Your Eyes are Not Foggy

This morning’s cold temperatures were so cold that heavy river steam was making sharply focused images of swans on the river impossible. None of my river steam images appear sharp due to the steam, but I had focused the camera. (By the way, I waited until it warmed to -14F before going outside.)

The swans that I found were concentrated in a stretch of river with open water. Several of the birds on the water were bathing and aligning feathers. As I watched them I thought how nice a down/feather suit would be when temperatures are this cold - especially if the swans were thoroughly enjoying themselves splashing around.

Getting Air

During my observations today I photographed three wildlife species that “get air.” Two of the three are birds, so the claim is assumed. The other, a whitetail buck, made getting air look easy.

I spotted this guy with a doe in a grassy area not far from a timber. When I stopped to watch,,,

Uncharted Territory

It is not often, as in almost never, that I find a little traveled route to explore within minutes of our home. Such was the case today as I moved around the area checking out the landscape.

After taking this picture I did drive down the road. As the sign suggests, maintenance has been minimal. Still, I found the area interesting enough that I will go back when weather conditions are better.

Eyes on the Ice

A nature watching friend of me reached out today about this lone trumpeter swan sitting on the ice on the Cedar River in Waverly. That the bird is alone and on the ice may or may not mean anything. Swans are unpredictable that way. Yes, often they are in their family units or more, but maybe this bird is a loner.

As I watched it the swan lifted its head to look around and then went back to a resting posture. Only time will tell if the bird is healthy.

For the record, if the bird is in trouble, help may not be available. The area where it is located was open water last week. A bigger challenge would be if the swan is ill. With avian influenza in the Midwest, suspect birds are not captured and taken to rehabbers to prevent killing all birds at the facility.

Let’s hope this was just a lazy day for this solo bird and tomorrow it will be gone.

So True

I shot one photo today and this is it - a graphic on glass at a hospital. When I read it I wanted to laugh out loud since I so believe it. My visit to the ED was due to an injury and not life-threatening, but certainly because of what I was doing.

We can apply the saying in a positive way too. How about we all try to make a difference, in a good way.

Provided For Again

During my outdoor photography presentation at Camp EWALU last week I was asked what my “Picture of the Day” was going to be. My reply was that I hadn’t taken a picture yet, but knew that the Good Lord would provide before the end of the day. After all, I am almost into my 25th year of a “Picture a Day” and have not…

Introducing “America”

This morning I received a message about a downed bald eagle and wondering if there was anything that might be done for the bird. Based on the description provided, the assumption was the eagle was injured and not a victim of avian influenza. I quickly made contact with a wildlife rehabber, organized capture equipment, and traveled to the location of the downed bird.

George and Naomi and Other Raptors

When we moved from our home in town out into the country, we gave up my very active backyard bird habitat. Over the decades I counted many dozen bird species visiting our cover, small pond and stream, and many feeders. Now that we live in the country we gave up that habitat for open fields with a few trees scattered around farm homes. While I really miss my many town birds, we are treated to near daily visits by bald eagles. In fact, we have nicknamed them Naomi and George - names given to my in-laws over the years. We consider the visits from the eagles to be Al and Marlene checking on us. We miss them both so much. Today George and Naomi stopped by together - something that does not happen often.

Here It Is… A Post of Gratitude

For much of the afternoon I enjoyed myself sharing a nature photography presentation at Camp EWALU, near Strawberry Point. Wow… what a pleasant couple/few hours. I saw many friends, made new friends, and thoroughly enjoyed talking photography, wildlife, emotions, and so many things. I want to express my gratitude to the room full of people who made the effort to join me on a brisk January day. Thank you so much!

During the Q and A portion of my program I was asked what my photo of the day for today would be. At that time I had not pressed my shutter release button yet. And, as I mentioned, each day I have been provided a subject of some sort for nearly 24-years.

After the presentation I spent a few minutes walking to the trout stream near Camp Ewalu. On my hike I found a tree full of American tree sparrows. The picture is not much and includes a distracting autumn leaf, but I do not mind. The day went too well to worry about one leaf and I have not seen a tree sparrow in months, so this is fine!

By the way, I also photographed several samples of otter scat. I opted not to include those pics.

Continuing With the Pair Theme That Began Yesterday

Yesterday I shared an image of two adult bald eagles perched on a branch over the Wapsipinicon River. After being out in today’s windy and cold conditions, I did not expect a repeat viewing of bald eagles and I did not get it. However, I was able to photograph a pair of young bald eagles in field - likely feeding on something. Adults were nearby too.

Easy Decision

As I traveled between a class this morning and a meeting this afternoon I noticed many bald eagles in trees and demonstrating their aerial prowess as mating season for birds of prey gets underway. When i could I photographed the birds, but my pictures all looked like previous days’ work.

Later today, as I crossed the Wapsipinicon River, my eyes were drawn to…

Too Early To Get The Garden Ready?
Wow, as nice as it was today on January 12, I am about ready to get the garden ready. I am not sure about our wildlife, especially the birds, but they too appear to be enjoying our warm January.

Today I watched and photographed at least a half-dozen eastern bluebirds. Also seen were many trumpeter swan families, red-tailed hawks, and rough-legged hawks.

If Mother Nature is interested in my opinion, I would be willing to tough out an entire winter like today was. Just a thought!

Goose Gathering

Unlike the winter of 2025 when hundreds of waterfowl - including Canada geese, trumpeter swans, and mallards - along with bald eagles - perished at Sweet Marsh due to avian influenza, so far this year all appears…

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.