Rough-legged Hawk - Dark Morph

The search was on for wildlife (probably a bird species) as we drove north. Almost 200-miles later and where did we find something worthy of photography? Just three miles from our home.

This bird was a dark-morph rough-legged hawk. At least one other rough-legged hawk was in the air nearby. Both were hunting over a grassland area.

“Gray Ghost” Bird

During my activities today I was fortunate to see a number of wildlife species. Although none were unusual, each was worth watching and enjoying.

As I wondered what my image for today might be, I was blessed to have three male northern harriers hard at work not far from where I was parked and watching. I am thankful at least a couple/few of the images were worth sharing with others.

FYI - Some birders refer to the male northern harrier (featured here) as the “Gray Ghost.”

Ice Shard and Birds

As I waited this morning for time to tick away for an appointment, I drove down by the Cedar River to do a wildlife census. Canada geese were all that I saw from a distance away. What did catch my eye was this backlit shard of ice popped out of the river, with another streak of sunlight on the ice behind it. Soon the sun rose high enough that this scene was gone, maybe forever.

As for wildlife … At another location on the Cedar River I checked on the swans gathered around the open water. There were plenty with some Canada geese mixed in.

Of special interest were two common mergansers. The birds were across the river, so detail is limited, but it is easy to recognize they are common mergansers. I wish they were here to tell us spring is coming soon. But, I would guess they have been here all winter and I just saw them today.

Artsy With Hesitation of Sharing, Then Wild Things

Before I even went outside this morning I attempted to photograph frost on a window. I am not thrilled with either image. As much as I tried, I was not able to focus closer - even with a closeup filter and three extension tubes. So, this is what I got and I share with you as I learn and figure something out to do better next time. I did use editing software to add color or framing.

Desperation?

Wild animals do wild animal things and I have to remember that.

After watching what appeared to be a young raccoon doing its best to find something to eat in a small area of open water, it was a challenge to not inject human emotion into…

Will He and His Pals Stick Around

Now that this lone drake wood duck, along with a dozen or more mallards, have toughed out this winter so far - including the coldest weather for a long time, the question to ask is will they stick around? I am guessing if the flowing water continues to maintain a…

Day Two of the Cold, Plenty of Hawks

This cold spell has appears to have made for some hungry hawks. I saw many - mostly red-tailed, but a couple of rough-legged hawks too. None of the photo-ops were remarkable, but I gave them a good try.

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…