Bring It On Down to Otterville

I often take for granted that just a kayak ride down the creek I have Mother Nature at my fingertips. Eagles. Ducks. Song birds. Mink. Beavers. Muskrats. Herons. Deer. Bear. Otters. The creek has everything a nature lover could ask for and last evening Rice Creek did not disappoint.

A pair of otters entertained me for well over an hour. They played, ate (and ate), groomed,and got a little jiggy with it. The otters were enjoying life. I always feel so honored when Mother Nature allows me to observe Her kingdom in its most natural state--uninterrupted. The otters played, the eagles screeched and the geese slept while I sat and observed. It was a good evening on the ice (yes, I said ice and not water. It's April 16th and it is still very winter-like here).

Cheers! You otter love the photographs.

Get Coonie With It

I have spent a lot of hours in the woods. A LOT. And with all of those accumulated hours there are still numerous species  (plants and animals a like) that I have yet to observe. But out of the laundry list of "must sees" would you believe that I have never seen a raccoon--until last night.

This little dude shimmied straight up the tree when he heard us coming. And I don't care what the general population things about these "buglers," I think they are downright adorable! They call the northwoods home just like the rest of us and they just want to get through their day, too.

I am not Juncoing Around

It is now mid-April in northern Wisconsin and it is still winter. The sun is in hiding and the snow continues to accumulate. It's depressing. No joke.

At least the juncos still know how to have fun, but I am not juncoing around when I say I want sunshine NOW! I am one for snowfall away from packing my suitcase and heading south. That is no joke.

Day 22: Junco
Day 27: Junco in snow storm.

 

 

Which Direction

Facebook. It's the devil in disguise. I don't really like it; it feels like virtual high school, but everyone is doing it and it's where I more often than not keep current on recent photo sessions for clients. So, I think the direction of this blog is going to be more of a nature/wildlife journal than a current display of my photo sessions.

The frozen watersheds have the migratory birds congregating in mass numbers in the few areas of open water. Just so happens one of those few areas of open water is the creek behind the house. Yay me! Ducks, geese, and song birds are all calling the creek home, albeit temporary. But the camera is loving it.

We sign of the woods ducks yet, but they have to be right around the corner...have to be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Dog Days of Winter

It's still here. Winter. Jack Frost will not release his grip on the Northwoods. Cold temperatures, wind gusts and snow continue to grace us with their presence. It is now bordering on ridiculous.

But we can't do anything about the weather so the only thing you can do is carry on.

I have been waiting patiently (well, as patient as I can be) for the migrating birds and hibernating mammals to show their faces and slowly they are. The geese are here in full force (and noise). The otters are becoming more active as are the deer. Hooded mergansers, mallards, red-winged blackbirds and even a robin here and there are being seen/heard.

I have also been worried about the resident eagles on the lake. Every year since we have lived on the creek (going on 5) a pair of eagles have called a massive white pine tree on the edge of the creek home.  This year there is no sign of them. I was puzzled and rather worried. What happened to them? Why are they not sitting on eggs? Last night I got my answer. Despite the cold wind whipping across the water, I sat  and watched an otter on the lake
. I just sat, took a few pics, and kept him company when an eagle flew over head with sticks in is talons. Nest construction. But where? Then I saw it. The eagle family abandoned their old digs for a new one across the lake. I am glad they are still here but why abandon a perfectly good nest? I need answers. In the interim, below are a few picks from my spring project which is proving far more challenging than I expected.

Day 17: Geese on Seven Mile Creek
Day 19: Chickadee take-off
Day 21: Otter on Rice Lake

 

 

 

 

...still here: Days 3,4, and 5

The snow is still here. The cold temperatures are still here. Winter is still here. Yes, I am still complaining about the lack of spring here in the northwoods of Wisconsin.

My photo project forced me in the kayak and up the creek all weekend. It was not pretty. I had to crawl, chip, scoot, and rock my way through icebergs and marsh to get up the creek. But it was worth it. The chickadees were chirping, a lone common grackle called for companions, the goldfinches fluttered about, and there were signs of mink and otters up and down the creek (although they never showed their face.).

In the end, when all else fails, take photos of chickadees. They will never fail you.

We are scheduled for 40 degree weather and sunshine beginning Thursday. Bring on the Sunshine!

Day 3: Chickadee profile in leafless tag alders. March 22, 2013.

Day 4: Oak leaf stuck in snow. March 23, 2013

Day 5: Chickadee prepping for slight. March 24, 2014.

Team W

I have had the great pleasure of photographing this amazing family since Corynn was a newborn. The bigger the family gets the cuter they get!

Team W came to the studio this past weekend for a quicky session. Corynn, to my surprise, was all about being a model while the twin boys were just a tad apprehensive about the camera. It really doesn't matter though, their sweetness comes through no matter if they are all smiles or a a smidge grumpy.