Fungi Bonanza and That Was Close!

As I contemplated tonight’s post I bounced a couple of ideas back and forth. Should I share just a few fungi photos so I don’t overload the page or might people be interested in the variety of fungi I found today. I have decided to…

Gratitude

My thanks and appreciation to the Fayette County Conservation Board for their quick work to “recover” Echo Valley State Park after last week’s flooding. I was not expecting it to look as…

Enjoying the Sun!

After many days of wetness, today we enjoyed cool temperatures and a very welcome sun. Knowing I had a few hours to “play” before I needed to get the lawn mowed, I headed out to explore. This was one very inviting view I welcomed.

No Sky When The Sky Is Leaking

Once again we are “enjoying” a gray sky day with on and off drizzle/rain. It would have been easy to stay inside until we have a nicer day. Instead, I…

A Time of Transition

Like it or not, ready or not, summer has given way to autumn. Temperatures have dropped, rain is frequent, and our options for flora and fauna observations have become…

So Much To See, All Close To Home

Without even starting an engine today I was able to experience a small-scale wildlife safari within walking distance of our backdoor. Many observations came from our prairie. Some were…

I Won’t Be Going Trout Fishing

After the past few days of excessive rain I had multiple people send me notice that Echo Valley State Park was closed due to flooding. My exploration of the park….

From Two Birds to a Butterfly

Until late this afternoon my photos and essay for today were going to be based on sightings of a great blue heron and double-crested cormorant - both in the rain. Then this afternoon happened.

I had about 15-minutes to wander the edge of…

In Need of My Fly Rod

While bass fishing today I saw and heard repeated gulps and splashes on the water surface around me. At first I wasn’t certain the cause of the commotion. Then I noticed tiny flying ants, many in the mating process, on the surface of the water. If the ants remained still and did not create rings on the water, they were generally safe. However, if the ants moved and created rings, bluegills would quickly swim to the ants on the surface and suck them down.

I tried to photograph the ant-eating action, but only got one image. Take a look at the tiny ants, then study the image of the bluegill with its mouth open as it consumes the ant. With a little squinting you can see the outline of the bluegill too.

Had I had my fly rod with me, I bet I could have brought home a meal of bluegills!

Drifting with the Breeze, Floating with the Current

Some days a very quiet float is extra productive. This morning’s efforts were an example. As soon as I pushed away from my dock I saw…

Continuing to Learn

Every day a person should try to learn something. Continuing to learn expands horizons and could just open up opportunities at another time.

For a while now I have wanted to learn to focus…

All Bremer County Images

Knowing wet and windy weather was coming our way, I got out early this morning in search of interesting flora and fungi here in Bremer County. My hopes were to find…

Things I Found Today

As an outdoor photographer I am always looking for something different, something that might not belong in a scene - maybe a horizontal line (deer’s…

Quiet Paddling

When I was slept out early this morning I opted to get out on the water to enjoy some very quiet paddling with my camera equipment at the ready. The effort was worthwhile as I moved almost silently on the water as the sun was rising. The only noises I heard, besides….

Kauten Fen Walk 2026

This morning a group of outdoor explorers enjoyed a pleasant day exploring the rare beauty found in the Kauten Fen. John Pearson (State Ecologist with the Iowa DNR) provided insight on the unusual ecological site and the vegetation found in the wet environment. Rebecca Kauten shared the family history of the fen and how it came to be preserved. Heather Gamm (Fayette County Conservation) and her staff joined us and helped to coordinate the event. (Fayette County Conservation are the “boots on the ground” team to manage the Kauten Fen.)

This is a one-day, annual event and today was believed to be the…

I Wish I Could Ask Bob

Quite some time ago I was a member of a four-men Bible study group. We met regularly for 12 or 15 or more years (I don’t remember). Our time together ended around COVID and when one of our members (Bob) passed away. Bob was a great guy who, as the years went on, became a good friend. Bob introduced me to…

Moving Macros

Late this afternoon I enjoyed a macro insect safari along the edge of our prairie. I was shocked by the numbers and varieties of insects visiting the late summer blossoms. I had plenty to photograph with my macro equipment.

As you view the images, I encourage you to slow down and really look at the detail in these insects. Some have….

Here’s Your Sign…

When we woke this morning to a dark, ominous sky that soon opened up with rain and wind, followed by intermittent rain with wind, I knew it…

Too Late For One, Maybe on the Other

Making their way across the road in the thriving metropolis of Frederika were two snapping turtle hatchlings. One had already lost the road challenge to a vehicle, but one had not. It was time for a rescue!

Progressively Closer Details

My schedule was full today so outdoor photography time was limited. Before my busyness began I noticed a Jerusalem artichoke very wet with dew - at least from a wider view. As I moved closer I found more details in the blossoms to photograph.