Nodding Trillium Blossoms and So Much More

A little more than a week ago Kristy and I explored several areas in Winneshiek County on foot. There we observed many nodding trilliums not quite ready to show their beautiful flower. Today I returned to a couple…

The Water is Dropping But There is Still Plenty to See

I cannot say for sure, but it appears the water level at Segment A of Sweet Marsh has dropped about six inches since Friday. We have not have rain for some time, or maybe boards in the water control structure have been pulled…

Jack and His Pollen, Fishing, Wildlife Photo Challenge

We have been watching one of our jack pine trees that appears to have gone into overdrive to produce pollen. Each day there appear to be more pollen cones that send out pollen with the wind or by touch. Soon the pollen cones will no longer be useful and will wither away.

On to a different topic… Today Kristy and I took three grandsons…

More From Yesterday, Some From Today

I spent yesterday on the road attempting to travel, complete multiple photo shoots, and be back behind the wheel in time for a multi-hour webinar. I accomplished my mission, but was not able to stop in to see friends at a conference I used to attend. Time simply did not allow and I was…

What Is Kip Doing in Freda Haffner’s Kettlehole?

Before I retired last year I made a personal goal to continue exploring areas in the Okoboji area that had become special to me over the years. I first found them while at Okoboji for an annual Emergency Management conference.

Today was my day to make the annual trek to the NW section of Iowa. I had four stops on my agenda, including a good exploration of the Freda Haffner Kettlehole State Preserve outside of Okoboji.

The Freda Haffner Kettlehole is a glacial depression surrounded by prairie. The Nature Conservancy purchased the property that is now a state preserve. During my many visits to the kettlehole I have, not once, had any others on the property with me. My hunch is the number of folks exploring the kettlehole is likely quite low, making it my kind of place!.

Imagine this… I was about two -thirds of the way down the kettlehold slope, lying on the ground (among the ticks…

Warblers and Wildflowers

As a wildlife photographer I am sometimes challenged by personal goals that cannot always be accomplished. For example, today I spotted and heard prothonotary warblers moving through a section of “edge” timber along the river. I recorded many images, but ended up deleting most since…

Empty Nest and Much More

Some time ago, as in a few weeks, while out exploring mudflats I found an active sandhill crane nest. With my first observation of the nest already having both eggs in it, I had no idea when “hatch day” might occur. My only way to track the nesting process was to…

Name Your Day

Earlier today a friend told me the name of his day, which really involved the activities on the docket to get done. One of my responses to him when I named my day was “3D camo on mudflats.”

Some might wonder what, exactly, do I mean. For those who know the details, they may wonder why. Allow me to explain.

Mudflats are ideal habitat for shorebirds and wading birds. Early in the morning, after a night of little to no feeding, the birds (and other critters) are very busy replenishing their energy supply for the day ahead. For some that may include hunting, incubating eggs, finding a mate, or continuing their migration.

By dressing in camo I am able to blend in with the vegetation and the muck. I am wearing chest waders so the water is no problem. All I have to do is get in a good position and wait for the action. Sometimes that comes quick, other times it takes a while, and sometimes I see nothing. Still, I try.

Each day is different. Last week I saw unusual birds, today all were common. Following is a sampling of images from this morning’s efforts.

Hopefully you were able to name your day something you enjoy doing. If not, maybe tomorrow!

A Great Day in Two Parts - This Is Part Two (and today)

Yesterday was a great day. Part One was focused on birds at Sweet Marsh. Part Two was a day of exploring green spaces in Winneshiek County. Not only did we see many common wildflower species, but we also found several wildflowers neither of us had seen or photographed before…

A Great Day in Two Parts - This Is Part One

Wow… what a great day in the outdoors. Shortly after sunrise I was checking on birds at Sweet Marsh. Photos from that outing are shared here.

Kristy and I then spent the afternoon exploring green spaces in Northeast Iowa. In the process we found a very rare, new to us, wildflower. More on that outing later.

For now I will share bird photos from this morning.

Burned Out Skies For the Capture

Today’s schedule and this evening’s skies were not conducive to really good photography. In other words, I shot photos when I could, regardless of the lighting or sky. As a result, most of today’s images include a burned out sky. But, I did manage a couple of acceptable images.

Around Sweet Marsh Today

Unlike yesterday, today I saw and photographed bird species I have seen before in our area. More common than yesterday’s birds or not, it was still fun to find and watch them.

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…