I Was Looking

Today’s dark, dreary, drab conditions made finding acceptable outdoor photography compositions less than easy. Possible landscape scenes were “blah” at best. I found no wildlife within reach of a long lens to photograph. Really, I was challenged.

Then, as I was looking over the renovation work at Sweet Marsh, I spotted a…

Fear Not Dip-tailed Birds

Long ago a friend of mind explained how, during the creation process, God wrapped his hand around the mid-section of Cedar waxwings and dipped their tails in yellow pigment. Based on the appearance of these pretty little birds, my buddy’s description might be accurate. The handiwork made for beautiful birds.

I have always enjoyed watching Cedar waxwings. The birds used to visit us to devour seeds off our European ash tree. Since we moved I seldom see waxwings, until today.

During a pleasant woodland walk I found…

Somber Mood

Over the years, likely decades now, I have - along with law enforcement officers - presented ALiCE and now Run, Hide, Fight with Stop-the-Bleed to thousands of people. We have discussed these disturbing topics with young students, high school students, college students, businesses, churches, and members of the public. Time after time we state how we hope the information shared is never needed. After all, we live in Iowa. We should be safe, shouldn’t we? Sadly, today’s school shooting in Perry proved why we must never assume “it” cannot happen here.

Nobody of sound mind takes a weapon into a school, or house of worship, or anywhere with the intention of assaulting others before taking their own life. Yet this happens day after day. This morning the shooting was in an Iowa school. Why?

From a personal basis I and other responders are already…

Another Color Please?

Are there any others who are beginning to wonder if there are any other colors in the sky besides gray/white? I know I am anxious to see a blue sky again, especially when I have an adult bald eagle in front.

When that blue sky happens, I will then…

Playing with Emotions

Yes, I know this is just a dead sunflower in dirt. And sure, I know that sunflowers live one season and are done. But, doesn’t the positioning of the sunflower in the dirt almost make the scene look sad, as if something…

New Year’s Day Paddling (Year 32)

Even though sunshine never popped through the clouds, and even with a breeze and temperatures in the upper twenties, there were still 85+ paddlers bringing in 2024 on the water.

Today was the 32nd year my buddy Darrin and I welcomed in a new year by paddling somewhere. For 2024 we dipped our paddles in the cool waters of Brinker Lake at George Wyth State Park. Our unseasonably warm weather meant we had nearly the entire lake without ice - conditions that have not happened too often over the decades.

This was also the final year of Darrin and Janeen bringing the Crawdaddy Outdoors equipment to the outing. As of tomorrow…

Finish the Job

For many minutes today I watched this bird of prey. Everything about the species says sharp-shinned hawk, but the tail is confusing. Even my app suggests this is a sharp-shinned hawk.

Whatever it was, this bird was hunting other birds. As I watched it the bird spotted a starling in brush along the river. In maybe a second or two the hawk was chasing the starling. Both hit the front of my truck and dropped below the front bumper. I waited a minute or more for either of the birds to fly up, but nothing happened, so I got out of the truck. The hawk promptly…

“Best Day Ever!”

To hear a grandson say repeatedly today was his “Best Day Ever!” for his Christmas present was so heartwarming. Seeing the joy on the other faces was just as pleasing. It was one of those days you wish would never end.

This bald eagle was…

Interesting in Some Views

By ordinary daylight my dried sunflowers make the yard look unkempt, or as if we don’t care about our property. For the birds they are a source of meals - so they will stay up longer. For the photographer side of me, under…

Not Much

After a day of important tasks I simply did not have time for much serious photography. I wanted to try an idea with this turkey feather. I’ll be honest, I don’t really like. Back to the lighting drawing board…

Spike + Gang

This afternoon I bumped against the path of three whitetail bucks - each boasting some form of spikes and a little more. This one paused long enough for me to photograph it.

Based on their reaction when I stopped…

Lucky for This!

When it is dark and dreary, so much so there is little difference between night and day, I am lucky to shoot any pictures. Thankfully I spotted this bald eagle on top of a conifer. Otherwise i saw nothing today. Bring on the sun!

Merry Christmas!

Wind and rain, rain and wind… these swans were out enjoying our balmy Christmas conditions (52-degrees!)!

Merry Christmas from Kristy and me!

PS - Today was so warm and so wet that…

Piercing Eyes

No matter how many times I see them up close, the piercing eyes of birds of prey impress me. Whether they are the eyes of a falcon, owl, hawk, or eagle, those eyes grab your attention. I wonder if…

Sweet Water Trail - A Hike in Fog

Early this morning, when the fog was so thick you could cut it and visibility was muted, I went for an enjoyable hike on the Sweet Water Trail.

Beginning in Tripoli, the two-mile long (or so) Sweet Water trail follows a wooded/prairie path east of town to the Wapsipinicon River, the Wapsie Access, and Sweet Marsh.

This hike was different in that I did not carry my longest lens or a tripod. Instead, I went light to enjoy the scenery, shoot video clips, and record an assortment of still images.

I am going to share a sampling of photos below. To view the video with more images click on this link:

Sweet Water Trail - An Introduction

Each of the following pictures was recorded from the trail. Some may have been edited for an artistic effect.

Eagle Flyover

While hiking at Sweet Marsh to check out the renovations at Sweet Marsh, this juvenile bald eagle flew over.

Test Picture and Video

Due to the gray sky day we had today, I invested time testing quality on a couple of different ideas. I won’t bore you with the details, but will share a photo from the test and this video.

Decomposition Paused

Safe or maybe not, I ventured onto the frozen Wapsipinicon River in front of our cabin this afternoon. Before I go any further, allow me to explain that if I would have broken through the ice, I likely would have only experienced wet feet and maybe moisture up to the calves of my legs. The effects of the drought are very apparent, resulting in minimal risk where I was at.

Once on the ice…

What Is This?

My work schedule today did not allow time to go out to shoot photos. Instead I created a mystery still-life of sorts. Do you recognize what this is? Scroll down for the answer.

Ice Art

Today this work of art is growing. If the weather folks are correct, this natural project may disappear by Christmas. Isn’t what nature produces interesting!