Tim and Midge gave me a new spot to canvas. Tim noticed a mass migration of While Pelicans and suggested that I check it out. While I didn’t have the best light, it was a great new find. 50+ Pelicans, more than a dozen Egrets, plenty of GBHs, Cormorants and Killdeer. Here are a few. [...]
Aug
30
2010
30
2010
Jun
13
2010
13
2010
Fishing
It was a bit overcast this afternoon (actually all weekend). I decided that it was time for a spin in the Kayak.
Overcast is good sometimes. In this case it means that the whites in Egret pictures are less likely to get blown out.
They were busy fishing this afternoon.
Step one, go to where the fish are.
Step [...]
May
16
2010
16
2010
Backyard Captures
We had a feeding frenzy this weekend. I think the birds reveled in the sunshine and warm weather just like we did. I caught this daddy Grosbeak waiting for his turn on the feeders.
This finch was also patient, but he decided that right on top was the best place to make sure that no one [...]
May
9
2010
9
2010
WoodLake Wildlife Center
Sue Irby told me about a great spot for shooting Woodies. This Saturday AM I went to the WoodLake Wildlife Center in Richfield MN.
Great spot with beautiful Wood Ducks.
I think he got too close…
There were also feeding egrets…
Roosting Redwing Blackbirds…
And what we think is a solo Pine Siskin
May
2
2010
2
2010
Venice Rookery (part IV) – Sandhill Cranes
There was so much going on there that it took four posts to get the feel for the overall wildlife. I have posted many of my images on the photos tab.
These are my last images on the main page.
This Sandhill Crane dropped in on us and decided that he didn’t mind company while he [...]
May
2
2010
2
2010
Venice Rookery (part III) – Anhingas
In my first Venice Rookery posting I had a photo of a mail Anhinga. Strange birds. This female decided to roost in tree directly above my. It made for two interesting shots.
Here is another male. I am not used to be this close to the subject.
When they get mad, I think it is time to [...]
May
2
2010
2
2010
Venice Rookery (part II) – Egrets
This is a Great Egret – the green around the eyes is the giveaway. Having been working on catching Egrets in flight, I was pleased to get a couple of nice shots.
Sometimes when they come in for a landing, it is necessary to put the flaps all the way down or they miss the runway.
At [...]
Apr
25
2010
25
2010
Venice Rookery
I learned a new two part secret for taking good wildlife pictures. Part 1: Go to where the wildlife is. Part 2: Take a lot of pictures. I had meetings most of this week on the road ending in Jacksonville FL. I decided that while I was there I would visit the crew in Bonita [...]
Apr
10
2010
10
2010
Great Blue Herons
It was a beautiful sunny day in Lake Elmo. I spotted this guy from the deck, and grabbed this shot.
As he wandered off, I grabbed my camera and headed for the Kayak to pursue him. I am glad I did. I got a couple of nice shots.
I think he decided that preening was in [...]
Mar
28
2010
28
2010
Kayak!
The new kayak arrived. I have been anticipating spring for too long. Yesterday it arrived. This afternoon, I took it out for a maiden voyage. Here are a couple of shots.
The Kayak with the tripod and the rig.
I’ve got the rock, get in line behind me.
Why do I feel so alone?
You’re going out again? Did [...]
Mar
21
2010
21
2010
Spring in Lake Elmo
It ended up being a very nice weekend. It got up to 50 today (not as good as the gorgeous 65 on Friday but quite nice. The birds are returning. This nice Blue Jay was checking things out.
I have also been watching (and listening to a beautiful Red Tailed Hawk. This afternoon I spotted him [...]
Mar
19
2010
19
2010
Eagles (again)
I spent another weekend in Red Wing in search of baldie in early March. I was planning on a trip to Lock and Dam 14 near LeClaire Iowa but the ice was retreating too fast and the Eagles were dispersing.
Given the weather realities, I decided on a return trip to Colvill Park in Red Wing [...]
Feb
28
2010
28
2010
El Dorado Royale
Another wonderful week of vacation in Mexico. This was our third trip to El Dorado Royale, fourth in the Cancun area. We quite enjoy our vacations here. Many may not appreciate the pace of the days, but our time here is designed specifically for relaxation (this year punctuated with exercise every morning – and not [...]
Feb
8
2010
8
2010
Mallards
Part two of the Eagle trip. Open water in the winter not only attracts the eagles looking for fish. It also attracts Mallards. They were everywhere. Here are a couple of the fun ones.
Hey I thought that this was a no-wake zone!
It must be in here somewhere.
I know it was in there. I don’t know [...]
Feb
7
2010
7
2010
Eagles in Red Wing
Last year, I made the trek to Wabasha in search of the Bald Eagle. Yesterday it was time to try again. Like last year, I went with my photographer buddy Lynn Jonson. This year we were joined by friend and family member Marty Laventure. Marty mentioned a place we should try near Red Wing. It [...]
Jan
16
2010
16
2010
Sandhills!
Earlier in the fall Mary and I joined our church family at our annual “Run Away”. At our church, Cornerstone, “Run Away” means retreat. It was in Grantsburg Wisconsin. On the way home, we ran into a couple of flocks of migrating Sandhill Cranes. Not the prettiest birds. Often the bright birds (e.g. Cardinals) are [...]
Jan
3
2010
3
2010
Melanerpes Carolinus
In the midst of the Vikings thumping of the Giants, I noticed this guy show up. I thought it was a Hairy, put it appears to be a Red-Bellied Woodpecker. If so then he is at the edge of their normal habitat. It was about 5 degrees when I popped this. He was filling up [...]
Dec
31
2009
31
2009
Winter Wonderland!
On the last day of the year, it is a bright and sunny December 31st. We’ve certainly had our fair share of snow this year, but I always like the way it leaves a fresh clean coat on everything.
I’ve been working hard trying to capture winter birds. Our feeders seem to really attract the Chickadee [...]
Nov
22
2009
22
2009
Passing through
It is mid-late November and the Canadian Geese have been stopping in on their way south. Each week there are a hundred or so that pass through. I have been working hard to get some good shots. I’ve tried stalking around the lake, wading and even drifting across the lake in the Canoe. They really [...]
Jul
17
2009
17
2009
Egrets
I’ve been working hard to capture a nice shots of these beautiful birds. Here are a few…
This one was right down near our beach early one morning.
They really spook easily when you walk up to to say hello. Even when you walk, really really, slowly.
Venturing out in a canoe and drifting over their direction without [...]
