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Wow, What a Day!  2/23/2008

Finally, after what seems like months without good light and outdoor photography conditions, the skies cooperated, temps were tolerable, and wildlife was abundant.  Here are a few samples...

One of eight wild turkeys feeding in a ditch along Highway 3.  Vehicle traffic hardly ruffled their feathers.

Perched in a tree, watching for an unsuspecting squirrel, rabbit, mouse, or some other unlucky little critter.

Flying past me in the truck.  What a view!  This one makes a great backdrop on my computer screen.

Cleaning up a fresh road killed deer.  Initially there were four bald eagles feeding on the carcass.  As traffic approached, they would fly away.  I blew a few times on my predator call and two came back.  That was a first.  While waiting for the eagles I was also visited by a Conservation Officer.  That too was a first, but not a problem.  It's good to know they are out and about.

Lunar Eclipse Sequence 2/20/2008

I've put together a sequence of images created during the lunar eclipse.  The image can be viewed at these links:

Lunar Eclipse 2/20/2008

The sky, clouds, sun, earth, and moon cooperated to provide an ideal view of a lunar eclipse.  The clear skies resulted in bitter cold conditions for photography, but the experience was worth the chill.

Documenting the Struggle to Survive 2/18/2008

Today's bitter cold temperatures combined with 25-35mph winds and blowing snow made life in the outdoors tough for all - man, beast, and bird.  After several hours of being housebound, I finally ventured outside with my camera and took an unsafe drive.  Snow drifts and blowing snow stopped my travels soon into the trip.  After finally getting turned around, I stopped for a while to photograph a flock of horned larks struggling to stay out of the wind.  I was amazed to watch them dig out hollow spots in the smallest of snow drifts in an effort to gain protection from the blowing snow and wind.  Several times, as the horned larks were walking from one small drift - hardly bigger than the birds themselves - to another, the wind simply blew them across the snow.  I realize I was watching nature in action, but I felt very uncomfortable seeing the little birds doing everything they could to protect themselves from the weather with little success.

Following are a few images captured from a wind-blown truck...

Some Birds are Worse than No Birds 2/6/2008

I was home today trying to fight off a severe cold or pneumonia.  While watching the feeders, I noticed I now have a pair of brown-headed cowbirds dining with the other birds.  The female seems to have a sensitive foot.  She could walk with both legs, but when she stood still, she held the one leg up.  If you look closely at the male, you can see the coloration pattern starting to become more obvious.  Would it be better to go an afternoon with no birds than to have brown-headed cowbirds?

I also have a good supply of mourning doves.  I noticed that the sparrows will readily defend the feeders from the doves.

Warm Temps and Less Bird Activity 1/26/2008

I sure enjoyed the warm temperatures today and I think the backyard birds were soaking in the sun too.  They weren't moving as much this weekend compared to last weekend.  I had no unusual visitors to the feeders, so I practiced on the "regulars."  The images are posted without cropping.

I Should Have Stayed in the Backyard 1/26/2008

Compared to last Wednesday or Thursday morning, this afternoon's sunny temperatures were nearly 45 degrees warmer.  I didn't want to miss an opportunity, so I did my best to get my work done this morning.  While taking care of computer work, I noticed that we had a red-headed woodpecker visiting the backyard feeder.

When I went out this afternoon, I decided to explore the Wapsie on cross-country skis.  You would have thought the river would be frozen solid.  Nope!  I went through and experienced a cold soaking!  You may not see me on the ice again for a while.

The Birds Stop Moving When Mr. Cooper Arrives 1/25/2008

I had a Cooper's Hawk hanging around, looking for a bite to eat.  Due to low light levels, I had to shoot with a high ISO.

Cold but Productive - 1/19/2008

Congratulations to all!  We survived our coldest day of the year so far...-12 on my thermometer.  Not being inclined to spend the day standing in the cold, I instead heated up the back yard bird blind.  I've post several photos on my listserv/Google group "Northeast Iowa Wildlife Watchers."  One interesting observation was a female house finch.  From one side, she looked normal.  However, when she turned her head, it was obvious she is suffering from avian conjunctivitis.

Shooting Out of Desperation - 1/13/2008

So how long has it been since we've had sunny skies for a full day???  Today we had a few brief views of the sun.  In fact, a couple of times I saw dark areas on the snow.  I believe those are called "shadows."  I stayed in the backyard today so I could watch for any unusual birds visiting my feeders.  Having none, I shot a couple of photos of finches.

New Year's Day Paddling - HERE'S PROOF 1/2/2008

My good friend and paddling/hiking buddy Darrin provided a few photos from yesterday's brisk, New Year's Day paddling outing.  The first image shows us crossing the surface ice to get around rapids with current too strong for us to paddle against.  Thanks for sharing the images Darrin!

New Year's Day Paddling 1/1/2008

For those who may have thought the weather was a bit blustery, you were right.  But, in keeping with an age-old New Year's Day tradition, three of us enjoyed an hour or so of paddling on the icy Cedar River in Waverly.  We put in below the green bridge in Waverly and paddled between ice jams.  Our outing ended with hot chocolate delivered by a nearby homeowner.

While paddling, we shared the river with a flock of mallards.  I snapped a few pictures, but wasn't able to concentrate too much due to current and ice coming at me.