I'm working on a project to categorize my wildlife images.  The project has begun with bird and snake images.  My intent is to categorize all of my wildlife photos.  Please be patient; I have many images to work through.  Thank you!   

 Click here to view the first few classifications: Iowa Wildlife Images.

2009 Mendocino Service Trip Journal Entry

Boundary Waters Paddling Trip Report

Isle Royale Backpacking Trip Report (8/09)

Isle Royale Backpacking - Entire Island Hiked! (9/09)

Farewell to Abby

Red Fox Images from 8-weeks at Their Den (Scroll through entries)

May 2009            June 2009

A Picture a Day

A photo and a caption and nothing more...

2010 Tick Count: 0

There Must Be Something in the Water (4-23-10)

Knowing that today's weather was supposed to turn rainy, I decided to venture out on Sweet Marsh shortly after sunrise.  The strong winds that had been forecast arrived prior to my leaving home, so I knew paddling would be very difficult.  The lighting today was poor; I didn't plan to shoot any images unless something special caught my eye.  During the drive to Sweet Marsh I decided to do a little "road hunting."  I came across this very unusual pheasant.  I'm not sure what is ailing the poor guy, but he doesn't look anything like my bird book images.

Then while on Sweet Marsh I noticed something strange flying toward me.  Low and behold, it appeared to be a conjoined twin sandhill crane.  I didn't realize critters that were hatched could be conjoined and  I'd never seen anything like it.  It was surprising how easily it could fly and navigate.  I suppose with two sets of wings its migration takes half the time of normal cranes.  With two sets of legs, it could probably run like a dog.  I can't help but wonder if this bird counts as one or two for the Crane Count.

Before I left I was happy to see a normal sandhill crane fly over.

A Day Not Likely To Be Repeated (4-20-10)

I've mentioned in previous postings how I don't believe too much in coincidences.  I'm more inclined to believe things happen for a reason.  We may not always understand the hows or the whys that things happen, but they do happen for a reason.  Today was another day filled with unusual occurrences that I cannot explain.

I'll begin with my experience this afternoon.  As I was driving home from   checking river levels for a river gauge project, I caught sight of an unusual robin.  Possibly the same leusistic robin that called Frederika home last year is back again this year.  It cooperated just long enough for a photo.

I was satisfied to think that was my one unusual experience for the day, but learned during the Crawdaddy Outdoors Marsh Migration paddling outing that opportunities were still going to present themselves.  First, the lone pelican at Sweet Marsh allowed a group of us paddlers to approach relatively close.  The light was far from ideal, but that was OK since several paddlers were able to enjoy a close observation of a very unusual bird.  If you look closely at these images, you will notice what appears to be vegetation caught on the pelican's beak.  It doesn't seem to be a problem, but I'll keep an eye on it to know for sure.

We had 25 or so kayaks and canoes on the water tonight.  Our paddlers enjoyed some of the best weather yet for evening paddling.

Even after suffering through the extreme wind and whitecaps from last week, Dave and Sarah returned for a much more enjoyable experience.  Dave - It is great that you are sharing these special times with Sarah.  I'm sure many fond memories are being created.  Good job!

Our group had paddled completely around Sweet Marsh and were working our way back to the boat ramp when fate once again looked pleasantly on us.  A lone sandhill crane flew toward the group and stopped on a clump of cattails not too far away.  The first few of us lead boats quietly and slowly paddled near the crane for a few photos.  For some unknown reason, the crane remained in the same general area and allowed for many images to be created.  After several long minutes of watching us, a pair of cranes could be heard calling from beyond the dike south of us.  Our crane quickly responded and took to the air to join the calling birds.  I didn't realize that as I was shooting pictures, nearly all of the paddling group had gathered close to the crane for what was quite likely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

Although I was treated to warm, late evening light, the light levels were low requiring a high ISO.  Fortunately the images turned out OK for sharing with you.  To the paddlers from tonight...I hope you realize how lucky you were to have that much time so close to a sandhill crane.  We had no camo to hide us and our brightly colored boats and flashy paddles should have scared that bird away.  Consider that you too were also put in the right spot at the right time for a reason.  Thanks for paddling and watching quietly.  I hope those of you also shooting photos were satisfied with your results.

Trying Something Different (4-19-10)

While wandering around in my yard today I was thinking of different ways to photograph ordinary subjects.  A couple of styles I like are macro (close-up) and soft focus.  Today I thought I would try a combination of both on my backyard violets and dandelions.  While I was shooting I also tried a different composition.  Following is what I came up with:

Common Blue Violets:

Dandelion (not much different with this one):

While shooting, my neighbor girl Autumn found a bumblebee on its back.  I shot a few photos of it and flipped it over.  It quickly attempted flight and ended up on its back again.  We repeated the sequence several times before it finally figured out how to fly.

Four Time Segments Today (4-18-10)

As I sit here typing today's entry, it's hard to feel anything except satisfied and tired.  I packed much into the day and I'm pleased with most of the results.  It will be easiest to share the work if I divide the photo sections into the activity groups that allowed for the images to be created.

Segment 1 - I was out shortly after sunrise walking around Sweet Marsh.  While hiking I observed the following birds:

Female Red-winged Blackbird...for those keeping track - the female red-winged blackbirds just arrived within the last few days:

Yellowlegs:

Blue-winged Teal:

My morning walk ended with a few minutes of anticipation as this fox squirrel sunned itself very near an occupied Great Horned Owl nest.  This seems like squirrel suicide to me, similar to when a squirrel runs out in front of you on the road.  They tempt fate and often lose.

Segment 2: Our afternoon hours were spent along the Wapsie River at our cabin.  We enjoyed a number of wildflowers blooming around the property.

Virginia Bluebells:

Swamp Buttercup:

Wood Anemone:

Ground Ivy (aka Creeping Charlie):

Fern Unfurling:

On the rocks near the water Kristy found this egg in a shallow depression.  I have not determine what species dropped the egg.

Segment 3 - Later in the afternoon I enjoyed a couple of hours of paddling with the Crawdaddy Outdoors group.  Flying over our group was this juvenile ring-billed gull.

Segment 4 - I ended a busy day attempting to make acceptable photographs of the American woodcock at Sweet Marsh.  Success eluded me due to the recent burning of the woodcock's display area:

Crane Count 2010 (4-17-10)

Today was the annual Crane Count for the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin.  Concerned folks from across the Midwest participate in this worthwhile event.  Those of us taking part in the count were in our predetermined spots around the county at 5:30am and counted cranes heard and seen until 7:30.  Each year since Bremer County began participating I have counted at a site on Marten's Lake (Segment B).  To allow for multi-tasking (counting cranes and wildlife photography), I usually count from my kayak.  I must say that this morning was quite chilly on the water - around 30-31 degrees.  I heard just 3 cranes and observed one flying silently.  Others had many more fly over them, so we know the population has grown again since last year.  

My photography efforts were minimal due to low light levels, but I did attempt some images.  This pied-billed grebe swam by when hardly enough light was present for photography.  I had to shoot with a high ISO just to record an image.

While hiding in the cattails I had many, many Canada geese swim and fly by.  I used the geese for photo practice.

As I waited and shivered I wondered whether there were more geese or American coots on Sweet Marsh.  I have no way of knowing for sure, but I am confident there are plenty of both calling Sweet Marsh home, at least temporarily.

Correct me if I am wrong, but does this coot appear to have angel wings??

It's Not What You Know, But Who You Know (4-16-10)

Over the past couple of days I have been challenged by a water pump problem on my outboard motor on my pontoon boat.  I had the boat in the water before I noticed that the pump was not working.  (Note: I always check for the water stream as soon as I start my motor, so no damage was done.)  For those who have never put a pontoon boat on the water or pulled it back off, let me state that it is not the easiest job.  After pulling the boat back to the cabin and looking things over, I was quite certain I had, at a minimum, a water pump problem.  I pride myself on being able to fix most anything, but to date I had never tackled removing the lower unit and replacing the water pump.  

I also pride myself on surrounding myself with intelligent people.  In this case, I called a fellow fondly known as "My Other Brother Darrell."  Darrell explained that he had done some work on lower units in the past, but not on a Mercury such as mine.  It didn't really matter - Darrell convinced me, without even trying, to attempt the repair myself.  When I picked up the $100 kit and was told it would cost another $80 per hour to install it, I committed to giving it a try.  The fact that I am typing on the computer and posting images indicates that I was successful in my efforts.  Brother Darrell...I thank you!

This was the first scenic taken from the pontoon boat this year.  It is certainly nothing special, but means much since it proves the boat is on the water and running well.

While motoring up the river I noticed a kettle of turkey vultures circling overhead.  I was beginning to wonder if I should expect some sort of doom that would have attracted the vultures.  So far, nothing bad has happened.  As I edited images, I noticed that if I ignored their heads, turkey vultures are actually kind of pretty birds.

Now for information you may not have realized you needed.  There is actually a society whose emphasis is on turkey vultures.  Following is a link to their website: http://vulturesociety.homestead.com/ .

Get Out Early to Beat the Wind (4-15-10)

It seems as though ever since I officially announced the presence of turkey vultures (an indication of the arrival of Spring), the wind has been blowing very strong.  Yesterday, last night, and today...much wind.  At least for a brief amount of time this morning the winds were calm and I was able to be out on the water.  My first interaction was with a great blue heron - my favorite bird.

Then my path intersected with a male red-winged blackbird.  Notice how red his throat is in the second image.

Finally, I noticed a sandhill crane lurking along the edges of the cattails.  

Do A Little Dance... (4-14-10)

This morning I watched, from a distance, the courtship rituals of a pair of sandhill cranes.  It was so romantic....

He started by whitewashing the area.  I suppose he knew things were going to get physical.

He followed that with his vertical jumps...

This one got a bit awkward...

And repeat, over and over...   ...notice how she pays no attention to his efforts...

There were also a few blue-winged and green-winged teal in the area.

A Warm Dry Day...Let the Fun Begin (4-13-10)

Yesterday's rain showers were replaced with a nice warm day, albeit a bit breezy.  At our cabin I found some Virginia bluebells that were already flowering! 

The pussy willow buds are fully developed and at their full glory:

And tonight was the first of 5 weeks of Tuesday night paddling at Sweet Marsh with Crawdaddy Outdoors.  We call the outing "Marsh Migration" and for a couple of hours we paddle around Marten's Lake enjoying nature's spring display.  Tonight we saw geese, ducks, coots, pelicans, cranes, and of course red-winged blackbirds.  This was the view as we were preparing to hit the water. 

Dave and Sarah joined us tonight for the first time.  If my memory is correct, Sarah is our youngest participant.

We also got to watch Darrin attempt to enter his kayak from the water after an unexpected dumping.  

The wind presented quite a challenge, even for those of us with paddling experience.  For the newer paddlers, I'm sure it was even more of a struggle.

If you are interested in joining us, we paddle every Tuesday night, beginning at 6:00pm through May 11.  Darrin has added two Sundays to the schedule too...April 18 and May 9.  Call Crawdaddy's to register at 319-352 9129, or check out their website at: www.crawdaddyoutdoors.com.  Tell them Kip sent you!

April Showers Bring What?  (4-12-10)

I know how the old rhyme goes and I believe it, but I also think a verse should be added about how April showers also bring grass to cut.  For now I am holding off, but won't be able to resist much longer.  The lawn mowing season is within a day or two of being here.

During a pause in today's rain I wandered the back yard.  The subjects are the same as previous postings, but the light was great and the raindrops added that extra bit of detail I like to see.

Raindrops on columbine:

Daffodils in the rain:

Bluebell buds:

Nanking Cherry with rain:

Backyard Beauty (4-11-10)

Today was one of those days when projects around home outnumbered opportunities go paddling or hiking.  Not satisfied to forget about "wild" stuff, I enjoyed a photo safari around the backyard.  Here is what I found:

Nanking Cherry Blossoms:

Lilac Blossoms (early):

Common Blue Violet:

Working the Morning Light (4-10-10)

If you have a desire to see plenty of migrating birds up close and personal, Sweet Marsh is the place to be shortly after sunrise.  I paddled around for a few hours and my camera was seldom not pointed at some bird or muskrat.  From my personal list, the birds of interest observed today were - several hundred American white pelicans, a few gadwall, and a lone horned grebe, along with many other species.  I'll share a few of many photos here.

Red-winged Blackbird:

Gadwall:

American White Pelicans:

Horned Grebe (strong crop):

Canada Goose on Nest:

Green-winged Teal, Northern Shoveler (taking flight), and Ruddy Duck:

Northern Shoveler:

It's Over and From One Season to Another (4-9-10)

As expected, the snapping turtle I have been watching along the river has died.  I'll never know if it died of old age, illness, or injury.  Its final days seemed so undignified considering the respect the animal garnered just last summer.  No longer does the snapper continue to hold its head out of the water for a breath.  Already the Wapsie is claiming one of its own as the turtle carcass settles into the shallow mud and muck.  

While wandering around the backyard this afternoon I found an image that seems to illustrate the transition from one season to the next.  I'll let you decide if you agree:

I captured a few more images of the daffodils that didn't seem any worse for wear after the frost this morning.

Still Alive! (4-7-10)

Due to a very busy work schedule I haven't been able to be out snooping around the river much.  In fact, my only outings have been between 9:00PM and 10:00PM, after meetings have ended.  I've limited my outings at that time to just checking on the snapping turtle that I assumed would be dead by now.  Much to my surprise, the turtle is still alive and moves around a slight bit during the day.  Maybe it has turtle flu and will make a full recovery.  I doubt it, but who knows!

I Can't Explain It (4-5-10)

My schedule for today left virtually no room for photography.  In fact, I didn't even make an attempt to shoot photos, opting instead to get some projects done.  As I was hooking up the water at the cabin I looked out toward the river.  For some reason, a snapping turtle had decided to crawl out of the river and pause near our bench.  What made this even more interesting was the behavior of the turtle.  I'm actually wondering if the turtle was in the final phases of life, or partly into the death process.  Unlike other snappers, this turtle put up little resistance when I handled it.  Throughout the afternoon it stayed in the same spot.  I'll check on it tomorrow to see if it made it through the night.  As I drove away from the cabin I was wondering how unexpected opportunities like this continue to present themselves.  What are the chances of this happening...

Our History Haunts Us (4-4-10)

This morning, after Easter Service, I took a very brief walk along the river.  The area is now a county wildlife area, but used to be a dump.  I was saddened when I looked around to see what the latest bout of high water had done.  Thousands of pieces of glass and rusty metal from days gone by had been exposed when the ground cover was scoured away.  I'm not sure how the area can be repaired, other than by picking up each piece of debris.  It really makes you realize how important it is that we reduce, reuse, and recycle.

I found my first swamp buttercups this afternoon at our cabin.

Sweet Swans and Much More (4-3-10)

Today was one of those days when no matter what I had planned, Mother Nature offered more than I could have expected to fill my day.  My schedule was for a quick morning walk followed by spring work at home.  Within minutes of arriving at Sweet Marsh I knew I would be out longer, much longer, than anticipated.  

The walk began by watching a group of brown-headed cowbirds performing their courtship rituals.  Brown-headed cowbirds are not good birds to have around since they parasitize the nests of desirable birds.  It won't be long and they will be dropping eggs in other birds' nests.

As expected, the usual noise and ruckus of Canada geese could be seen and heard.  While hiking the dike and watching the geese, I noticed my first snail of the year.  I wonder where the snail spent the winter and how it ever arrived on the dike.

I then found an injured muskrat.  I'm not sure exactly what happened to this little one, but it doesn't look good.  In addition to the obvious wound, I can also see a red area further up the muskrat's back, above the © symbol.  I wonder if a large bird, perhaps an eagle, attempted to catch the muskrat and the wounds are from talons.  This image shows the injured area.  

As I rounded a corner three flashes of white caught my attention.  The close white bird was a pelican - one of at least 40 currently at Sweet Marsh.  Behind the pelican were two trumpeter swans.  These two swans were the most cooperative swans I've worked with.  Maybe, somehow, they knew I had helped rescue one of their species last year.  I know, that is expecting too much....  Anyway, they did pose for me for a long time.  I finally left them rather than them leaving me.  I had walked about the distance of a city block when the two swans flew overhead and landed nearby.  Both birds honked, but neither seemed too concerned with my presence.  I am sure the photographers reading this will understand the struggle I had with exposure.  I underexposed so the highlights would not completely burn out and then adjusted levels later.

As I was approaching my truck at the end of my walk I noticed another Blanding's turtle in an area where I hadn't observed any early last week.

While working in the yard I stirred up this beautiful redside garter snake.  For some reason, all I could think of was how thrilled my friend Judy would be when she saw the photos.

Tonight I paddled (in the wind) at Marten's Lake.  My route took me past a couple of muskrat mounds that are serving as goose nests.  This nest has two eggs in it already.

It Was A Long, Cold Winter...What Would You Do (4-2-10)

I couldn't help but ponder that question as I looked around my yard today and tonight... What would I do if I was one of the forms of wildlife calling my yard home and recovering from a long, cold winter.  Following is what I found...

The daffodils are out blooming in all of their glory.  They are hard to miss this year.

On a smaller scale, the periwinkle plants are also boasting the changing of seasons.  Unless you slow down and look around, it is easy to miss the tiny blossoms.

Apparently the long, cold winter was also a lonely winter for my nightcrawlers.  Tonight  was the first night I have seen them out and they certainly aren't wasting anytime celebrating the warmer weather.

For the record, the following image was created with Kristy's Nikon P100.  For close work, this camera is much easier to work with than my DSLR.  Image quality isn't an even match, but it is close.  With a little bit of time I believe I could have matched the image from my DSLR.

Dutchman's Breeches, Bloodroot, and Chickweed (4-1-10)

During my lunch hour today I walked on the Waverly Rail Trail.  I was surprised to see a few Dutchman's Breeches blooming already.  I suppose it is about the right time for them to be flowering.

I also found many bloodroots decorating the sides of the trail.

If I hadn't looked closely, I would not have seen this chickweed with a fly on it.

For more information, feel free to email us at this link:

Ladage Photography.