Welcome to Kip's Comments!  

On this page you'll find near-daily postings of images and thoughts based on my wildlife observations.

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)

2010 Land Between The Lakes Service Trip

Wandering Black Bear of Eastern Iowa

2011 Pensacola Service Trip

Farewell to Abby

Farewell to Becca

Trumpter Swan Surprises

Thunder in the Valley Air Show

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Photos

A Picture a Day

A photo and a caption and nothing more...

Nature Photography Prints for sale at Duos Coffee and Ice Cream and Crawdaddy Outdoors - both in Waverly!

Local Heroes (5/16/12)

Last night I had the pleasure, along with my Patriot Guard Riders family and members of the public, to welcome home local heroes on their return from their Honor Flight.  It was so special to see the big smiles on the faces of so many veterans as they, for a few minutes as they walked through the Waterloo Airport, were the most important people around.  Throughout the airport people were smiles from ear to ear.  I want to extend a "Thank You" to each of the Honor Flight veterans.  Your contributions are appreciated.  Thanks too to all who contributed to make the Honor Flight possible!

 Following are a few of the Honor Flight veterans I know (or family members I know).  

Orville and Roger:

Harry and Steve:

John's Mom and John:

Forrie and Tom:

Herb: 

I made a quick roam around the yard this evening.  We have several species of plants blooming.  My lens was focused on these two:

Spiderwort:

Wild Rose:

From Yesterday and More to Come (5/15/12)

Out of respect for our bald eagle release last night, I opted not to post a few other images recorded yesterday.  After the eagle took flight, I noticed many small shorebirds feeding along the edge of the sewage lagoon.  Based on my struggling efforts to identify small shorebirds, I believe these were least sandpipers.  There were quite a few of them last night.

Earlier yesterday I photographed this moth that tried its best to act like a leaf blowing in the wind.  This too presented an identification challenge for me.  I believe it is an armyworm moth.  I haven't researched if they are good or bad.

If all goes as planned this evening, I should be shooting some very special, very emotional photos tonight.  If I do, I'll probably post them tomorrow.

Bald Eagle Release!!!  (5/14/12)

After a little more than two weeks in recovery, our ill bald eagle was released tonight!  Before its release there were many conversations about when would be the right time to open the door on the cage and let it go.  Even though he didn't demonstrate any flight skills in his flight cage, he went from being a weak, ill bird to a vocal, regal bird of prey with a confident attitude.  

Terese and Jim drove the eagle to Plainfield from Linda's house near Cedar Falls tonight.  A good number of folks joined Kristy, Peggy, Andy and me to watch the special event.  One couple drove a couple of hours to witness the once-in-a-lifetime release.  We  were able to observe the eagle as it became agitated (or anxious) to leave the kennel as it sat on the grassy berm.  With the opening of the door, the eagle sensed freedom and slowly left the cage.  At first the bird only walked away from the kennel.  Many of us were afraid he wasn't able to fly.  Then, after a brief squawk, the bird took flight and left the area.  He made us wonder a time or two, but as he reached the timber a short distance away, the bird climbed in altitude and perched on a protected limb.  The eagle looked so much better than it did on April 29 when we captured it.  (Scroll down to the 4/29 entry to view those photos.)

Kristy recorded a short video of the special moment.  At the end we wonder if the bird will gain altitude and perch in a tree.  Yes, it did just fine!

This bald eagle would not have survived without the assistance of many people... Andy, Peggy, Steve, and Robert who first saw the bird and called me to ask if we could do anything for the eagle... Kristy, Andy, and Peggy who helped capture the bird... Jim, Terese, and Dr. Lori for prompt care of the very sick (and stinky) bird.. an unknown volunteer who made a blood sample run to test for lead... Linda for housing the bird once its recovery was underway... and Jim and Terese for bringing the bird home for its release tonight.  Many thanks to all who had something to do with this story with a very happy ending!!!

Happy Mother's Day (5/13/12)

To all of the mothers reading this page, I hope you had a great Mother's Day.  My wife and I spent most of the day together and I really enjoyed her company.  This afternoon we paddled with the final Marsh Migration group outing of 2012.  I was surprised how many other mothers opted to spend part of their afternoon on the water, many with their kids.

While on the water we observed several bird species.  Special birds noticed included several Forster's terns.  Look carefully for something unusual about the photo below.  I missed it initially from my kayak.

This one may have been a juvenile Forster's Tern.  It was flying with the adult Forster's.

A fellow paddler noticed a couple of black terns.  I think today was only the second time I had seen black terns and certainly the first time for an up close and personal view.  Thank you so much Mike for pointing them out!

On Indian Pond (5/12/12)

After an EMS training session this morning and an afternoon at a Writers Workshop, I was finally able to get out early this evening.  Since my goal was to cut the grass at the cabin, I didn't do too much else.  Before mowing I walked the perimeter of the cabin grounds looking for an animal or two.  Sure enough, two bullfrogs were sitting in the water along the rocks.  I found it impressive how much a slight change in viewing angle impacted the ability of the frogs to blend with their environment.

Catching Up (Again) (5/9-11/12)

Once again I was traveling for a few days and not able to post any updates.  This time my journey took me to Lake Okoboji for annual training.  I suppose it could be worse.  I wasn't able to get out and explore, so my options were to shoot photos after I returned to the motel.  My stay was at The Inn, right along the lake.  This first photo is the view from my room.

The next shot was taken from the dock, at night.

After I returned home I took a quick motorcycle ride to check on some interesting flowers.  I almost missed them at their peak.

Prairie Smoke or Grandfather's Whiskers:

Sharing the Outdoors (5/8/12)

Each year the Bremer County Conservation Board and a bunch of us volunteers dedicate a day (today) to introduce Fifth Grade students from across the county (about 400-450), to the outdoors.  My session, repeated seven times, was about backpacking.  This year's students were great, attentive, and participatory.  

Tonight we held our final Tuesday evening Marsh Migrations for 2012.  Marsh Migrations is where we take new and experienced people paddling at Sweet Marsh.  For a few seconds or so we were treated to a beautiful rainbow.  We also had the opportunity watch, at close distance, as an adult bald eagle flushed coots.  Had any coot appeared weak, I'm sure the eagle would have quickly made a meal of it.  The big bird went over them at low altitude twice before moving on.

A Very Special "New Species" For Me (5/7/12)

I may be one of the more sensitive drivers traveling down the road.  Not much makes me cringe more than to hit a delicate butterfly as it is struggling to travel from a destination unknown to another unknown destination.  Knowing that their life-span is short anyway, with reproduction being their primary purpose, I hate to see them die needlessly as I am motoring around.  For that reason, when I have the opportunity to observe them up close, I cherish the time.  Today's efforts were extra special when I photographed a butterfly species that was a "first" for me.  I didn't even know it existed, which made it more surprising.  The unique butterfly was a lone American Snout Butterfly.  Notice the "snout" on this interesting creature.  

I also photographed a few other common species.

Red Admiral Butterfly:

Painted Lady Butterfly:

Sulpher Butterfly:

After learning there are butterfly species in our area I hadn't even heard of, it makes me wonder how many I have killed at 55-mph!  To think that for many of them, I didn't even give them a second thought.  What a shame....

TriByKnight (5/6/12)

If you were in the Waverly area this morning, you may have seen cyclists or runners during the brief dry period between showers.  The athletes were participating in the Peregrine Charities Inaugural TriByKnight Triathlon.  They began with a swim in the "W" pool, followed by bicycling outside of Waverly, and ending with running around the college.  I knew many people participating in the fun.  In fact, I knew the overall winner and several age bracket winners.  Zach was the fastest in his age group!  For the others - Rich, Garrett, Melanie, Heather, Adam, Waynette, and Ryan - drop me an email and I'll send you some pictures.

Three is a Charm (5/5/12)

Over the past few weeks I've been the recipient of a good number of wildlife tips.  Unfortunately, my schedule didn't allow me to check any of them until today.  Unlike other years when I am lucky to hear of a single fox den, this year I was told of three!  Of the three, I can confirm that one is active. Twice an adult fox barked at me when I wasn't even close to the den.  I haven't seen the little ones yet, but will watch for them when I can.  I did notice a fresh sign of canine activity (in addition to a deer leg).

Another good tip received was for a chickadee nest.  The nest is full of tiny chickadees that haven't completely covered with feathers yet.  This image might be challenging to understand.  The nest is inside a stump carving, so I have to look straight down to see the nest/birds.

I want to thank all who have contacted me regarding sightings and possible nests or dens.  I sincerely appreciate hearing from you!

While I was out exploring I photographed some butterflies and wildflowers.  There were no new species observed, so I practiced on some of the "regulars."

Mourning Cloak:

Red Admiral (x2):

I found this interesting creature on the side of a building.  Initially I thought it was a dobsonfly until I noticed the difference in the mouth.  Studying the Internet revealed it is a fishfly.  

Phlox:

Wild Geranium:

Virginia Waterleaf:

We Are Not the Only Species on a Mosquito's Menu (5/4/12)

As I sat along the bank of the Wapsie River today, watching a frog watch the world go by, I noticed something I've probably overlooked before.  There on the bullfrog's back was a mosquito nearly bursting with frog blood.  I wonder if the frog could feel it, and then I wondered how the frog would scratch where it itches.  I guess I'll never know.  The next time you are bitten by a mosquito, take time to contemplate where that stinger had last been buried!

I had to take a couple of other frog pictures since they were posing.

This afternoon I had some business to take care of in Fayette.  Before going to my destination, I made a pass through Volga Recreation Area, specifically down to the lake.  Even though there were many anglers and folks walking the edges of the water, it seemed Volga Lake was the most peaceful place on earth.  I think I could have spent the entire day there.

Time for Some Wildflowers (5/3/12)

Mowing the lawn with our push mower is not my favorite task.  Whether I like cutting the grass or not, I had to take care of it today.  It was warm...it was humid...and I was really sweating.  After finishing up on the lawn I felt it was necessary to blow dry my clothes by going for a motorcycle ride.  The ride didn't last long when I found many wildflowers in full bloom.  You probably known what happened.  I parked my motorcycle and spent quality time stopping to enjoy the flowers.  It was time well spent!

Wild Geranium:

Wild Columbine:

Phlox:

False Solomon's Seal:

As I studied the blossoms, activity on a smaller scale caught my eye.  This spider was rolling a freshly caught mosquito to enjoy a meal.

Be Careful Out There (5/2/12)

Today's posting includes a couple of warnings.  Warning #1 involves painful insects.  I have noticed that certain shrubs are temporarily covered with wasps and bees as the insects pollinate the blossoms.  None of the insects threatened me today, but the possibility is always there.  

Wasp:

Honey Bee:

Warning #2 does not involve a threat, but encourages caution with wildlife observations.  Some people consider all sparrows as pests.  I discourage folks from looking negatively on all sparrows since there are many species.  We currently have at least five species of sparrows in backyards.

White-crowned Sparrow:

Chipping Sparrow:

Harris Sparrow:

White-throated Sparrow:

and the ordinary house sparrow.

Another Animal Baby and Making Animal Babies (5/1/12)

While wandering around today I found another animal baby - a Canada goose gosling that thought I couldn't see it.  The little bird was separated from its parents and quickly dropped into the grass to hide.  I'm always amazed how instincts protect young wildlife.  This bird is only a few days old and knew what to do.

I recorded my first great blue heron image of the year this afternoon.  Regular visitors to this site know the great blue heron is my favorite bird.  Even though this picture is nothing special, I've begun the annual process of documenting a great species again.  

Tonight a nice group of us enjoyed our Tuesday evening Marsh Migrations paddling outing with Crawdaddy Outdoors.  The steady wind created some challenges for us, but all did fine.

One of the Marsh Migration paddlers - my friend Laurel - noticed something few people ever witness.  She spotted mating northern water snakes.  Most of us were able to view them at close range.  This image was recorded using natural light that wasn't very bright.

When we returned to the dock a couple of hours later, the love snakes had completed their reproductive exercise and were resting quietly on the same thin branches where Laurel first found them.  I used a flash to spotlight the tired reptiles.  If my memory is correct, tonight was the first time I have been able to photograph northern water snakes primarily with artificial lighting.  I like the effect.  The first image features the very attractive neighborhood female.

The following two images are of the stud-muffin male northern water snake.  Pretty impressive, don't you think!

Animal Babies or Time to Make Animal Babies (4/30/12)

We are now at that fun time of year when young animals are showing up in many places.  I saw my first family of Canada geese this afternoon.  These little ones appear to have hatched days ago.  They are already losing some of their bright yellow coloration.

Other animal species are still in the mood for love.  If you watch along the highways, you may notice a red-winged blackbird about every 100-yards or so - about the distance between telephone poles.  They are guarding their territory during the reproductive season.

Wild turkeys are demonstrating their affection now too.  This tom could hardly stop strutting and gobbling, even while I watched him.  The hen wasn't too far away and he was more focused on her than on me.

Last week when I was in Florida with Wartburg College students, we planned to spend an afternoon snorkeling.  The boat operator cancelled the voyage due to windy conditions.  We used some of the free time for an airboat ride.  I have posted a video at the following link:

Another Adventure for a Good Cause (4/29/12)

While driving home from the Everglades yesterday, I received a call about an ill or injured bald eagle.  We decided to wait until today to determine any response action.  This morning I was called and advised the bird was not looking good.  Andy and I decided we needed to take action to save the big bird.  Peggy and Kristy joined us as we ran back and forth attempting to capture a bird that could fly 100-150 yards at a time.  The bird was not able to gain altitude and soon tired.  Finally, with Andy, Peggy, and Kristy "talking" to the bird to divert its attention, I was able to quietly sneak up behind it and secure it with my fishing net.  After a few minutes of prying the bird's talons apart to free my net, we had the eagle in a kennel and were on our way to the rehab folks.  Terese and Jim are great people who really care about animals.  They have experience working with large birds of prey and quickly had the animal out of the kennel for its initial examination.  I was able to document the inspection, tubing, and spritzing.

UPDATE -

We have learned the bird has a blood/lead reading below the treatment level, which is good.  The bird may have possibly been ill from its recent diet of a long-dead cat soaked in filthy water.  After purging the contents of its digestive track (reported to be very putrid), the bird appears to be gaining strength.  Hopefully we will soon be able to release the bird to its original location and all will be well.  Kristy and I extend a big "Thank you!!" to Andy, Peggy, Terese, and Jim!

Exploring the Florida Everglades...What an Adventure! (4/20-28/12)

I returned last night from a great week-long adventure with Wartburg College students in the Florida Everglades.  The purpose of our trip was to provide service while also learning about the area.  I am proud to say both goals were fulfilled.  I am going to attempt to condense a week's worth of activities and photos into a small entry.  Here we go....

We left on Friday morning, around 4:00AM to begin our 27-hour drive (not including stops).  Ten of us, along with our clothing and camping gear, piled into a 15-passenger van destined for Florida City, Florida - near Homestead.  We split the drive down and back into two days.  For both directions we camped at the Raccoon Mountain Campground in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  My tent was the yellow bivy below.  The guys stayed in all tents in this picture.  Our girls had a big "condo" tent to enjoy.

After our second day of driving we reached our home-away-from-home at the Everglades Hostel.  For most of us, this was our first stay in a hostel.  I was surprised by the simplicity and "retro" spirit, but quickly became comfortable at the Everglades Hostel.  While the hostel was not the same (amenity-wise) as a hotel, it wasn't camping either.  I suppose I can best describe it as a simple housing arrangement where we all were one big family...sort of.

My first wildlife observed at the hostel...a snail:

A view from the hammock, enjoyed often, at the Everglades Hostel:

Sunday was a day of exploration and touring for our group.  We had planned to do some snorkeling, but due to windy conditions, the boat operators canceled the trip.  With so much to experience near the Everglades, we quickly found alternate activities.  First we hiked in the Big Cypress National Preserve.  It was good that we had a steady breeze or we may have lost our lighter weight participants to mosquitoes.  The flora and fauna were much different from what we are used to in the Midwest.  It was interesting to see how as little as an inch of elevation change dramatically affected the vegetation.  By the way - the Big Cypress includes hiking trails and a boardwalk trail where wild alligators and birds are easily seen.

Anhinga (a first for me!):

An assortment of wildflowers was observed.  Being a fan of plants of the wild variety, Courtney and I stopped often to photograph them during our hike.

This is a view of the trail we hiked through the Big Cypress National Preserve:

After the hike we traveled to the Everglades Alligator Park.  On the way we stopped at a small gator food stand to taste the reptiles.  Contrary to popular belief, mine didn't quite taste like chicken.  In fact, it didn't have much flavor at all.  Given a choice, I prefer a good rueben.

At the Alligator Park we checked off a goal on my bucket list - to ride in an airboat.  Yes indeed, my cheeks rippled in the wind when we traveled at maximum speed.  Assuming my video recorded correctly, I'll try to post a clip later from the ride.  After the airboat thrill we then watched an alligator wrestling show, held a baby alligator, and walked the trails near the alligator ponds.

This lizard was a free-roaming critter.  I had to record an image or two of it:

Monday was our first day of work and our assignment was to remove an exotic/invasive plant species called Brazilian Pepper.  The location was the Hole in the Doughnut segment of the Everglades.  The plant has taken over large sections and we were tasked with doing maintenance removal in restored areas.  The work was not difficult, but did involve walking back and forth in a dry prairie that was home to pythons (we didn't see any), fire ants, lizards, and assorted birds.

One of two wild snakes I saw all week:

Removing and treating Brazilian Pepper:

Skull of a Wood Stork:

Fire Ants:

Mating Butterflies:

Dragonfly:

Tree Frog (found several of these):

Walking Stick (found many of these too):

Tuesday was a repeat of Monday.  When the work was completed we toured the Royal Palm area where the famous Anhinga Trail is located.  That activity checked off another item on my bucket list of things to do.  The anhinga trail was dotted with various bird species and, of course, many alligators.  All are wild and can move about when and where they wish.  Some gators were very close to the trail, including a 10'-12' animal that was basking on the warm asphalt path.

Anhinga:

Yawning Green Heron (we have these in Iowa):

White Ibis (another first for me!):

Wednesday  we worked at the Nike Missle Base.  Some folks may remember the Nike Missle Base from the Cuban Missle Crisis.  The base was "retired" several decades ago and has not been maintained.  Recently, the historic value of the complex was realized and now work is being done to resurrect the compound (minus active missles).  Our assignment was to remove brush, especially poison wood, from the berms around the buildings.  If anyone is interested in seeing the rash caused by contact with the poison wood, let me know and I'll show you mine.  I am hopeful the blisters disappear in two weeks or so!  In addition to the poison wood, we also were advised to watch out for snakes, fire ants, wasps/bees, and scorpions.  We found the ants and scorpions, but had no trouble with them.

As a photographer, this sign caught my attention.  No deadly force was used on any member of the Wartburg group.  The Wartburg students did use deadly force on countless poison wood plants as assigned.

Pulling vines from Nike Missle Base fencing:

One of a couple of lizards found in the fencing as we worked:

Isaiah launching a poison wood root into orbit from the top of the berm.  He, Mark, and Debbie spent much time removing this particular plant and was justified in his extreme disposal effort.

One of the buildings that housed a missle:

A bunker where soldiers stayed waiting for a loaded missle to be fired:

At least two scorpions were uncovered without incident:

Several snails like this were found in the brush we were removing.  These may be non-native species and not wanted in the area.

Thursday we moved to the Tamiami Ranger Station and removed another exotic/invasive plant species - the syngonium (arrowhead vine).  The plant had taken over the boundary area and hand removal was the method of choice for the National Park staff.  We put a good dent in the plant population, but serious monitoring and more pulling will be needed to get the plant under control in that area.

While pulling the syngonium, we found several lubber grasshoppers and snails:

Along the back edge of the work site was a wetland area.  Alligators of all sizes were present.  This was one of many young gators.  A large adult was patrolling the area where we sat to eat our lunches.

Where there are wetlands there are dragonflies:

Thursday evening we went out for dinner (I had a lobster rueben!!) and visited Biscayne Beach.  Since the beach was closing 12-minutes after we arrived, we had to act fast to enjoy the view.  Some in our group ran along the beach in the sand, I enjoyed the birds, and others took in the scenery.

Northern Mockingbird (one of many):

Ruddy Turnstone:

By very early Friday morning we were on the road again to return to Iowa.  As we did on our drive south, we took a break at the Raccoon Mountain Campground in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  As soon as my tent was up for the night I photographed wildflowers:

Our trip came to an end Saturday evening.  Within minutes of arriving at Wartburg College, the van was empty of students and their gear.  Aaron joined me as I waited for Kristy to pick me up.  Needless to say, I was glad to be home after two days in the van.  This photo shows my total gear for the trip...not much compared to some outings!

My sincere "Thanks" to Wartburg College and the students for inviting me to advise on this trip.  It was a pleasure to spend the week with you and I am confident each of you will do well in your future endeavors.

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

Ladage Photography.

Bio: Kip Ladage is an Iowa nature photographer and Iowa nature writer.  Contact us when you are searching for Iowa wildlife images or outdoor Iowa texts!  We can provide Iowa wildlife images, Iowa nature texts, or complete Iowa wildlife/outdoor adventure text and photo packages.  We also offer Iowa wildlife prints and promotional items.  

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