Short Distance Migration

Early this morning I was able to watch the short distance migration of six trumpeter swans. Two were on one pond while two other pairs circled low, then...

Today the Process Worked

Lately my photographic efforts have been less on documenting what I see and more on creating images that reflect what I am feeling. More often than not, the process of making something others can view and understand based on an emotion is challenging and requires multiple attempts.

This morning my mood, with my camera in hand, was to create something that - no matter when I see it - reminds me of one of my favorite pastimes - paddling a canoe. I wanted the final image to look good on a computer screen as a background or as a canvas print hanging on a wall. The completed work had to nudge the emotional nerve that instantly puts me in the outdoor mode... to make me remember my time on the water. Or, the image should make others...

Beauty Comparison, Like A Fishing Ratio...

Long ago an angler friend of mine told me 90% of the fish are in 10% of the water. Since first hearing that statement others have said the same and I believe it to be true. The fish aren't wide spread and ready for the catching. No, the vast majority of fish are in specific areas where there is an appropriate mix of habitat, cover, and food.

I thought of that saying as I was exploring a local body of water this morning. On the whole the lake was pretty, but not of the caliber I needed for photography. As I continued to explore the lake for a photo-worthy scene I struck out - as if I was fishing in the ninety percent area where there was not habitat. There were no pictures to be found.

Then I rounded one narrow spot connecting two halves of a pond - a chokepoint of sorts. As I passed from one large area into another, the ten percent was found. (Really, it was more like the one percent was found.) In just a small area measuring maybe ten feet by thirty feet I was seeing steam fog rising from the lake. The scene was one of my favorite - steam rising on a cool morning, a...

No Fear - A Harmless Little Snake

I know there are folks who are not fans of snakes, but little northern redbelly snakes like this one are certainly worthy of a look.

Northern redbelly snakes are non-venomous, very small, and quite docile. As these pictures show, this snake was not threatening in any way.

If you are hesitant around snakes, learning...

The Color Attracted Me, The Detail Kept Me

As I waited for lightning to appear tonight (still waiting), I noticed colorful garden cosmos and sulfur cosmos in full bloom in our CRP. I waded through the long grass to the blossoms where I then documented them. It was when I reviewed them on my computer screen that I realized...

Fen Wildflower Photography - How The Pictures Were Made

Almost on a whim this morning I decided to explore a fen with cameras in hand. Fens are a unique soil type - saturated and sometimes spongey, with more unique qualities for plants. I went looking for a couple of plant species and found them, along with several others. I am going to share a sampling of images here, but encourage you to watch the video to virtually join me on the exploration to see how the photographs were made. There will be more photos in the video.

Click here to view the video:

Fen Wildflower Photography - How The Pictures Were Made

Following Up on an Observation from Saturday

Last Saturday I recorded video and still images of the paddling portion of the Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon. As I was looking at the river and paddlers, I noticed interesting shadows from trees along the shore. But, on Saturday I was there to photograph paddlers and was not able to get artistic at the same time. Today I returned to hopefully capture some semblance of what I saw on Saturday. To make the photograph I needed to be...

Not Seen Everywhere

In an effort to beat the heat on a hike this morning, I left quite early for the...

Looking Around

From early this morning until late this afternoon I was out looking around for flora and fauna in Bremer County. I found several “picture-worthy” scenes that I have documented here. There is...

No Consistency But I Had Fun

Today was one of those days dedicated to photography on two projects that had no direct connection to each other.

Project 1 was to shoot video and still photos of the paddlers in the Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon - 2024. If you wish to view the complete video, click on this link:

Rugged Toad Adventure Triathlon 2024

While waiting for the paddlers to make their way down the Cedar River I had an osprey do a close fly-by. Of course I recorded the few seconds of "together time."

Project 2 was a...

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..