Ghost Plant (aka Indian Pipe) and More

It is the time of year when a very unusual flower is visible in limited locations. Indian pipe or Ghost Plant or several other names is now blooming where conditions are suitable.

What makes Indian pipe unique is the plant lacks chlorophyl. As a result, Indian pipe is white. Since the plant cannot convert sunlight to energy, Indian pipe...

A Minute or So of Caution then an Explosive Reaction

Much of today was spent traveling with most of those miles on interstate highways. When I could I drove a couple of miles on a quiet blacktop road where I hoped to see wildlife, probably birds. Instead of seeing birds, I saw...

City Bird - Tourist Attraction

A few years ago I suggested that the City of Frederika might want to adopt the turkey vulture as their "City Bird." After what I observed today along the Wapsipinicon River, the community want to consider that nomination again. There were many turkey vultures in the trees along Indian Pond catching the early morning sun rays. I photographed some of them, but missed just as many.

I also recorded a few...

How Do We Decide?

I had the honor of hosting two of our grandkids today. We spent some time at home, but then for the highlight of the day we used our hours on the Wapsipinicon River. We explored sandbars, waded the river, collected clam shells, saved a couple of clams, and fished. All was well until one...

Sweet Marsh Update - We Have Water!

The news so many have waited for is now - water is being added to Marten's Lake (Segment B) at Sweet Marsh.

To show the progress I have put together a video showing the progress. View the video and still photos at this link:

Sweet Marsh Update - We Have Water! video link

While recording the clips for the video I did stop to enjoy a few wildflowers.

Where Were We?

Let's see who can recognize our location for the day. I could have made this easier by sharing standard images with viewers. Instead I have been creative. Do you know where we were?

No I Didn't

As much as I wanted to, I did not float this canoe on the Wapsipinicon River tonight. I know I have weeks, if not months, before I can paddle again, so I am remaining compliant with my recovery instructions. I will admit that the temptation was powerful, but I also know what is at risk and why I have restrictions. So, the canoe stayed dry and I protected my repair work for another day.

For those wanting other types of images, how about these two? I have for you a cutleaf coneflower and a large freshwater bryozoan.

A Work Day

Today was more of a "work" day than a nature photography day. Other than photographing some wildflowers, I did not shoot much in the "nature" realm of imaging.

Multipart Post

Due to an opportunity requiring fast action, I was not able to post yesterday. I had the images ready, but no time to add to this page. I will share for yesterday and today now.

On a regular basis I am seeing a tiny tree frog near our home. I decided to feature the frog in two ways - threatening and compassionately. For the threatening view I used harsh light and no color to eliminate any caring emotions.

Steering the Eye - Shapes and Bright Colors

As I study photos and compositions, I have learned that interesting shapes and textures or bright colors tend to steer the eye around the frame of an image.

How did you react when..

Recording Light and Shadows and People

Since my last post I have enjoyed several outings with grandkids where we were busy doing things and I was recording our moments. Since there is no “order” to the images, I will just share them and let you take a look at them.

Cousin Fun (With Grandma and Gramps)

Four of five of our grandkids spent a few precious moments this afternoon just sitting along the banks of the Wapsipinicon River. This happened after we caught a bunch of bullheads for a fish fry tonight.

For Kristy and me the bullhead feed took us back to…

Action Pics

With all of the grandkids gathered at our house, the activities were non-stop. One of their pleasures was to run the four-wheeler around the yard. Since the kids were having so much fun I asked them to carry my GoPro to record the excitement.

He Ran Out of Steam

My grandson had the option of going to the State Fair today or hanging with Gramps. Well, he chose to stay with me so we kept busy.

First we went to Decorah where we met friends and reps from a public safety organization considering a…

A Day at The Park

… They are HOOKED

Today I don’t need to type too many words. The pictures show the happiness these two experienced with their Gramps.

One Walk, Several Topics

Fortunately the drizzle our day began with fizzled out to a day of sun breaking through a cloudy sky - with wind. The combination made for pleasant hiking at Sweet Marsh. While there I shot some video and some photos.

If my identification skills and a birding app are correct, the following birds were stilt sandpipers. If this is correct, these would be “Life” birds for me - a species I have not seen before. If you know something different, please let me know. Otherwise I am going to consider myself very lucky, even though I did not recognize it at the time.

As I walked the dikes there were near continual sandhill crane flights. This picture shows what appeared to be “Sky Walking” cranes in the process of landing.

For the record, I did find some golden oysters on a tree. I did not harvest these.

Finally, there was good news to be seen. The Iowa DNR is in the process of pumping water out of the newly-dug channels. After the water is low enough it will be treated to eliminate rough fish. Then Marten’s Lake will begin the refill process and fish stocking will happen. In the not too distant future Marten’s Lake will again be a recreation hotspot for our area!

View a short video of the project status as of today by clicking on this link:

Marten’s Lake Update (8-6-24)

Images From a Long Lens Macro Safari

My morning walk today provided a good opportunity to complete a self-assignment - shooting all pictures with a long lens (some with a close-up filter). This technique often provides for blurred backgrounds that help to emphasize blossoms or insects.

Since I was able to shoot many images, I

Morning Has Broken

Like countless mornings before, today was heralded in with a beautiful sunrise lighting wildflowers and grasses around our little spot on the dirt ball. I enjoy a real treat when all I need to do is walk the yard to see something pretty and worthy of a photo. Following are some from today….

So Nice I Will Enjoy Again

This morning’s sunrise was fine! Calm winds, cool temperatures, and dew drops galore!

Somber to Happy

Sometimes situations develop where I have a strong hunch, but I am unable to prove my theory. With enough comments from others I begin to doubt myself and eventually almost adopt the other beliefs. Such was the case with a family member’s health concerns.

Today we learned that my original hunch was indeed accurate and with that information, several very serious (life changing questions) were answered. After hearing the news, my mind went from doubting and discouraged to thrilled, relieved, and artsy.

Today’s photos illustrate some of my observations from the great healing place to the north. Artsy was my mood when editing. I really like the mood change. Thank you God!