximity to a woodland area brimming with spring wildflowers. Diversity of species was less than some locations, but what lacked in variables was made up for in numbers. Spring beauties were everywhere. Interspersed among the spring beauties were mayapples and a few Dutchman’s breeches. I opted to isolate and feature the breeches today with a long lens, as seen here.

At home we had one of our many killdeers in close range. When killdeers are nearby I photograph them.

Really Nice Light

After one storm and before the next I enjoyed a pleasant wildflower walk today. Many blossoms had the added enhancement of raindrops to make already pretty wildflowers look even better. Even with periodic drizzle and ample wind, I was able to shoot a few photos. Hopefully you will see some wildflowers you enjoy as I did.

Noticing Details

As I explored the outdoor world today I was rewarded for paying attention to details. One of the rewards was to see a threatened/endangered turtle species and a second reward was to spot the first two downy yellow fuzzballs (also known as Canada goose goslings) of the year.

Let’s begin with…

Sweet Marsh Sandhill Cranes 2025

Based only on my observations and no science, I believe the count of sandhill cranes at Marten’s Lake and Segment A is considerably lower this year than in previous years. Normally by this time I am regularly seeing many pairs of birds. Not so this year. Where are they?

I did see two pairs today, but that was it.

Remember Back, Looking Forward

Today was one of those days we all have from time-to-time. The cool, wet day made for a dreary attitude. My activities were mostly serious resulting a real need for Nature Rx. But, with little sunshine, even my time in the outdoors was challenging. Still, I got out and am thankful for the effort.

As I walked near the river I noticed…

Almost All Were Fleeting Glimpses

As the spring migration continues, warblers have begun to arrive, along with kinglets and other small birds. A common characteristic for these little birds is their tendency to flit about often - usually faster than you can find them with your camera and press the shutter release button. Sometimes we do manage a capture, if we are lucky...

Before this morning’s rain I saw ruby-crowned kinglets, yellow-rumped warblers, and palm warblers. The palm warblers were the only warbler I photographed. Even that picture had the bird deep in sticks, but I did get the photo.

Something For Everyone

My walk down the wildlife/outdoor photography path has been long and winding over several decades. A curiosity and appreciation for the outdoors has resulted in photos ranging from landscapes to macros, dragonflies to bears. Anything goes when I have my camera in my hand. And, apparently I sleep with one eye open since lightning wakes me up for picture making.

Today’s pictures begin with…

Happy Earth Day 2025

In recognition of Earth Day 2025, I spent time using my senses to enjoy our natural world. Pileated woodpeckers calling treated my hearing. Colorful wildflowers were a pleasure for my eyes. The bark of mature trees challenged my sense of touch. Damp soil after spring rains …

The Word For Today is “Subtle”

I had time early this morning to enjoy a short woodland walk where I looked for any new spring wildflowers. Since I was starting before the sun climbed high enough to burn through the clouds, I saw no showy blossoms. All of them were closed tight, leaving me no option but to…

Easter Morning Observations at Cabinland

Time passed slowly this morning as I waited for enough sunlight to watch for trumpeter swans to stop by our cabin area. As the sun rose over the horizon, but before it was hidden by clouds, we had four trumpeter swans appear. Then, as random as they appeared, all four …

A Little Ahead, Stop, A Little Ahead and Why Mother Goose?

As Kristy and I were returning from an Easter gathering she spotted this wood duck in a ditch along the roadway. Without asking, Kristy drove past, turned around, and then turned around again for photos. To frame the duck I was asking her to move ahead, stop, move ahead a little, stop and repeat. I think our team effort was worthwhile. Thanks Kristy!

Earlier in the day I had my first visit to a Costco. Needless to say, I may not return… too many people, long lines… just not for me. In the parking lot we spotted this Canada goose on a nest in the parking lot - a good break from inside the store.

This location for a nest is unusual. My concern is what will happen to the goose if she becomes aggressive? How will Momma and Dad goose move the goslings from the nest to water. Why this location?

Damage Assessments and Excitement

During the overnight hours the area was hit with waves of storms. Included in the storms were strong winds, heavy rain, vivid lightning, and hail. Not too far from us folks are reporting baseball-sized ice balls that broke windows, caused vehicle damage, and…

The Blessings of Full Sun, The Curse of Full Sun

Often when I am shooting outdoor photos I don’t necessarily prefer full sun for my compositions. A full sun tends to create harsh shadows and can make images less than pleasing.

Yet, for the majority of wildflowers, full sun is…

Wednesday Observations

During my wandering today I met a couple of nice guys at Sweet Marsh, talked to a legend in Frederika, saw one lesser yellowlegs, and photographed a couple of early spring flowers.

The pictures of the bird and plants are here.

Thanks For Taking Me For A Ride Brother Darrell

Last year some time, if my memory is correct, my “other brother Darrell” took me for a ride to a retirement party. On our way home Brother Darrell showed me a pond he…

April Moments at Ingawanis Woodland

Life is busy... often too busy to enjoy the little things that make our world special. Take ninety seconds to enjoy spring wildflowers and birds from Ingawanis Woodland.

Observations on a Sunday

Today’s images have no commonality other than each was something I observed and photographed on this Sunday.

This is a fun time of year for outdoor photography. There are blossoms, buds, and birds (but no birds for me today).

For today I also had something interesting to watch on the Wapsie. After seeing the river activity, I am hoping…

Crane Count 2025

Early this morning was Crane Count 2025. This event is coordinated locally by Bremer County Conservation in conjunction with the International Crane Foundation.

For unknown reasons, the number of cranes I counted were lower than in previous years. And, I saw only…

Somber Shooting

The last couple of days have been very challenging - busy and rather difficult. Both days I did not have much time for my nature Rx, but what little time I did have I made the best of.

The two photos included here represent my work from yesterday and today. Neither requires too much, if any, explanation. Both are simple images that, for me, created a calming effect - just what I needed.