Back to Work
Friends, i have been busily reviewing my images from 2013 to compile a bird list for my records, i stumbled on this image of a whooping crane that arrived this fall with the sandhill cranes. She is female 10-10 and was hatched and raised in a facility in southern Wisconsin, she was taught to migrate behind an ultralight aircraft and then set free. In this image, the Sandhills were trying to persuade her to dance with them, she tried, til Tomorrow MJ
Hahaha
Friends, while hunting for the Snowy Owl at Crex, all we have found lately has been vertical clumps of snow hanging in the trees. This clump was especially interesting from a distance, but when we got closer, we were royally fooled. Oh well still looking. til Tomorrow MJ
Oak Leaf
Friends, this oak leaf has finally fallen from the tree and is slowly sinking into the snow. I think that this leaf expresses my view of the world today, for i have my holiday cold and my head hurts. Hope you are all well and not like my new computer, it fried its hard drive so i am limping along on my old computer. It should be fixed today, if not then Monday, ( hear Screaming), til Tomorrow MJ
Why We Shoot
Friends, these two images illustrate why we photographers keep shooting the same subject over and over. Perfection is not goal. Both of these are ring necked ducks, but the mood and the light are very different. The experienced nature photographer keeps chasing the light. So in 2014, I hope the light is good to you all. til Tomorrow MJ
Frosty Wolf
Friends, last winter we visited a wolf sanctuary and i captured this timber wolf in a very peaceful pose. It is the right time to visit again when it warms a little, was -28 degrees F this morning, He was lying on the snow with his feet tucked up but the eyes are ready to run or attack as the situation dictates. Flight or fight. til Tomorrow MJ
Frosty Morning
Friends, yesterday we had a little warm-up to 29 degrees F above zero, so Jim and I and the dog went for a stroll in Crex Meadows. Every little detail was covered with hoar frost and I was able to shoot without gloves. What a treat to see the top of tiny trees painted with white, I love the bokeh background in this shot, we did not see the Snowy Owl but heard it was still in the area, maybe we will return today and search for her. til Tomorrow MJ
Splendor in the Snow
Friends, this male pheasant is showing off his finery in the drabness of winter. I love the many patterns and colors on his back, such a lovely bird. Surrounded by snow, he still finds a bit of seed to eat, here and there. We were searching for the snowy owl, but this guy insisted that we take his picture, enjoy til Tomorrow MJ
Cranes are gone
Friends, the Sandhills have left the building, we have received about 18 inches of snow and the cranes found it a bit too much. i wish i could go with them, but need to stay where i am for the time being. This immature crane is leading the way for the adult with oak leaves in the background. enjoy, til Tomorrow MJ
Nuthatch
Friends, this white-breastedd Nuthatch visits the suet feeders quite often during our winter season. He is seen hopping up and down a tree trunk with his you know facing the sky. Further up north these birds are called assups because they often travel upside-down. You get the picture, til Tomorrow MJ
Snowy Owl in the Snow storm
Friends, today we found a Snowy Owl in Crex Meadows.We haven’t seen one of these in Crex since 2005. This shot is really an extreme crop and a big stretch for my telephoto lens, but we were thrilled to see this owl even at a distance. This was a remeinder for me to get back to work after a short hiatus at Thanksgiving. til Tomorrow MJ
MJ Springett 