This is Why (With a Bonus)

This afternoon I went out to watch for short-eared owls, hoping to finally record a close view of one of the flighty birds. Not one short-eared owl was seen by this guy, but I did see quite a few northern harriers.

As I waited and watched for owls, two pheasant hunters walked into view. No matter where they were, their hunter orange (blaze orange) made it clear to other hunters they were out in the field. Both were very easy to see and identify.

As I watched the hunters I noticed another flash of orange at a lower level. One of their dogs was wearing an orange covering too, making the dog very visible. They did have a mostly white dog (pointer?) without any orange that was easily seen without snow on the ground. Had there been snow on the ground, I am not sure how easy the white dog would have been to see.

The blaze orange regulation required for hunting of some species is a good thing. This picture illustrates its effectiveness.

Unaware of Rain Totals

Yesterday and part of last night I was in Minnesota and unaware of what the weather was doing back here in NE Iowa. Yes, we were only a couple of hours away, but the weather differences were measurable. To the north, at least while we were visiting, the rain was light. Apparently back here the rain came down a wee bit heavier. I was not aware of that significant difference…

Between Here and There

Today’s activities consisted of another trip north for a tune up. Knowing we would return home well after dark meant if I was going to shoot my “Picture of the Day” I would need to find something photo-worthy enroute.

As has happened every day for the last 24-years the good Lord provided. We had two adult bald eagle observations with this being the closest view.

By the way… on February 1 I will begin my 25th year of shooting a picture a day (at least one). I have not missed a day yet, even during some rather challenging times.

Yesterday I hiked at Echo Valley State Park, beginning in the fog and ending with the sun peaking through. I put together a video of the trek. Join me on my hike virtually by clicking on this link:

“Moments of Awe” at Echo Valley State Park

Moments of Awe

Yesterday I read a study that indicated if or when people slow down and allow themselves to enjoy the little things often overlooked (Moments of Awe), folks tend to be happier, more relaxed, and subsequently healthier.

This morning I put what I read into practice when I…

For My Album Cover (with cropping)

I have joked more than once that I have an idea for my first album cover - something with a path or a road or, in today’s case, railroad tracks disappearing into fog.

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.

Barred Owl and Northern Harriers, But No Short-eared Owls

My wildlife searches for today included barred owls and short-eared owls. Somehow I spotted a barred owl as I was slowly driving at Sweet Marsh. The bird did not allow close, clear views, so I did the best I could.

To the Guy Who Gives Me Grief Sometimes About Birding

I have this family member who has been in the area for the past few days for the holidays. When time allows, he enjoys tromping around with me on my photo trips. During our wanderings in the woods I asked him to keep his eyes open for a long-eared owl since I have not seen one for years. I realized tonight that I was asking him to watch for something that maybe he had not seen. So, this post is meant for…

Got One and Looking Cold

This morning I saw four red-shouldered hawks that were completely against me photographing them in any form. Attempt after attempt ended when the birds took flight. Little time passed before I ended my efforts and did something else.

A few hours later I passed through the area and…

New Year’s Day 2026

My ask is unrealistic, but please Mother Nature, can every winter day be just like today?

Thank you for your consideration!

You Are Safe… Do Not Jump

I was headed west toward a bridge over the east fork of the Wapsipinicon River when a small critter walking on the bridge caught my attention. From a distance I thought maybe a feral cat was crossing the river. When I was closer I quickly recognized an opossum was hiking across the bridge.

In my rear view mirror I noticed a truck was approaching too quickly for me to stop and wait for the ‘possum to move across the bridge. My only option was to…

One Bird… Footprints in the Snow

Within the past couple of days a young birder reported the appearance of a rare bird (for Iowa) in a wooded area north of Cedar Falls. Other birders confirmed the presence of the bird with photos. With that information birders have come out to try to see this uncommon avian visitor.

I tromped on the wooded trail today looking for the bird, but was…

Grandkids’ Snow Fort

When angry Auntie Blizzard hammers you with wind and blowing snow that creates a big snow drift, what is a Gramps supposed to do? Well, this one got a good start on a snow fort for his grandkids. The construction is now at a phase where I need small bodies…

Crawlers Before the Blizzard

Shortly after waking up I went outside to look around to check on whether my neighbors were going to answer an important question or if I had to. Since we continue to be blanketed by fog, I could not see very far - certainly not to the neighbors. (To be honest, our closest neighbor is ½ mile away.)

So, I am going to answer the question so many are wondering. Yes, there are nightcrawlers out on December 28, 2025, just 2 ¼ hours before a “Blizzard Warning” is supposed to go into effect.

As I type this the morning news is on. I am hearing about other parts of the country struggling with 4” of snow. Here in Iowa we must be tougher. We have crawlers in the morning and a blizzard in the afternoon and life goes on.

Mixed Emotions

During my outdoor photography explorations today I came upon a situation that I have mixed emotions about. What I found was not appropriate or legal, but may have been better than other options. Allow me to explain.

That Dreadful Gray Sky Again!!!

While I appreciate our warm weather and disappearing snow, the fog that accompanies these conditions certainly does not positively impact…

A Christmas “Life” Bird!

Merry Christmas!!

While driving in fog for a Christmas visit I spotted and photographed this bird. I will admit that most of the morning I was thinking this was a female or immature American kestrel.

Yet, the bird did not look right - there were no dark vertical bars near the eyes. It was time to use my bird ID app that, after several attempts without changing, indicated I had photographed a…

All is Calm

As a very holy day approaches, all is calm at our little spot on the dirt ball. Some bare earth is showing, but I think we still qualify as having a “White Christmas.” Hopefully my family members on the west coast experience no impact from the weather bearing down on them. May the holidays be bright and cheery for all!

Significance of Color

Included in my list of life experiences where I learned something is a collection of times I have dropped through ice while ice fishing. Years ago I had a run of incidents where every other year I went down due to believing the “first ice” or “last ice” made for the best ice fishing conditions.

In a spirit of transparency I will admit that I was a slow learner. The last time I lost the “will the ice support me challenge” proved to be a bit hairy for getting out. Since then I have been cautious, perhaps extra careful. I now need more ice than the “Ice Safety” charts show before I go out. And when I see the ice changing colors I become immediately concerned that…

Do You Know Anyone Else?

There is no doubt that I have been blessed to have so many interesting wildlife interactions occur while carrying my camera equipment. More often than not, what I see and record tends to be common - birds at feeders, birds taking flight, those sorts of images most might capture.

In the process of observing and photographing wildlife I sometimes see things most people will never observe. And, I sometimes record images most would not consider - such as critter bodily function activities.

Such was the case when Kristy and I were watching this…