The Killdeer

The striking markings of the Killdeer allow it to virtually disappear anywhere there is contrasting light and shadow.

I encountered this bird while checking on our cattle last evening. These little speedsters are spending much of their time around the spring seeps in the cow pastures where earthworms are easily found at this time of year.

Ice Patterns

Cold spring nights sometime result in delicate ice patterns that soon disappear in the morning sun. While pursuing waterfowl with the boat on a recent morning I discovered these feathery ice patterns on the shallow water of a small cove.

While I do not comprehend the how’s and why’s of the formations of these interesting patterns produced as the liquid becomes solid I certainly do appreciate the fleeting intricate beauty that nature sends our way.

Return of the Loons

The light seeped slowly through the morning fog as I prepared to once again launch my little boat. I was a little disappointed with this morning's dreary weather and more disappointed when I arrived at the lake to find that a bass fishing tournament was in progress. The prospects of a morning of waterfowl photography could not have been much worse. As I was stowing my gear onboard through the fog came the distinctive beautiful call of a Loon. Once again the Loons have returned!

It was not until nearly noon that I encountered the loons and with all of the other boats present the loons were considerably disturbed and would not allow me to approach to within range.

For a closer look at a Common Loon I referred back to my 2008 archives and found this previously unposted image taken in late April. The Loons usually arrive here around the end of March and are gone by early May.


For more Camera Critters visit our friend Misty at her Camera Critters Blog

SkyWatch: The Sunset of Winter

March; a month of change, winter’s icy grip loosens as the month passes ushering in the beginning of spring. As the sun sets on another winter the new life of another season is awaiting the warming rays of a new day to burst forth in splendor.

For more great skies from around the world visit Sky Watch and join in.

Waterfowl in the Morning Mist

Continuing with the photographs I captured during my Saturday morning boating foray, this first scene greeted me as I was approaching the north end of the lake. (Click on the image for better detail) With the air temperature at 23F and calm and the water much warmer at 39F the conditions were ideal for fog formation over the water.

The morning sun warmed the air and the fog was beginning to dissipate when this lone Canada goose flew past between me and the shoreline. The remnants of fog remaining above the lake imparted the light blue color cast to the central part of this image.

Reflection: Canada Goose

Our resident Canada Geese are establishing their nesting sites and this goose was reluctant to leave the point of land jutting into the lake. As I slowly moved the boat along the shoreline the goose swam parallel to the boat allowing this close-up photograph. Later in the morning I observed this goose and its mate picking grass on the earthen dam breastwall.

The sharp reflection captured here is what made this particular image stand out above the other images captured during this close-up encounter.

Wood Duck Explosion

Whereas some ducks must patter during take-off the brilliant little Wood Ducks can seemingly leap straight into the air.

Last year, despite my numerous attempts, I was only able to photograph Wood Ducks on the lake on one occasion. This past Saturday morning provided numerous encounters around the lakeshore throughout the morning.

While slowly motoring along the shoreline this drake and his lady allowed me to approach within camera range and shoot quite a bit before tiring of my company. As they became nervous I focused on the drake intent on capturing him as he exploded into flight.

First Butterfly of the Spring

This afternoon marked my first butterfly sighting of the season.


While visiting with Willard and Andy at Willard’s wildlife observation area a butterfly began flitting about. With wings folded it appeared much like a dead leaf and camouflaged quite well with the bare ground on which it repeatedly landed. Today is the warmest that it has been for some days. This morning was a balmy 27F warming to the upper 50’s by late afternoon.


A little later the butterfly attempted to gain Willard’s attention by landing on his 500mm lens with its wings open wide displaying its splendid colors.

Wood Ducks

I again took to the water in search of waterfowl photos this cold frosty spring morning. As I prepared for the morning foray I noticed that the thermometer had sank to a chilly 23F and the truck and boat were covered in frost.

Launching the boat as the first rays of morning sun touched the mountain top beyond the lake I could hear Canada geese honking in the distance and the whistling of wood ducks as they flew through the mist rising from the lake.

This morning was an outstanding morning for waterfowl photography. Following is a list of species that I was able to identify, Wood duck, Scaup, Ring-necked, Red-head, Mallard, Bufflehead, Horned Grebe, along with a grebe and a duck that I have been unable to identify.

As I rounded a bend in the lake’s shoreline I spotted this pretty pair of Woodies preening. As the distance closed they became nervous with the hen taking to the air just seconds before her mate.

For more Critters of all kinds visit our friend Misty and her Camera Critters Blog

Fly Away

The company I work at has been going through heavy job cuts and reorganization as a result of the economic situation we currently find ourselves in. Those of us remaining have had to pick up the pieces and try to continue operations with about a 40% reduction in the workforce and probably more to come. To say work has been hectic would be an understatement.

One of my good friends who has been with the company for many years took the opportunity to fly away into retirement today. I imagine that shedding the heavy responsibility of his position makes him feel as free as these mallards winging on their way to their summer home.

The best to you Don, may your years be long and your cares be few.