Two Versions of Reality

I know this guy who has an interesting imagination. Without consciously thinking about it, the visions in his head magically enlarge the fish that he catches.

As long as I have known him I have heard reports of these big fish he catches, all while he tosses jabs my way when I don’t catch any fish or just little fish. Tonight I was able to fish with this legend (in his own mind) to see his work. This is what I documented.

Pretty Bird in a Pretty Setting

So often in my decades of shooting pictures of wildlife, when I photograph American kestrels, they are on a power line, in or on a nest box, or close to something manmade. While the images are accurate representations of the birds, the pictures tend to not be too attractive. As much as I can I prefer to photograph wild birds (or other wild species) in natural settings with no indications of human involvement.

This morning I noticed a young kestrel poking its head out of a nest box attached to a utility pole. As I backed my Jeep to photograph the owl in the nest box, movement by…

Obstacle Course Mowing

This year, even more than the last few, we are going to be practicing “obstacle mowing” in our yard. Milkweed plants will be what we avoid, even if avoidance means we will not have straight lines. Our goal is to do what we can for the monarch butterflies… the few we see… as the population attempts to survive.

This year I have watched a few, but not many. Granted, it is early in the year so the low numbers may be expected. Still, I would like to see more.

This tired-looking male monarch butterfly was…

Images From the Weekend

Kristy, Layla, and I enjoyed a weekend of camping with Scott and Doris over the past few days. Our big effort was to paddle the Turkey River from Motor Mill to Garber (in Clayton County). River levels were in the 1100 range making for easy paddling. We “woo hooed” through a couple of larger riffles…

Great Guys and Gals

Early this morning I received a call from the sister of a fellow who had been walking in Janesville. Maury spotted an owl hanging by fishing line suspended from a tree branch over the Cedar River. Maury’s sister called me to ask if I might be able to help free the owl. Of course I agreed, without realizing how challenging the owl’s predicament was.

Once in Janesville the situation for the owl became clear. Without some sort of intervention at a quick pace, this owl was doomed to suffer a long, slow death.

An Avian Morning and Catching Up

Very early this morning I explored the Wapsipinicon River corridor by canoe. To say the birds were noisy and active would be an understatement. Four species that really put on a show were green herons, turkey vultures, prothonotary warblers, and an unidentified species that harassed just about any bird that entered an unclear area protected by the unnamed bird.

Turning No Rain Into Something Pretty

Over the past few years my wife and I have planted many dozen trees and the same or more number of plants. Since we do not seem to receive timely, measured rain on a regular basis anymore, I have to water our investments frequently. Watering takes hours to keep these plants healthy.

When the clock hit 0500 this morning I…

Barrier

As I was driving to a meeting today I noticed a whitetail doe exhibiting odd behavior. She just stood not too far out in a field without moving. Thinking maybe there was something ailing her, I paused and watched. As I did, I heard an unusual noise that did not seem to be originating from a bird. Soon after this young fawn came into view and the situation became clear. Momma Doe jumped the fence and fawn was not able. Would this little one get past the barrier?

Due to time and traffic approaching…

Lessons Learned

Hopefully your Memorial Day was a worthwhile and you had time to remember what the intent of this holiday is.

I spent some time testing a piece of equipment for work - a forward, down, and side sonar - something to be used for missing person searches on rivers, ponds, and lakes. (Hopefully I never have to put this device to actual use.) No, I did not go fishing…never wet a line!

My test location was Big Woods Lake near Cedar Falls. I knew there is underwater structure in places on Big Woods, so what better way to learn the equipment. After making adjustments and even watching an instructional YouTube video while on the water, I believe the sonar is ready to go. Oh, I should mention that I used my fishing boat on the water since the sonar is quite heavy.

While on the water I quickly recognized that other than one boat with a couple in it and another older boat, we three were the only boats on the water. Many kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes were on the water - far outnumbering those of us in boats. With so many on the water, one chokepoint (under the bridge) became evident. The fishing boat was sideways under the bridge and there was a family fishing from shore leaving a very small area for those of us wanting to pass under the bridge. Eventually we made it through, including a couple families of Canada geese.

The time on the water was worthwhile, even though it was not quite as relaxing as just paddling might have been.

So what lessons were learned?

• I learned how to read the display on the sonar. I needed to get that done.

• I watched as many people with varying interests can enjoy the same area - each in their own way.

• Finally, I learned (or was reminded) that I much prefer to paddle over taking a boat out. Yes my boat allows more room and can go further with little effort, but the hassle of a boat and motor and trailer just do not outweigh the “quiet” of paddling my solo canoe.

It was a good day!

So Many Options…

Join me if you wish on a virtual canoe paddling trip from today. As I circled an area lake watching for wildflowers and wildlife, I realized that with the wildflowers I had plenty of options and would have to decide my favorite to share. As for the wildlife - I shot photos when…

Iowa Boundary Waters (When You Do Not Have Time For Minnesota BWCA)

It has been much too long since I last paddled in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota. Even with so much time between me and the BWCA, I can hear the mournful cry of loons, see the pitcher plants in the shallow wetlands, and smell a campfire warming up for a meal of fresh fish. My imagination takes me north very quickly and with great detail.

Since this weekend is not long enough for me to drive to the real Boundary Waters, I made due with my Iowa-style Boundary Waters - I paddled on the river just south of…

Watching For Details, Finding Surprises

I am often asked, especially at nature/wildlife photography programs, how I find the birds and animals I photograph. My answer…

Nice Bird… Less Than Ideal Image

As I watched the Wapsipinicon River flow past our cabin this evening, the fluid song of a warbling vireo was very near and easy to hear. I moved closer to the sound and the river and eventually found the vireo flitting through branches hanging over the river. The picture I was able to make was not too good, but the memories are.

This has been an unusual year. Prior to the spring of 2023 I had not seen a warbling vireo. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure what they were. Now I recognize their call and have a good idea where to see them, and that happens frequently!

What a Morning, What an Evening!

Today was certainly a fun day. This Wednesday began with a woodland hike where I enjoyed wildflowers, watched birds, and completed plenty of steps (miles).

Then I went to work and got some tasks done.

My evening was very different than normal. Four of us guys got together for a hike in another woods, checked out some really interesting cabins (man-caves), and then shot targets with handguns and a couple of rifles. We ended the time with maidrites, golden oyster mushrooms, rhubarb cake and ice cream. Seems like something we could do often, don’t you think!

Thanks Dan, Bonnie, Steve, and Darrell!

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….