After the Rain, Before the Drizzle at Sweet Marsh

For several hours this morning I photographed birds, bugs, and waterdrop images at and near Sweet Marsh. The “photo finds” kept coming and I kept shooting until the drizzle became…

More Cooperative Neighbors

As I drove a gravel road early this afternoon I spotted a green heron in shallow water not too far from my Jeep. As often happens, as soon as I pointed a lens at it, the bird tensed up. Then, a split-second later the green heron took flight helping to create a headless heron photo.

EMS and Healthcare Friends - Do You See It Too?

This morning I was messing around with macro photography using an orchid blossom my wife nurtured to beauty. Several combinations of macro efforts were attempted - lens reversing ring, extension tubes, close-up filters, and combinations of these. Ultimately I was able to photograph down the throat of the orchid blossom.

“Down the throat” had another meaning for me. As an EMS provider we are trained…

Almost Too Fast For Us (to focus)

As Kristy and I were out traveling today we stopped by a small wetland many people drive past, but far fewer explore. Even for me it was only the third time there, but I wanted Kristy to see it.

My expectations when we got out were that we might see some wildflowers or maybe bobolinks on the prairie near the wetland. Other than golden alexanders, we saw no blooms. No bobolinks were seen either. But, we did not…

Pretty, Noisy, Unwanted, Hated

Before I share the stories behind the images, I want to state how discouraging it is to see our topsoil blowing to who knows where in these relentless strong winds. A heavy haze in the sky from our precious blowing dirt is troubling. Maybe we can get some rain to hold things in place if the wind is going to keep blowing like this.

Earlier today, before the wind picked up, I found another location for shooting star wildflowers. I thought a backlit view might…

It’s the Little Things

It’s the little things, like spending a couple of hours enjoying lunch and sharing conversation about birds and Spring with a friend facing a huge challenge.

It’s the little things, like spotting and photographing Mayapple blossoms in full view for this growing season.

It’s the little things, like finding baby golden oyster fungi on a log, with more mature fungi all around the babies.

It’s the little things, like a Walmart sack I always carry with me for those special times when…

Had My Hopes Up, Then Down

When I am fortunate to be in the proximity of a bird or wildflower I am not familiar with, I get excited that maybe I am seeing a “lifer…” - a species I have not knowingly observed before. Such was the case this morning when I spotted a yellow/green bird with a very dominant…

So Easy and I Have Proof

Early this morning we had trumpeter swan visitors on the Wapsipinicon River in front of the cabins. As I have observed in the past, these swans were really curious. I expected either or both would take flight and disappear, but neither did as I moved around for photos.

The swans made my “Picture of the Day” so easy. And if you are wondering, I have proof. My cabin neighbor…

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.