Surprises at Big Woods Lake
Early this morning I was paddling my kayak on Big Woods Lake near Cedar Falls. My hopes were that I might see (and hopefully photograph) a “not regularly seen in Iowa” species or two. My chances of success were minimal, but a person never really knows what they are capable of until they try. So, try I did and I achieved success.
Before I even wet my paddle I was fairly certain I would return with images of American white pelicans. Whether they would be interesting or unusual was to be determined, and yes, at least one of the images was a view of pelicans few seldom see.
American White Pelicans:
American White Pelican at Big Woods Lake – Image 432183 (© Kip Ladage)
American White Pelican at Big Woods Lake – Image 432276 (© Kip Ladage)
American White Pelican at Big Woods Lake – Image 432289 (© Kip Ladage)
Perhaps my most unexpected find for the day was the lone common loon I spotted in the center of the lake. Before I even recorded an image of the bird I knew what it was based on its shape. The question for me was whether or not I would be able to record acceptable views of the bird. While none of the pictures were outstanding, I did document the presence of the common loon at Big Woods Lake.
Common Loon at Big Woods Lake:
Common Loon at Big Woods Lake – Image 432378 (© Kip Ladage)
Common Loon at Big Woods Lake – Image 432396 (© Kip Ladage)
Common Loon at Big Woods Lake – Image 432404 (© Kip Ladage)
Common Loon at Big Woods Lake – Image 432454 (© Kip Ladage)
Around the corner (while on the water) I paddled up to 35-45 double crested cormorants. For unknown reasons the double-crested cormorants were very cooperative when it came to making it easy to shoot pictures.
Double-crested Cormorants:
Double-crested Cormorants at Big Woods Lake – Image 432527 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorants at Big Woods Lake – Image 432503 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorant at Big Woods Lake – Image 432530 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorant at Big Woods Lake – Image 432533 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorant at Big Woods Lake – Image 432546 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorant at Big Woods Lake – Image 432555 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorant at Big Woods Lake – Image 432585 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorant at Big Woods Lake – Image 432616 (© Kip Ladage)
Double-crested Cormorants at Big Woods Lake – Image 432649 (© Kip Ladage)
Several very common birds swam near me, so I shot some images of them.
American Coots:
American Coot – Image 432169 (© Kip Ladage)
American Coot – Image 432157 (© Kip Ladage)
I was not looking for painted turtles, but since several of them posed for me, I recorded images of them.
Painted Turtles on Log:
Painted Turtle on Log – Image 432656 (© Kip Ladage)
Painted Turtles on Log – Image 432733 (© Kip Ladage)
Painted Turtles on Log – Image 432757 (© Kip Ladage)
Finally, Kristy found (while walking with me and the grandkids and Nikki) a morel mushroom. This could be the start of something fun and delicious.
Morel Mushroom:
Morel Mushroom – Image 432779 (© Kip Ladage)
