Nature and Wildlife Photography by Tom Samuelson: Blog

Minnesota's North Shore

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:05:32 GMT

Spent the weekend along the north shore of Lake Superior for fall color. Most of the color was past peak but I found enough around the lake to fullfill my goal. It was very enjoyable! Hope you enjoy. Images to follow soon.

Thank you.

A Summer of Hummingbirds and Monarchs

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 22:24:07 GMT

In our son's memorial garden, we plant hummingbird and monarch conducive plants. And every calm morning, throughout the summer, I sit out waiting for the hummingbirds to show up. It is a joy of mine all summer long. In late summer, August, the monarchs show up and add to the fun. It is what gives me joy all summer long. All of you have probably had your fill of the hummingbird photos, but as I post this entry, the hummingbirds are still here and the fun will come to an end. It saddens me every year.

However, tomorrow I leave for Montana to chase elk. They are beginning their fall rut and I want to photograph them while I can!!! Look for my photos in a couple of weeks.

I hope you all stay healthy!

Tom

Hummingbirds

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 12:24:01 GMT

Got my first hummingbird of the year this morning. I haven't seen them this early, but I am glad.

Hope all of you are well.

Nevada

Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:06:40 GMT

Just got back from a trip to our great state of Nevada! Had a great time. Caught large Cutthroat trout and photographed. I have acquired a new(old) chevy van that I am converting to a camper van. This trip was its inaugural shake down. Everything worked great and had a great time. Expect more trips like this in the future.

Met some wonderful new friends from Reno which I hope to see in the future.

Hope all is well with you all, it is for me now after getting over cancer!!

Health Update #4

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 19:11:10 GMT

Hello all, I have recently completed some additional tests and reviewed them with my Oncologist. The verdict is....I am cancer free!! A weight has been lifted off me.

Hope all you watch your health and stay safe.

Health Update #3

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:08:38 GMT

As I write this, I believe I am starting the journey back from cancer treatment hell. I am eating normally again and just returned from a family trip to Maine. I had a great time. While the photography was tough to say the lease, I managed to photograph a few Long-Tail ducks but the images need a lot of cropping. I don't like that.

On the way home, I stopped at the southern tip of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes state park for a morning shoot. The sun never showed itself due to the cloud cover but I believe I managed a couple of images which now are on the front slide show.

Thanks all for your patience with me! I appreciate it.

Health Update #2

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:08:21 GMT

To All,

Today, I finished my last treatment for my cancer. There will be, of course, further Dr. visits, but the message I received today was one of great hope and optimism. I do not know any details surrounding her comments but for once, through this treatment process, I have some hope for the future. If any of you have any questions, you are welcome to ask.

I wish all of you well during a time when the world wants to tear itself apart. Be safe and seek happiness. Life is short.

Health Update

Sat, 20 Aug 2022 13:03:44 GMT

Everyone, I have recently been diagnosed with "Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base". My new Oncologist believes we have caught it early and have not found any trace anywhere else in my body. It seems very treatable and I begin those treatments in early September. It is a long treatment cycle and the side effects are more troublesome than the treatment itself. If I am unable to post new images over the next coming months, I hope you all understand. One thing that stands out me is the comment my GP doctor said, "I'm proud of you because you listened to your body and went in to get checked." You all do the same, please. Take care of yourself because you are the only one who can!

Unkown Bee - Please tell me how stupid I am

Sun, 31 Jul 2022 16:26:53 GMT

Hello All, I am no bee expert and have been struggling to ID this bee. Please help and send me the name!!

North Dakota Shorebirds and more

Fri, 20 May 2022 17:10:38 GMT

Hello all, in mid-May, a friend and I set out for central eastern North Dakota for spring migration activity. We found a lot of birds and water. This area has experienced a great deal of rain and there is water everywhere. But we managed to locate and photograph a large variety of bird species. Had a great time. Please enjoy the American Avocet photos. It was a real treasure to photograph.

Black Hills South Dakota

Sun, 24 Apr 2022 12:12:10 GMT

Left on a Tuesday 4/19 and headed west in search of Merriam's turkeys. After spending an evening in Badlands National Park, I arrived in Wind Cave National Park the following day. A friend had communicated decent spots to try for turkeys and so I was dead set to photograph these beautiful birds. It took some doing to achieve my goal because the birds were not at all cooperative; but I did it. Had a great time but cut my trip short due to bad weather.

Wood Ducks and spring plans

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 13:00:28 GMT

I have just posted some new images from my wood duck set up and there will be more (I promise), but first I am heading to South Dakota for Merriam's wild turkey. I have been wanting to do this for several years, so I am "just doing it". Then in May another friend and I are heading to North Dakota for spring migration birds, so come back often to see the results. Would love to hear from you.

Trumpeter Swans

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 23:51:01 GMT

I have been visiting a place that water is kept open during the winter because of the current in the river. Swans have been a regular visitor there and I have enjoyed photographing them. During a recent snowstorm, I was photographing incoming swans during the storm. It was white against white. So, I tried turning one image to black and white. I liked it. What do all of you say??

Lake Superior Ice

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:28:36 GMT

This past weekend, a friend and I ventured north in search of Lake Superior ice. This year there was not much. It hasn't been cold enough to generate the thick 3-to-4-inch ice that creates the beautiful big shards of ice when it collides with the shore. Our timing also coincided with a snowstorm. It wasn't a huge storm but all it brought was gray clouds and awful or no color. So, what do you do when nature gives you grayness? You take what nature gives you and create black and white. I would love to hear from you on whether you like it or not. Does it work?

Bugling Bulls

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 20:53:46 GMT

Northwest Minnesota

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 22:44:43 GMT

This past weekend a friend and I travelled to the northern most part of Minnesota in search of snowy owls. We had received good intel that there were several snowy owls in the area. So we set out to explore...... After a long drive we saw a lot, but photographed absolutely nothing. The picture that adorns this post is the only picture I took. Nothing great but noteworthy in the sense that we obtained very good intel for a next trip. Moral of the story.... Not all trips result in award winning images! We saw a lot of wildlife, many prairie chickens and sharptailed grouse. Lots of Bald eagles but nothing really to photograph. It was a fun adventure with a friend and I had a great time, it's probably the most important thing in life; sharing time with a friend! I hope all of you can enjoy life with a friend!!! Until next time....

Montana Elk

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 12:07:37 GMT

Spent a week chasing elk in Montana. What a great time! I have never been to this spot before and it is NOT a National Park; got lucky and could not have timed my trip any better. Met some great people that will be lasting friends. I plan to do this again. Hope you enjoy.

Summer of 2021

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 22:42:46 GMT

It’s been a summer of joy for me. After our son passed away, we built a memorial garden just off our deck. I was in charge of putting the “infrastructure” in place and my wife was in charge of all of the gardening. This spring she added some plants that are very attractive to Monarch butterflies and Ruby Throated hummingbirds.

Many mornings and evenings, I would take my drink of choice and walk the 30 feet and sit in my lawn chair and just wait for the hummingbirds and monarchs to show up. It’s been very enjoyable watching nature’s beauty “come to me” and all I had to do is photograph it! Simple. No “set ups”. Just patience.

I wish all of you can find joy and peace in these times when the world seems to want to rip itself apart!

Nevada Desert

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 23:54:14 GMT

March 12th, I head to Nevada for photograph the desert environments. I am greatly looking forward to this adventure. I have never been to the place I am going so I am challenging myself! A good two weeks I will be gone so check back in early April!

Well, I am back and had a wonderful trip with a friend!. Lots of great images and several more will be coming soon. It was a great adventure and more adventures are planned. Stay tuned.....

Lake Superior Ice

Sun, 21 Feb 2021 16:27:27 GMT

Over the weekend of Feb 16th 2021, I decided to drive to Minnesota's North Shore in search of stack ice. Saturday was beautiful. Morning and evening light you could not ask for anything better! Sunday dawn very cloudy and more wind. I took advantage of Saturday. It was wonderful. A side note: Saturday morning, I was photographing the ice and about a 100 yards down from me, I watch this guy wander down to the ice and walk right out to the edge and jump in. As it turns out, he had a dry suit on and was photographing the ice from in the water. I told myself I had to talk with this guy and I did. Really cool (literally).

Great Grey Owls

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 17:12:54 GMT

Spent the weekend in Northern Minnesota with a good friend searching for owls. We happened to hit the jackpot! Saw 10 great grey owls! Had a great time. Weather was windy on Saturday, but beautiful on Sunday, roughly 28 degrees and light snow. Filmed a lot and took over 1100 images. Hope you enjoy.

Unidentified bee

Sun, 05 Jul 2020 13:50:33 GMT

For all of you who can identify this species, I would greatly appreciate your input.

In Minnesota on July 4th, I was photographing the stamens on our day lilies when this bee??? landed for only a few seconds. I did not have the time to adjust my f-stop but I got one that is sharp. I am asking for your help in identifying this beautiful insect. Please let me know.

Thanks

Tom

Wood Ducks

Tue, 05 May 2020 02:33:37 GMT

I am fortunate enough to have neighbors who have a pond on their property. They have let me set up a blind and earlier this spring, I put up a new wood duck box close to my blind and fix the other two boxes. Tonight I spent some time in my blind and confirmed that at least one of the boxes are in use and it happens to be the box close to my blind. I am thrilled.

Hope you all are staying healthy and pursuing your dreams! Keep at it.

Snow Trillium

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:25:52 GMT

Here in Minneapolis and southern Minnesota, we just got dumped on with snow! Some parts of southern Minnesota got over 10 inches. So, I just had to get to one of my favorite places for Snow Trillium. Snow Trillium is one of the first to bloom here in Minnesota, so with all the snow, I had to get out. I drove roughly an hour and half south and found one beautiful specimen. There wasn't much to work with as far as background, so I ended up with a lot of the same type of image.

This one I just love. Hope you enjoy. Would love to hear from you.

Beartooths Mountains Montana

Sat, 07 Mar 2020 20:46:18 GMT

Hello Everyone,

I just booked my next mountainous adventure into the Beartooth mountains in southern Montana for late August. Last year I was completely engrossed in the Wind River Range in Wyoming, absolutely beautiful place. I will go back! This year, I decided to do a different adventure; I'll be going into Beartooth mountains just north east of Yellowstone for roughly a week. This will give me time to day hike, photograph and seek out nature's beauty! I am looking forward to going. I'll keep all you posted.

I have returned from my beautiful trip! Met several wonderful people and I feel satisfied with several great images.

Wind River Range

Fri, 30 Aug 2019 20:43:21 GMT

Since the passing of our son, I have been slowly getting back into my passion. The Wind River Range has been calling me for years and I found this location roughly a year ago at this time. Being an independent contractor, I could not throw my clients to the wind and leave. So, I said, "I'll go next year." Well, it's next year and even with the passing of our son, I still needed to go. I am beginning a "new chapter" in my photography. I call it, "Adventure Photography", meaning I find and go to a place I have never been and challenge myself to get 1, 2 or three images I really like. The Wind River trip is the start of my new quest. Please let me know how I did.... I would appreciate your communication.

It is truly an amazing place and I am glad I went! This was a research trip for me and I will definitely go back next year! Unbelievable beauty! If any of you out there are as adventurous as I am, please contact me. I would love to hear from you, even if you don't want to go.

Ethan Samuelson - Our Miracle Boy

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 14:57:10 GMT

On June 20, 2019, our son died due complications with his heart surgery. I am deeply sadden and I will miss a wonderful boy. Because of all he had to endure, we called him "Our Miracle Boy"

Sage Grouse

Sun, 21 Apr 2019 23:34:44 GMT

It's been a while since I last posted, so I want to share with you all my trip out west for sage grouse. Left on a Tuesday morning and drove straight through with a friend. Drove straight to a new LEK and did our scouting and observation. After the birds left in the morning, we placed our blinds for the following morning. Absolutely beautiful morning. No wind, no clouds so I knew the morning behavior would be short lived and it was. However, I came away with some beautiful images. Can't wait until next year!!

However, the trip for me was cut short. My son had to go into the hospital and I had to fly home. Left my vehicle with my friend and he stayed a few more days. My son is doing good, so overall it was a great trip!

Otters

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 14:10:27 GMT

Spent the weekend in northern Minnesota chasing anything we could find. We found Otters, Pine Martens, Spruce Grouse, Blue Jays, one Barred Owl that was not cooperative. No Lynx like last time - darn. Had a great trip, want to do it again.

Olympic National Park

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:15:08 GMT

I haven't posted for a while because of two reasons. First, the summer the doldrums and two we just got back from the Olympic National Park in Washington. As a family(our son lives in Seattle) we toured Olympic and hit the major spots. Hurricane ridge, Hoh rain forest, Ruby Beach and Quinault Lodge. Great trip, but I truthfully came away underwhelmed. The Hurricane ridge was good but the Hoh rain forest was a disappointment. So was Ruby beach. There was hundreds of people. It would have been very difficult to get an image.

Please don't underestimate my how grateful I was to be there, for me, it was both a family trip and research. I do want to go back and research other areas, but unless you spent a great deal of time on obtaining a specific image, it would be difficult to go there. You need to know exactly what you want your image to be, where to get it and then be there at the time of year that will get you that image. I will go back but there are other geographic areas I would love to explore first.

Montana Sage Grouse

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 23:53:14 GMT

Against doctors orders, I decided I could not sit around any longer. So I took off for Montana to search for Sage Grouse. One I have been wanting to go after for years. This now was the time. A long drive and I fought several snow storms, but on the last morning before leaving for home, it all came together. After 2800 images in one morning, I have just started going through all them, but I thought I would post a very small sample. More to come!

Post Surgery

Sun, 25 Mar 2018 22:02:53 GMT

I am back. Not 100% yet, but getting there. I have been out a little (against my Dr's orders) and operating on a very cautious basis. My shoulder is starting to feel a little normal. I have posted a few redhead and goldeneye images that I have been able to obtain before the ice here in Minnesota completely disappears. I have several redhead images but I have picked what I believe to be the best and the ones I really like. Hope you enjoy.

Surgery

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 01:28:09 GMT

Unfortunately, I am having surgery on Feb 9. I had slipped on some ice and landed on my left shoulder and torn my rotator cuff. So, please be patient with my presenting any new images. I will be out of commission for at least 3 months. I hope to be back giving you images in May! Thanks for your patience.

Minnesota North Shore

Sun, 01 Oct 2017 00:49:32 GMT

Spent a few days on Minnesota's North Shore this past weekend looking for fall color. Didn't find much yet. Probably next weekend. Did find a few images worth sharing. Hope you enjoy.

Canada Goose Identification?

Wed, 01 Mar 2017 14:27:58 GMT

Can anyone help me with the identification of this Canada goose, please?. It is very small, much smaller than your normal Canadian. I want to say Cackling but it would be very far outside it's range. My instincts tell me it is a lesser, but I am unsure.

Loons in Minnesota

Tue, 31 May 2016 12:03:50 GMT

Spent the afternoon of Memorial day on a lake searching for loons and their babies. In hind site, it was difficult dealing with all the boaters. Not from a loon perspective, but from all the boat wakes. Rocking in a boat and trying to take loon photographs is not the easiest thing to do. But as it grew closer to sunset, the boat traffic died down and we were able to capture a few images that I like. Hope you enjoy also.

Ducks eating fish

Sat, 13 Feb 2016 01:42:27 GMT

Had the day off so I spent the day in a new area for ducks. Windy and cold, but I was surprised to see Mallards eating fish. Once one had one, others would chase it all over until he/she eat it or dropped it. Fascinating watching the behavior. Also watched a female Redhead dive for fish. I was not as surprised with her doing it because she is a "diving" duck. But mallards, very interesting. Hope you enjoy.

Lake of the Woods County

Mon, 18 Jan 2016 17:15:36 GMT

Spent a long weekend on the border with Canada researching new areas. Found some very beautiful Bohemian Waxwing's, Boreal Chickadee's, Pine Grosbeak's and very cold weather. Sunday morning, awoke to -27 degrees. Long ride home on Sunday night, but had a great time. Saw a lot, photographed a lot; I will go back. Next time, without the cold weather!

Ivory Gull Duluth Minnesota

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 13:57:06 GMT

A juvenile Ivory Gull has shown up in the Duluth harbor and has been sticking around for some time. As a gull of the high artic, it rarely comes this far south. So a friend and I just had to try to capture this rarity. On Sat Jan 9th, we spent the day in the Duluth harbor and was not disappointed. Great looks and photos of a bird I have never seen. It was cloudy and cold, not the best light but you make due with what you have. We also picked up some Herring and Ring-billed Gull photos too. Hope you enjoy.

West Montana

Sun, 30 Aug 2015 14:38:55 GMT

As a self employed individual, every so often I am blessed with having holes in my schedule. The last week of August was just one of those times that I had some time off. So, I decided to hit the trail and head west to western Montana for some fly fishing and photography. Fishing was tough and so was the photography. The western fires in Idaho were casting an awful lot of smoke where I was and you could not even see the mountains; plus it was hot, 90+ degrees and smoky. I did manage to get some images, but nothing earth shattering, but I did get my first Shiras moose and Black billed Magpie.

On my way home, I did a quick stop over in Teddy Roosevelt NP and got some hazy sunset shots before continuing my drive home.

Hope you enjoy.

Badlands of South Dakota

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 13:03:22 GMT

Spent a couple of days in the Badlands of South Dakota chasing a few target species; Swift Foxes, Prairie Dogs and Burrowing Owls. I was successful on all three species, but my burrowing owls came up short as to quality. They were very skittish and I only got a few shots at a very long way away, but I did get my first ever photos! You won't find them on this website due to the quality, but I have made plans to go back and work on a different approach.

Added bonus of having a storm come through and I had left the prairie because I did not want to be stuck out there. So I came into town and went out on the road and found a good overlook. Turned out, it went mostly north of me but got some good images; very cool to watch the storm roll in.

Sturgis was going on at the time and were there bikers. There were motorcycles everywhere; I heard there were over 1.8 million people for the 75th anniversary. Chatted with several and they were very nice people coming from all over America. Even one from Poland. Wow.

Southwest MN Prairies

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:46:54 GMT

Spent two days on the prairies of southwest Minnesota this weekend. I was looking to capture the beauty that exists and I somewhat succeeded. I went to Touch the Sky, Prairie Coteau, Hole in the Mountain, Mound Springs, Yellow Bank Hills. Touch the Sky was good on the north side, Prairie Coteau is good but I find it hard to photograph, Hole in the Mountain was beautiful on Sunday morning!!!!! Calm and beautiful sunrise, but I hate the windmills........ Yellow Bank Hills - didn't stay long. Mound Springs, need to go back there. Saw and photographed my first western kingbird, but it was sitting on a fence Blah..... Then I needed to photograph the Ball Cactus and I won't tell you where that is. It is in one and only one place in Minnesota. While doing that, I was obviously close to a Common Nighthawk nest; never found it but this Nighthawk poised so well for me on a big granite rock that I had to photograph her! I could not believe my luck; just amazing.

Great trip will always go back.

Blue Mounds

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 01:16:47 GMT

My Wife and I spent a short but wonderful trip to Blue Mounds State Park. Upon arriving on Friday night, the rain was just beginning and we found ourselves confined to the car. Soon the rain ended and we found the Cacti to be in bloom (cactus in Minnesota you ask? There are actually three forms of cacti native to Minnesota). It turned out to be a beautiful evening on the prairie! Saturday morning dawned clear and wet from dew. I found little to photograph but soon moved on to prickly pear cactus. The Buffalo wondered my way and I was able to get a few isolated photographs. It turned out to be hot and sweaty but I came away with some decent images. Good memories.

Western Grebes

Sat, 16 May 2015 19:46:12 GMT

It has been a while since I posted here and will post here with a topic that I have never done before; photographing the rushing grebes. Every spring the western grebes arrive and begin their mating rituals. Part of those rituals, is to run on the water. Photographing them is a challenge like no other. I really enjoyed my time with grebes and please enjoy these photos, I had a great time capturing them.

Winter on MN North Shore

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 21:08:43 GMT

My wife and I spent one night in Two Harbors searching for photo ops along the north shore of Lake Superior. Fell many times, my legs hurt, am now sick, but we had a great time with the ice. Please enjoy.

Killdeer Adventure

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 18:22:00 GMT

On roughly July 6th, I happened to find a Killdeer nest. Not knowing when the eggs had been laid, myself along with a couple of friends made the journey to the nest every other day. After some time, we became a little worried that the eggs were not hatching. We already thought that this nest was a re-nest due to the amount of rain Minnesota had received in the spring and early summer. So, on July 30th, we once again made our journey to the nest to "check on things." To our surprise and relief, three of the four eggs hatched. Immediately, we made plans to "be here in the morning". So, we were there before sunrise and waited until it warmed up and we witnessed the fledging of three baby Killdeer. The lighting was not perfect, but it was really cool to witness. For me, this adventure now comes to a close. I hope you enjoy these images.

Lake of the Woods

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:53:38 GMT

This past weekend, my wife and I took a trip up to Lake of the Woods to find the Federally Threaten Piping Plover. We did not find any! There was one nesting bird last year and this year, there are none. I will try again next year, but I do not hold out hope. They may be gone from MN all together. That area has had more rain and Lake of the Woods is rising quickly. We did find a small nesting colony of Common Terns (Common Terns are not so common in MN anymore, it is listed as state threatened) on a very small strip of an exposed sandbar. The next day when we went back there, the birds were being flooded out. The water was rising that fast. I did manage to come away with some images, nothing that I would call great, but it was fun to be out there.

Bog Orchids

Mon, 09 Jun 2014 21:50:13 GMT

A very good friend and I spent the weekend in northern MN searching for orchids of the bog. We found several. Great weekend!!! Several first for me with a few special additions. Namely, Blackburian Warbler and Chestnut Sided Warbler with credit going to my friend for having the means and the patience to get these images. Thanks Joe!

"The Bog"

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 20:32:07 GMT

This past weekend I was able to get away with a couple of friends to "the bog" and found a wonderful Snowy Owl. Could not have had a better time!!!!

Please enjoy.

Minnesota's North Shore in February

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 13:11:37 GMT

My wife was having a "girls weekend away", so a good friend and I did the same. We went to the north shore to check out the ice conditions on Lake Superior. It was wonderful and frustrating all at the same time. Great conditions, but we missed the evening sunset on Sat night........ The place we plan to photograph the ice, we ended up not being able to get down on the ice. Oh, well... Sunday morning was cloudy, so we decided to head to the Sax-Zim Bog. We found only the Snowy owl. Overall, great time.

Snowy Owls

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 23:29:17 GMT

This past Saturday, a friend and I were out looking for Snowy Owls. Well, we found a very cooperative owl. We also had the pleasure to share the day with new friends we met. It could not have been a nicer day! It was nice to meet you Mike and Christine.

Glacial Lake State Park

Fri, 13 Sep 2013 23:14:41 GMT

It has been a few months since I last posted here. I finally spent an evening in the western-northwestern part of the state at Glacial Lake State Park. Wonderful evening to be there. Hardly anyone was there the photography was great. I have posted a few of my favorites; please enjoy.

Snow Trillium and Warblers

Sun, 05 May 2013 03:21:13 GMT

Southeast Minnesota had received several inches of new snow over the last few days, so a friend and I went searching for Snow Trillium. It is usually the first flower of the year, blooming in early April, but with the very late spring, we took a chase and found several peeking through the snow. It is a photo that I have be wanting to get for several years. We also found warblers, both Palm and Yellow-Rumpped feeding along a spring with water cress growing. A hatch of insects were coming off the water and the warblers were feasting on them. So were we with ample photo opportunities. The best have been posted here. Please enjoy. We did!

April Prairie Chickens

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:22:15 GMT

A friend and I visited the northwest corner of MN on April 16th and 17th and winter is not done with that part of the state. It was cold and snowy with little activity from the prairie chickens. In two mornings, we were able to capture a few images with the best coming on the 17th and the morning snow. Great morning to be there to capture the Prairie Chickens fighting on the LEK.

Minnesota's North Shore in February

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 13:44:52 GMT

A friend and I spent a couple of days on the north shore due to the reports of many owls that had ventured south. We found 4 seperate Great Gray owls (each were seen multiple times), 1 Boreal owl, several Bald Eagles, 2 Ruffed grouse. While early morning photo opts were taken along the shoreline, we spent the couple of days with the owls.

Northern Hawk Owl

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 21:34:01 GMT

On a recent trip to the Sax-Zim bog, a friend and I were the recipients to a show we have never seen before! We met a wonderful individual from Moline Illinois who was gracious enough to teach us a few tricks. It was an experience I will never forget. The results are the images of a Northern Hawk Owl you see here on this website. Please enjoy, I did. Thanks Stan!

BWCA Clearwater Lake

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 21:49:31 GMT

In the end of Sept a friend and I spend a few days on Clearwater lake chasing photo opportunities. All photos can be viewed in the my BWCA Gallery. We were unable to complete everything we wanted but there is many photo opportunities there and I will definitely go back.

Yosemite National Park

Wed, 23 May 2012 15:35:01 GMT

In May, my wife and I decided to take in the granduer of Yosemite. Weather was great, but not so for photography. Harsh light and lots of shadows, but we had a great time! Beautiful country and spectaclur scenery. I did manage to get a few shots that I like. Please enjoy.

Sharptails and Prairie Chickens

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:32:06 GMT

March and April (so far) have been very busy. Prairie Chickens and Sharptail photo outings have been a great success this year. Both are something new to photograph. Sharptail are much more aggressive when fighting than Prairie Chckens and don't "hop" as much as Prairie Chickens but they are just as comical. Once they get going, it sounds like a bunch of jackhammers on the LEK. Please enjoy.

Pressure Ridges

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:16:36 GMT

On 3/15/2012 before sunrise, I meet a fellow photographer to shoot some ice formations on a northern MN lake. It was absolutely beautiful! The unseasonally warm temperatures was rapidly melting the ice and we probably got the very last of it before it is gone until freeze up next fall. I was pleased with what I got. You can see them in the Newly Released Images of my website or just watch the slide show on the front page. Please enjoy. It was great.

Banning State Park

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 16:37:26 GMT

On a early March day when the temperature was to be in the 50's, I decided to take in a trip to Banning State Park and photograph the Big Springs area. Dispite the harsh lighting, I managed to capture a few images that I like. I was a great time!

Whitewater State park

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 02:32:38 GMT

Recently a friend and I had an outting to photograph the Whitewater river in SE Minnesota in February. Minnesota has little snow this year but the outting was successful. The best photos came when I put on my boots and waded into the river. Please check my "Whitewater State Park" gallery for those photos.