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.

I want to share with readers information about the 2009 Iowa DNR Non-Game Certificate.  Each year the Iowa DNR sells the numbered certificates for $5.00.  The 2009 Non-Game Certificate features one of my images - Three Bonaparte's Gulls.  Revenue generated from the sales of the certificates benefits non-game species.  If you appreciate those species that aren't hunted, please consider purchasing a certificate.  Details are at this link:

2009 Iowa DNR Non-game Certificate Details

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

2009 Tick Count: 2

Final Posting of 2009 (12/31/09)

Wow, another year has passed already...where does the time go!  I spent a brief amount of time in my blind today to watch for some new avian visitors.  No, we still don't have any unusual birds, but we do have plenty of the regulars.  My highlight for the day was this male Northern Cardinal.

For those of you looking for something special to do tomorrow to commemorate the new year, you are welcome to join several of us for our annual New Year's Day paddling trip.  We'll be meeting at the small parking lot near the dry-cleaning place in Waverly, just north of the fire station.  Compared to other years, there is a reasonable amount of open water for an hour or two of paddling.  Come join us!

May 2010 be your best year yet!

It's Time to Get Serious (12/20/09)

Other than some house sparrows, mourning doves, a pair of cardinals, a few house finches, two or three blue jays and a horde of juncos, the variety at my feeders seems to be lacking.  It's time to load up the feeders with the expensive or messy feed to attract different species - like a few woodpecker varieties, and red and/or white-breasted nuthatches.  For now, all I've been shooting is juncos.  Thankfully the snowbirds have been cooperative.

Lexi the Holiday Dog (12/18/09)

Several months ago Lexi joined Kristy and me and the other pets - Becca, Harley Robert, and Sally.  What Lexi lacks in size she more than makes up for in energy and personality.  When she wants to learn something, Lexi can be very receptive.  However, when she is intent on going about on her own course, you might as well plan for a challenge.  Today Lexi spent time at the groomer.  Now she is our Holiday Dog!

A Posting With A Technical Theme (12/12/09)

Today's weather was not suitable for serious outdoor photography.   Plain and simple - the sky was gray and dark and the atmosphere was foggy.  Ice that was nearly invisible added an additional challenge.  I almost left my camera equipment in its bag and found other things to do, but couldn't.  Instead I challenged myself to a self-assignment - I learned how to use my custom white balance feature on my Nikon.  For those who might not be sure what I am referring to, white balance is the setting that allows colors to be recorded accurately and as we see them, even when the lighting is a slightly different temperature (hue).  Our eyes automatically adjust to variations in color temperature, but our camera sensors record exactly what they see.  Generally, our cameras do a good job in automatic mode.  However, often improvements are possible.  Most cameras, including many point and shoot models, allow users to adjust white balance to preset levels.  More advanced cameras allow us to set according to temperature (Kelvins).  Some advanced cameras allow us to set white balance off the scene we are photographing, with its unique lighting, which is what I did here.  

The first image was with the camera manually set to 5600 degrees.  Notice how the greens are rich and without the typical cool blue hue (from overcast lighting) while the snow is white (not blue or gray).

This image was created with the white balance measured from the scene.  The key was to find an area in the appropriate light that was neutral in color.

Making adjustments to white balance is useful for several purposes.  Most often, I use it to "warm up" or "cool" a scene.  Prior to today I hadn't done much with the manual setting.  Now that I know how easy it is to use, I don't suppose I'll hesitate to use it in the future.  

The Beauty After the Storm (12/10/09)

If I've learned one thing after living through many winter storms, it's that usually the day after is cold, but sunny and clear.  Today was such a day, just as I expected.  Instead of huddling inside during my lunch break, I broke a path down the Waverly Rail Trail to enjoy the beauty that was everywhere I looked.  Yes, the air was crisp, and yes, each step was difficult with the deep snow, but oh was it pretty.

I wish I was able to add effects to the first two images below.  My cheeks felt like pin cushions with the low temperatures and breeze, the air smelled clean and fresh, and the sounds were musical - like muted, tinny wind chimes - as the newly formed ice on the Cedar River bumped into other ice while the water still moved downstream.  It won't be long before nearly the entire river is iced over.

Most days I walk at least to this lone tree in a field.  I'm not sure why, but I really like the tree and following the various compositions I find it a part of.

It's UpHill Most of the Way Down (12/7/09)

Mr. Lane's book about his expedition is titled "It's UpHill Most of the Way Down" by Tate Publishing.

These Birds Missed the Holiday (12/7/09)

This afternoon I watched close to forty wild turkeys feeding in a snow-covered field.  They had cleared a large area and were working up a hill until they saw me watching them.

So You Think You Had a Bad Day (Version 2) (12/6/09)

Throughout the past few days I've been pondering the ironic series of events that allowed me to record close images of a sharp-shinned hawk feeding on a fox squirrel (scroll down to the entry for 12/2/09).  I've not come up with an explanation and have attributed it to one of those "meant to be" situations.  This morning I had a similar event.  

I wanted to do some Christmas shopping for Kristy without crowds and thought a Sunday morning would be the ideal time.  Since I was headed south, I decided I would throw in my camera equipment and look for a saw-whet owl, if time allowed.  My shopping went well and quick, which meant there was plenty of time to look for an owl.  Imagine my surprise when I arrived at my parking spot and was met by a fellow Prairie Rapids Audubon Society member.  I asked if he had seen any owls and he replied "I just found one!"  Even though he was ready to leave, he offered to guide me directly to the bird.  I didn't even have to search for it!  (Thanks!!)  Not only did I then have a saw-whet owl to photograph, but the owl was grasping a mouse that had wandered the woods one last time.  One minute the mouse was scampering in the timber, the next it was a saw-whet owl breakfast.  

Unlike some saw-whet owl shooting sessions, the location of today's bird was not perfect.  Many branches and leaves surrounded the bird and prevented a clean view.  Still, I was able to create a few acceptable images with a "natural" look.  (The red tinge on the owl's beak is blood from the mouse.)

Before he left, my Prairie Rapids Audubon Society friend mentioned nine trumpeter swans were in the area.  I found them too, but not nearly as close.  Notice how at least one is a younger bird.  (Thanks again!!)

So Many Variations in the Same Species (12/5/09)

Since today was the opening of the first shotgun deer season, I felt it might be wise to not be wandering the timber today carrying a Nikon.  Instead, I spent time photographing and studying backyard birds.  As I've mentioned around this time in previous years, I'm always amazed by the variety of dark-eyed juncos that visit my feeders.

(Notice how the junco is using its tongue to manipulate the millet seed.)

Pretty at First, But Now I've Had Enough (12/3/09)

Hopefully readers in the Northeast Iowa area were able to get out and enjoy the snowfall we had today.  During the first couple of hours of the snow, I took a walk on the Waverly Rail Trail.  I recorded a few images as I enjoyed the beautiful conditions. 

Now that temperatures are cold enough for the snow to affect driving, I've had enough and am ready for spring.  For those keeping score, Winter Solstice is only 18 days away.  Then the days start getting longer again.

So You Think You Had a Bad Day (12/2/09)

There is a story behind this image, but first I want to address the title of this entry.  For those who think their day wasn't the best, consider what this fox squirrel must have been thinking when it went from working around in crunching autumn leaves one minute to having the life squeezed out of it by what I believe is a sharp-shinned hawk the next minute.

Here's the story behind the image...

I was working in my office and around 11:30 had an overwhelming urge to take a walk for a change of scenery and fresh air.  I asked the building maintenance man if it was cold out and he replied "You'll need a cap" - I didn't have one.  Then as I was walking down the Waverly Rail Trail, instead of turning where I normally do, I had a strong urge to keep going.  Even when I was getting quite cold, I felt the need to continue walking - that I was going to see something.  About a mile and a half down the trail I suddenly felt like I missed something.  I started retracing my steps and about 20-feet back I noticed this hawk looking down on me.  As long as the hawk was willing to stay still, I kept shooting images.  After a while I realized it wasn't even showing signs of fear, so I started working my way closer.  By the end of the session the bird let me approach within 15-feet.  I may have been able to move even closer, but didn't since I didn't want it to fly away and miss its meal, and I had to return to work.  When I left the area, the bird was still munching on the fox squirrel.

So now I am wondering why I had the strong urge to walk in the first place, then the urge to go straight down the trail where I normally turn, then the urge to keep walking when I was cold, and finally the urge to stop and turn back to see the hawk when I really should have just walked by it like the other trail users were doing.  Just as interesting is why the hawk never flew away.  I've never been able to approach close to one of these.

The Holiday Season is Here! (11/29/09)

At our house several major holidays occur this time of year.  First we have Kristy's birthday, followed by Thanksgiving, followed by Hannah's birthday, followed by Zach's birthday, followed by Christmas and wrapping up with New Year's Day.  Obviously we are quite busy.  We walked our annual 17-miles in search of the perfect Christmas tree this weekend.  It is now up, at least for the time being, and looking quite nice.

Who Cooks for You...Who Cooks for You All (11/22/09)

I spent some time target shooting today and near the area where I was shooting, noticed this barred owl watching me.  I switched shooting devices and shot a few photos.  It was nearly dark, so I had to use a flash.

Swan Update (11/17/09)

It is with great regret that I share with you the news that the swan rescued on November 1 has died.  The specific cause of death has not been determined.  I want to publicly thank all who gave so much to offer the swan its best chance at survival.  Terese - you did a great job!

'Tis the Season (11/10/09)

I've already heard Christmas commercials and my neighbor is talking about snow.  For me, the season is the last of the snake movement time.  I found this garter snake on the Waverly Rail Trail.  Isn't it a nice looking snake!

Last weekend I noticed numerous crawfish chimneys in a boggy section of timber.  They too know what season is next.

Trumpeter Swan Update (11/8/09)

As of today the injured trumpeter swan is showing great improvement.  The gurgling noises are now much less and the bird's appetite has increased.  In fact, the swan is no longer being fed by a tube.  The bird is still receiving an antibiotic twice a day.  Apparently the swan does not enjoy being caught for its care, but is beginning to tolerate it.

Trumpeter Swan Update (11/3/09)

The latest news on the injured trumpeter swan is that it will never fly again.  Considerable injury in the form of multiple fractures occurred to the right wing.  The band number is being tracked to determine where the bird may have been introduced - likely in Iowa.  The good news is that the bird is eating a bit better.  The gurgle is still present...not a good sign.

I saw a large flock of wild turkeys this morning along the Cedar River.  The following image is of about half of the flock.  It's odd that in one paragraph I talk about saving a bird and in the next paragraph I describe a sighting that made me think of my upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.  We humans are certainly interesting creatures, aren't we!

Morbidity and Mortality (11/1/09)

Who could have ever imagined that one of my postings would have such a gruesome title, but this one does.  I wish I had other options, but there are none.  Here goes...

Last Monday, as I was returning from a meeting in Mason City, I noticed what appeared to be two trumpeter swans in a small wetland mitigation project northwest of Frederika.  Because I was coming home from work and did not have my personal truck, I wasn't able to stop to check on the birds.  Instead I called my buddy and asked him to take a look to confirm the birds' presence.  As expected, Jason saw the swans too.

The week was mostly busy and mostly rainy, so I wasn't able to check on the swans again until this weekend.  When I looked yesterday I didn't see the birds.  However, Jason did see them but wasn't able to approach close for images.

This morning I went out to look for the swans again.  In preparation for the birds I tossed in my "knee boots" and my kayak.  At the pond where I had first observed the birds, none were present.  There were a couple dozen Canada geese flying into the area so I photographed them.  Like Canada geese or not, they are pretty when they drop from the sky in a large flock.  

About the time I was checking on the pond, my wife called to tell me she had seen a dead bald eagle along Highway 63.  As much as I didn't want to see a dead eagle, I made a mental note of the location and planned to head that direction after checking out all possible swan locations.

Before I drove south to the eagle, I thought I would check one more pond, not far - maybe one-half mile, from the pond where I first noticed the swans.  Sure enough, there were two swans on the shallow pond.   Shooting swan pictures from the road was difficult.  The birds were a considerable distance away and didn't appear too large in the images.  I opted for a closer view and unloaded my kayak for a quick paddle toward the birds.

Like swans often do, they tolerate my approach only so long and then take to the air.  Today though, only one of the birds took flight.  

The other bird quietly moved into vegetation on the edge of the pond.  Having seen a similar behavior before, I immediately sensed trouble.  That second bird should have flown, but didn't.  Something wasn't right...

I stayed back and watched as the flying mate circled several times.  The airborne swan called a few times as it flew over, and then it was gone.

I quietly paddled closer to the other swan and saw that it was hiding.  

Now I knew something was amiss, but still couldn't tell for sure what.  With a couple more paddle strokes, the swan showed me why it wasn't flying - its right wing was dragging uselessly behind it in the water.

Due to the efforts of the Iowa DNR and some college students, I felt obligated to do as much as possible for the crippled swan.  First, I contacted the local DNR officer to make him aware of the situation as well as to request his assistance.  I then called Jason and a couple of other wildlife-type guys to invite them to help with a trumpeter swan round up.  Aron and Jason arrived soon and the chase was on.  I herded the swan with my kayak while Aron waded the edges with a cloth sheet.

When the bird swam close to Aron, he tossed the sheet over the swan's head and the bird was ours.  The entire process lasted only a few minutes due to the bird being exhausted.

Once captured, Aron put the bird in his truck for a short trip to a wildlife rehabilitator.  

At this time the bird is being evaluated and future actions are being considered.  Its mate is now alone, but would have been soon anyway.  Hopefully the remaining days of the injured bird can be dignified - either through repair and recovery or through educational use.  

I still wonder how the two swans moved from one pond to the other.  My suspicion is that the wing was injured after it reached the pond where I found it this morning.  Was the wing hurt due to shallow water, surrounding cover, a struggle with other wildlife, or something else?  I'll probably never know...

Before Aron left with the swan, he showed Jason and me the dead bald eagle.  This was truely a sad interaction with one of our most beautiful birds.  The cause of death is unknown.

My morning outing ended with a paddle boat effort to observe a paper wasp nest hanging over the Wapsipinicon River.  Mother Nature had already taken a toll on this nest.

The Sun Does Shine (10/25/09)

Believe it or not, the sun does shine once every now and then.  Yesterday we saw the sun for a few hours and today we saw the sun for a few minutes.  Those few minutes were early this morning, just before the cloudy and damp weather arrived.  During that time, Kristy found an interesting leaf with dew drops on it.  

Thoughts After an Afternoon on the Cedar River (10/24/09)

During my lunch breaks at work I often take a short walk on the Waverly Rail Trail adjacent to the Cedar River.  Time and time again I've marveled at how inviting the Cedar River looks, especially during this time of year.  I decided one day that I was going to paddle the stretch of the Cedar River from the Green Bridge in Waverly to Janesville before the snow flies.  Due to a couple of projects I've been working on, I haven't had time to get out much until this morning.  I extended an invitation to Kristy who, after considering the temperatures and rising water levels, hesitantly agreed to join me.  We had a great 3.5 hours on the river and saw many things.  Our trip was nearly effortless with the higher water levels, but it was chilly at times.  Since you weren't able to join us,  I'll share with you a few images created on the outing.

Just as we began our voyage, near the rail trail bridge with double overlooks near GMT, I found a group of mallards working in some backwater.  The two in the top image nearly escaped my lens due to their camouflage.

Most, but not all of the leaves have fallen to the ground.  This section of the river was nearly breathtaking.

Sometimes you see things on the river that are mysterious.  The item in the next image baffled me until I paddled close to it.  Once there, I was disappointed.

Computer monitors and television set picture tubes that have been broken are an indication the heavy metals contained within the tube have been scattered, in this case improperly.   Had I been in my boat I would have removed the monitor from the river.  Unfortunately, I couldn't do so while paddling my kayak.

On a corner of the river, where a creek feeds into the river, we paddled under a bald eagle nest.  The nest was still active as indicated by the following two images.

Of the many wildlife species we observed, I doubt there are any more colorful than the drake wood duck.  This guy would tolerate only a limited approach.  I used to wonder how they survived with their colorful plumage.  As this picture illustrates, the ducks blend in well with the habitat now that leaves and plants have changed to countless colors.

While on the water we also observed Canada geese, great blue herons, and wild turkeys.  

As we approached the boat ramp in Janesville, we noticed a considerable amount of graffiti on the bridge pilings.  I'm not sure how some of the artwork was even accomplished.  Please do not consider my posting of the following image as approving of graffiti, but this image did catch my eye as something interesting and fairly well done.

At the ramp I noticed this plant still covered with many blossoms that appeared to have survived the recent killing frosts.

For those of you who have followed my postings, you know that a critter that pauses for long equals a wildlife species, in this case a harvestman, that has been photographed.

If you happened to be listening to KWAY from 7:30-8:00 this morning...yes that was me.  What an interview!

It's The BIRDS!!! (10/18/09)

Even though my "To Do" list is excessively long, I still took time this afternoon to paddle my kayak.  Other than a few deer and a pileated woodpecker, wildlife sightings were minimal.  I did notice a huge flock of grackles congregating in the trees along my watery trail.

Thoughts and Images from a Short Walk (10/11/09)

Is there anyone else out there who is struggling to accept that summer is over, fall is here, and winter is just around the corner?  I can't believe how fast this summer passed.  Even though lighting wasn't ideal today, I still went for a walk just to see what was happening in the natural world.  I didn't see much, but will share what I did find.  First, I found an area with several large puffball mushrooms:

A short while later I found this quiet little stream and paused to listen for activity.  Hearing none, I recorded a few images and headed on my way.  Only a step or two in I spooked a great blue heron from the stream.  Had I waited a bit longer, I may have been able to add a heron to my composition.

I then found a patch of milkweed pods.  Notice that the last two images are of the same pod with differing angles/compositions.

An Iowa Autumn Moment (10/11/09)

My hope is that each of you reading this, at least those in Northeast Iowa, were able to enjoy quiet moments watching the leaves drop this morning.  Following last night's below-freezing temperatures, leaves on neighborhood ash trees fell like confetti for a few brief minutes.  There was no wind - not even a slight breeze.  The only sound heard was the snapping of the leaves as they broke free from their branch and gentle tapping as each falling leaf brushed other leaves free on their descent to the ground.  For many minutes I stood silently to enjoy the experience.  It was a few of those moments we are seldom able to observe - no wind, no rain, just crisp temperatures, morning sunshine, and gently falling leaves - the onset of an Iowa Autumn.

With no breeze, the leaves accumulated like snow on my truck.

Images of a Different Kind of Wildlife (10/3/09)

Since we had another day of windy, chilly, and rainy weather, my son Zach and I decided to spend the morning touring the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa.  We were surprised by the number of machines on display.  Following are a few samples:

Evil Knievel's Bike:

Peter Fonda's Chopper from "Easy Rider":

Several very old motorcycles:

Flying Merkel:

When you look at this image, pay close attention to the passenger seat.  Both Zach and I have heard numerous complaints from our wives about the comfort of our motorcycle seats.  He and I have decided maybe we should add these types of seats to our Harleys for a while.  Then our wives will appreciate what they have now.

It was interesting to learn that one of my motorcycles is of the vintage for the museum - in fact it is several years older than a few of the bikes on display.