Quiet on the Wapsipinicon River (Except for Birds Calling)

Picture in your mind a pleasant, quiet morning on the Wapsipinicon River. One fellow, paddling a solo canoe carrying camera equipment and ample patience across the water, reaches an isolated area where the habitat is ideal for woodland birds. That photographer stops paddling and soon is accepted in the environment. Within minutes many species of birds soon resume their feeding and flight among the trees along the edge of the water.

Hanging from the trees on single long strands are inchworms of green and brown colors. The inchworms haven’t a clue that as they descend over the water their fate is nearly sealed - either the inchworms drop to the river or, as they descend, one after another is grabbed and eaten by the watchful birds. The drama is interesting with non-stop action. Every now and then the birds pause in decent view and the photographer shoots a picture or two.

Here are some samples.