Abundant Hoar Frost

Unbeknownst to me, Dutton’s Cave and Echo Valley State Park are both closed to vehicles during the winter. I learned that the hard way this morning. Yes, I could have hiked into the streams, but with the air temps in nearly double digits below zero, I opted not to push my luck.

Instead of going home I drove over to the…

A Brisk, But Pleasant Hike

There are some days when you wake up and you just know you need to go for a hike. Today was one of those days for me. I did let the sun…

Little Details

During the mass exodus of about half of the trumpeter swans at Sweet Marsh this afternoon I noticed little details on a few of the birds. Some of the swans were flying with their feet forward rather than tucked behind them. A couple of the birds had kinks in their necks. Neither anatomical variance seemed to be affecting the birds.

Boring, So Let’s Get Artistic

Early this morning I drilled into hard water (ice) and fished for a while, but eventually got cold and bored and headed home. While in my hut I shot a photo, but it was so similar to previous ice fishing pics that I thought I had to do something different.

Recently a friend of mine has impressed me repeatedly with her artistic images that create curiosity…

Ladage Land Claim

According to this “news” story (https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/senator-proposes-bill-to-let-iowa-buy-9-minnesota-counties-could-still-buy-gopher-gear/ar-AA1xgU8Z), an Iowa lawmaker has proposed the State of Iowa purchase nine southern counties from the State of Minnesota. Also in the article the lawmaker refers to Iowa’s budget surplus versus Minnesota’s budget deficit. I would like to weigh in on this idea.

• IF Iowa is going to buy counties from Minnesota, perhaps we should also include Cook, Lake, and St. Louis Counties in far Northern Minnesota. This part of the purchase would then include the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area (under Federal management).

Geometry… What Are These - Never to be Seen Again

During my outdoor time today I spent many minutes watching the bridge construction work in Waverly. The process of putting this bridge up fascinates me. Bridge construction is so involved with details I would not even consider.

As I observed I recorded some video and shot a few still pictures, but nothing that might interest the masses. As I was putting my gear away I noticed “things” that…

Restricted Air Space - Mixed Thoughts on a Substantial Change

From back when I was flying drones for my job to current times when I fly my personal drone for photography efforts, one flight issue to deal with has been geofencing. Geofencing is a software process that limits drone operations in areas determined to be restricted air space or “off limits” for drone use. (Think of an electronic fence/polygon surrounding specific areas.) Such locales are controlled airspace at airports (usually where air traffic control operators are working), jails/prisons, and the White House to name a few. Most locations may allow flights - with coordination - in all but the most secure locations, with justification.

From a personal level… I have wanted to fly my drone several times at George Wyth State Park located not too far from the Waterloo Airport. Depending on where in the park I have wanted to fly, I was able to secure an LAANC…

Following My Thoughts

Try as I might, I cannot sit still for long. My mind is always on the go and soon my entire being is following my thoughts.

Today I spent several hours ice fishing. Conditions in my hut were balmy - I had my jackets unzipped, gloves and cap off, and was comfortable. As I waited for fish to bite I played with my electronic gadgets that are supposed to help put fish on the ice. That didn’t happen very well, which was OK. At the same time I was thinking about my bigger passion - outdoor photography.

The drive to be out hiking and shooting was powerful and not to be ignored. Soon I had…

Not Skunked

There comes a time each winter when my “hunter/gatherer” skills are put to the test. Can I catch fish through the ice? Will I go all winter without a fish on the ice?

Well, today I proved that I…

Dead Bald Eagle at Sweet Marsh - Avian Influenza?

Recently I have been sharing still images and videos of dead and dying waterfowl - Canada geese, ducks, and trumpeter swans - at Sweet Marsh near Tripoli, Iowa. A concern has been will we see raptors and other wildlife that has been feeding on the waterfowl also succumbing?

Today this dead adult bald eagle at Sweet Marsh was documented. Did the eagle die from avian influenza, lead poisoning, age, or something else. We will not know. It is a sad day when you find a dead bald eagle.

Reminder - If you see dead or dying birds or birds behaving abnormally, do not touch them.

Happiness is a Large Gut Pile

Way back when, a long time ago, when I was still deer hunting (bow and shotgun), I used to have a saying that I sometimes saw others using… “Happiness is a Large Gut Pile.” I thought of that today when I found the remains of a…

So Similar, But A Significant Difference

During my frequent outdoor exploration efforts I am always on the lookout for something interesting to study and probably photograph. Many, many times I have found owl pellets below roosts - things I consider interesting.

Owl pellets are the…

@ Things I Wonder

During my nature therapy today I hiked along a section of the Wapsipinicon River that I have not visited for decades. Part of my trek include a large sandbar surrounded on three sides by frozen river. Littered across the sandbar were many clam shells.

I have studied our outdoor world for many years, but have not dedicated much to learning about the clams/mussels inhabiting our rivers. My belief is the presence of clams generally is indicative of healthy water. But, the presence of zebra mussels would be a bad thing. (No zebra mussels have been documented locally).

As of now I do not know the species of mussels that were on this sandbar. I also do not know, but have wondered, how the shells end up on the sandbars. Do the mussels move around and then become stranded? Might animals that feed on mussels bring them to the shore for lunch? Is there another explanation? I do not know….

Outdoor Sensations in Winter

Winter aired smelled clean and refreshing as I hiked without intent in the timber.

Miles away and tens of thousands of feet overhead a lone plane crossed the sky with the faint sounds of the aircraft breaking the silence. Meanwhile an adult bald eagle sat still on a branch overhanging the river. That eagle was silent, but its eyes were focused on me.

Magic in the Sky… Fungi Knob

As I watched trumpeter swans at Sweet Marsh today - many of them - I noticed tell-tale body language communication that told me the swans were planning to take flight. When they would lift off and where they would go was not shared via head-bobbing, so I took a chance. I quickly moved my truck a mile and a half or so down a different road in hopes the beautiful white birds would fly over or near me.

Over the next many minutes groups of trumpeter swans did just that. Small groups and larger groups flew close enough for nice photos. The gray/white sky was not helpful for the images, but so what. After seeing a number of swans dead on the ice, I will enjoy them against a sky of any color!

During my walk in the woods I found this robust bracket fungi popped out of a log on the ground. It reminded me of a shifter knob from my 70 ½ Camaro ( wrong color). Oh how I wish I still had that car.

Looking Good

Every now and then the birds work with me to provide a good, close look without leaves and branches obscuring the view. This morning was one of those times and I was ready to go with my Nikon prepared for exposure and focus.

The eagle watched me as I moved along…

How Little I Know

You will hear no hesitations from me to admit that what I know about the outdoors pales compared to what there is to know. For example, today, during a walk in the woods, the bright colors of this fungi…

Just Talking About It

Today was not a day of wandering around outdoors, but discussing the outdoors indoors with like-minded individuals.

Crawdaddy Outdoors hosted Paddlefest 2025 at…

Sweet Marsh Outbreak Update

Late this morning I checked on the outbreak at Sweet Marsh. Following are a few thoughts…

Concerning Observations:

With the cold snap we are in, there is considerably less open water for…

First Hike of 2025

Between meetings 3 and 4 today I made time to take a walk in the woods. For this hike I left my “big” cameras home and carried only a small camera so I could…