Waking the World and Roadside Pretty

Before work this morning I checked out my favorite warbler hotspot. Interestingly, I saw no warblers of any variety. I did watch this non-breeding male as he called to the world to wake up. His song was prettier than his feathers. But, appearances change and soon this boy will be a vivid blue for all of the lady indigo buntings to enjoy.

For those who enjoy wildflowers, I just had to stop when I saw…

Similar, But Quite Different

Iowa’s woodlands and roadsides host wildflowers that are similar, yet very different.

In and along the woodlands we are seeing wild blue phlox (aka Wild Sweet William and other names). Along disturbed areas we are now seeing large, beautiful displays of Dame’s Rocket - an invasive species from Europe.

While their colors can be similar, a study of the…

OK - I Got The Message

As I drove home from a pleasant evening of paddling my canoe on the Wapsipinicon River (enjoying the company of a warbling vireo), I saw a motorcyclist on the highway. As happens about this time each year - when the temperatures are pleasant and you can ride with the wind - I began to reminisce about riding a motorcycle.

I sold mine a number of years ago and Kristy replaced it with a Jeep. Yes, we sometimes take the top and doors off the Jeep and go for rides, but it is not quite the same. I was thinking about it… maybe I should buy another motorcycle… wouldn’t it be fun again to ride on two wheels. Then my pager tones went off - motorcycle vs deer with multiple injuries.

Folks - what we saw and did at that scene…

90/10

My fishing/outdoor photography buddy (RIP Arley) told me many times that 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water. He explained how that worked at Sweet Marsh. Further research confirmed that premise at other bodies of water. I have a strong hunch the same applies to birds and other non-fish wildlife.

Early this morning I was out with my Nikon watching for woodland birds. My observation locations (notice plural) were near where I had seen many warblers and other small birds on Thursday and last night. Even though I was close - within a few hundred yards - I saw….

Little Birds and Flower Pics From Two Days

Today I am going to share a sampling of images from the past couple of days. Most of the pictures feature little birds - many being warblers. I will also add a couple of flower pictures too.

Species identifications are in the captions.

Now That Was Impressive

Imagine seeing a brown bird sitting stationary on a fence post. When you should have grabbed your camera, the bird flies off the post. The bird leaves its perch and approaches in your direction, stops on the ground, grabs a gray grub from the grass, and eats the meal.

After watching this, I have questions. Did the bird know….

Please Don’t and Many Observations

Many hours today were invested in flora and fauna studies with my Nikon. Most of the time was positive, but not all of it.

In one small area of the county we have several rather uncommon plant species doing their best to survive. Apparently someone determined they needed to transplant some of the few wild plants. The tell-tale signs of the digging and removal were obvious. That is unfortunate since many times wildflowers do not transplant well. Hopefully the person (or persons) will choose to enjoy the plants where they are and take pictures. Please, leave the plants for all to enjoy. Thank you!

On a positive note, today I enjoyed many wildlife…

That Didn’t Last Long

A month or so ago I noticed we had our large oak (swinging) tree excavated over the winter. Several sizable holes were pecked or chewed into upper branches of the tree. Based on the visuals, it was obvious the tree would have to come down, but I was hoping to wait until my dock was pulled out later this fall. Then I could drop the tree with no fear of damaging anything.

Fast-forward to Saturday night/Sunday morning when we had wind and…

A Very Special Mother’s Day

On this Mother’s Day 2023 my mother enjoyed a very special gift - a culinary treat - compliments of Mother Nature (for habitat and appropriate weather conditions) and me (for finding and harvesting).

Before the day of rain and drizzle began I was out looking for birds, blossoms, and any fungi I might find. And oh did I find fungi! About twenty-five yards off a trail I was hiking the buttery yellow color of golden oysters caught my attention. After assuring there were no other hikers nearby, I went to claim the harvest - after shooting photos of the pretty fungi. Much of the old log was covered with golden oysters of various ages. I had my pick of the most fresh, most tender, most flavorful of the many clumps. Oh were they good! Our family enjoyed them before our lunch and my Mom cooked some up for supper tonight We even have several meals in cold storage for later. For those wondering, I did….

Overdue Appreciation

Early this morning, as I was taking in an exceptional audio and visual festival of warblers, it dawned on me that I have never expressed my appreciation to the conservation-minded landowners who have protected so much of the Wapsipinicon River corridor that I enjoy paddling along and observing wildlife in.

Tom and Diana - You are….

Nothing Special, but Pretty

After a morning of classes followed by hours of driving, I spent some time this evening at the cabin watching birds and looking at flowers. Even though the photos shared here are cultivated, they are still pretty and worth enjoying.

Several Views of a Target Species

Before and after work today I invested time into photographing a bobolink - a member of the blackbird family. After several hours of work I can say that I was successful.

For tonight’s post I am going to….

Only Person in America

There is no doubt that I take my wildlife observation/photography passion very seriously. Each day I make time for at least a few minutes in the outdoors. Most of the time those moments are uneventful - or at least I am not seeing or photographing anything unusual.

Today though, I do believe I may have been the only person in America who not only….

Seen Today

After teaching a backpacking station for the “who knows how many” fifth grade field days (several hundred kids each), I traveled some today. During my wanderings I saw and photographed a few scenes some might find interesting.

Since My Last Post

Since yesterday’s post I did not see anything unusual in flora and fauna realm. For the first time this year I did find and photograph blue-gray gnatcatchers. Along with the gnatcatcher I again saw a green heron, but not in an ideal position for photography.

Photographed in the Fog

Yesterday my grandson and I paddled my canoe and looked for wildlife. One species we found was the sandhill crane. As we watched the crane from our canoe, I noticed one of the pair did not move too far away, giving me the idea that maybe there was a nest nearby. I thought about that sighting and wondered….

This morning, during several hours of intense fog, I paddled out to try to find the nest - assuming my thoughts from last night were correct. Conditions were perfect for the search - the vegetation was quiet as were the geese due to their limited vision. I was moving around unseen until I was very close.

After paddling to the general area where we saw the adult birds yesterday, I again watched them watching me, like yesteday - leading me to believe I was near a nest. By standing up in my canoe I was able to find not only the nest, but two sandhill crane hatchlings! I shot a few pictures and moved away, satisfied knowing we had at least one successful nesting this year.

I did photograph other subjects of interest, including…

This Kid

Since last night this young fellow has joined me on a couple of outdoor/nature photography endeavors.

As the sun was setting yesterday we paddled on the Wapsipinicon River in Frederika. He had paddled solo once last year with me, but not too far. Yesterday we ventured considerably farther - him in a kayak and me in a solo canoe.

At first his paddling skills appeared rusty, which was to be expected since it was months since his first and last solo effort. Then, he mastered it - paddling straight, steering right or left, and moving around obstacles. His paddling skills were demonstrated as he and I snuck up on this green heron posing for pictures.

Shore Birds and a Little More

When I ventured out on the water this morning in my canoe I was hoping to find and photograph soras or Virginia rails. That did not happen. But, I did find and photograph an assortment of shorebirds, with one species being a shorebird I had not seen or photographed since 2006. In fact, I did not even recognize I was in the presence of semipalmated plovers (x3).

Rapid Changes

With each passing day the floral displays in our local woodlands are changing. Soon the lower height plants will be dwarfed by taller plants. Many of the taller plants tend to be less showy, in a way settling the visual excitement in local timbers.

During a walk today I found many of the earlier wildflower species in bloom and I found….

Join Me If You Wish

Join me if you wish for a visual recap of my wildflower and wildlife observations for the day. Included photos feature the uncommon miterwort plant.

Miterworts are unassuming, uncommon wildflowers that do not grow just anywhere. In Bremer County I have found them in one location. The same applies to my miterwort searches in Fayette County - found in just one location, so far. Miterwort blossoms are very intricate, but so tiny - measuring…