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Hermit Thrush Among the Redbud Blooms

April 28, 2023 - A cooperative Hermit Thrush perched among limbs of redbud blooms made for a striking subject. Very rarely do these birds...
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Hermit Thrush Among the Redbud Blooms

April 28, 2023 - A cooperative Hermit Thrush perched among limbs of redbud blooms made for a striking subject. Very rarely do these birds...
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Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Ewing-3

April 26, 2023 - These Ruby-crowned Kinglets were all over Ewing Park tonight. They are an early and welcome sign that the migration is i...
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Golden Summer

June 14, 2022 - I Love these vibrant little finches all summer long. They always seem to cheer me up. My grandpa, who was not into birdi...
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Blue Jay on a Spring Day

May 30, 2022 - Simple portrait of a Blue Jay on a Spring Day.
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Ruby-Crowned Kinglet with a Nice Meal

May 27, 2022 - I was lucky to catch this ruby-crowned kinglet with a fresh catch so it would actually sit long enough for a photo. Thes...
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Black-throated Green Warbler with a Worm

May 25, 2022 - This black-throated green warbler found a little worm among the leaves fairly high up in the canopy of leaves. What a st...
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Sweet Posing Great Crested Flycatcher

May 24, 2022 - One of my favorite flycatchers, this great crested flycatcher posed nicely as it had a beautiful spot to watch for any u...
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Philadelphia Vireo

May 23, 2022 - I thought this was another warbling vireo when I first saw it but after looking through my camera's view finder and the...
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Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

May 23, 2022 - I kept hearing this guy calling from up above the canopy of leaves. I thought it was a flycatcher but I wasn't sure so I...
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Summer Song of a Dickcessel

May 22, 2022 - As I was walking the trails at Funk's Grove I heard several Dickcessels singing from the prairie just past the tree line...
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Mississippi Kite Enjoying some Baseball

May 18, 2022 - Not one of my best images, but one I wanted to share...this Mississippi Kite was flying over my son's BHS Freshman baseb...
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Contortionist Cedar Waxwing gets a Berry

May 15, 2022 - This Cedar Waxwing showed off its flexibility as it contorted its neck to pull this berry from the stem. Once again, the...
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Cedar Waxwing In Flight

May 14, 2022 - I always enjoy watching these birds flock together, especially as they find some berries to mack on. I caught this one a...
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A Green Heron at Hidden Creek-3

May 13, 2022 - What a beautiful bird the Green Heron is. This set of images was taken at Hidden Creek Trail in Normal, Illinois.
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Indigo Bunting's Evening Song

May 11, 2022 - The park was quiet tonight, for the most part, except for this beautiful little indigo bunting singing its song. This wa...
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Yellow Warbler at Ewing 2022-2

May 10, 2022 - Yellow warblers, with their vibrant yellow flashes in the shrubs, demand attention every time I come across them. This l...
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Black and White Warbler 2022 at Ewing-2

May 09, 2022 - The black and white warble was one of the first warblers I saw during the migration this spring. It is always to see the...
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Northern Parula Colors

May 08, 2022 - Norther Parula's are gorgeous little migrant birds and I always enjoy their arrival. This particular one seemed to be sh...
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Prothonotary Warbler's Morning Song

May 06, 2022 - Nothing like walking the trail at Centennial Park and hearing a beautiful song through the trees. I managed this photo b...
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Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Series

May 06, 2022 - These images of the Gray-blue Gnatcatcher were taken at Ewing Park on 4-30-22. I love watching these birds and their str...
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Prairie Warbler Series

May 05, 2022 - I've seen several prairie warblers now after never seeing one before this year for McLean County. These rare warblers ar...
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Hooded Warbler at Hidden Creek Trail

May 05, 2022 - What better on a cool, spring day? A Hoodie? This Hooded Warbler series was taken of a vibrant hooded warbler at Hidden...
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Black-throated Blue Warbler Series

May 04, 2022 - This brilliant Black-throated Blue Warbler gave me some of the most beautiful, unobstructed views this evening. What a s...
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Has it Stopped Raining Yet?

May 03, 2022 - Of the two days I've been able to photograph Spring birds this year, it has rained at least part of the day. This beauti...
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Prairie Warbler Taking Flight

May 02, 2022 - I captured this image of the prairie warbler as it was taking off. There is something special about birds and they way t...
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Hooded Warbler is Vibrant in the Shadows

May 01, 2022 - The hooded warbler is a gorgeous little warbler. This little guy was difficult to photograph. It was constantly moving u...
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Prairie Warbler in a Crabapple Tree

April 30, 2022 - I went out in the storms and rain this morning with the hopes of getting to see some warblers and especially the prairie...
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Broad-winged Hawk Perched High

April 28, 2022 - While I was hunting for warblers at Ewing Park, this broad-winged hawk was perched high in the trees hunting for its nex...
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Yellow-rumped Warbler in the Rain

April 28, 2022 - I caught this yellow-rumped warbler flying in-between branches as the rain was falling. The rain didn't slow the warbler...
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Norther Waterthrush Blending In

April 26, 2022 - This little northern waterthrush was hopping around on the dark, damp trail looking for insects. If it wasn't hopping ar...
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Prothonotary Warbler in a Bradford Pear-2

April 25, 2022 - The Prothonotary Warbler is such a beautiful warbler. I was completely surprised to see this breathtaking bird among a g...
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Worm-eating Warbler

April 25, 2022 - Another lifer bird for me yesterday at Ewing Park was the worm-eating warbler. Thankfully a couple of experienced birder...
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Kentucky Warbler

April 24, 2022 - It was so nice being able to get out and photograph some birds tonight. I was even blessed with this lifer bird for me,...
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Foster's Tern

April 18, 2022 - The Foster's Tern was a difficult little bird to get in focus as it would dart by me and swoop down to the water and bac...
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Shorebirds In Flight

April 18, 2022 - There were many flocks of these shorebirds working the mud flats along the inlets at the Russell Burgess Coastal Preserv...
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Red-tailed Hawk B&W Portrait

April 15, 2022 - I really love this intimate black and white close-up of a red-tailed hawk. This beautiful bird was posing in some pretty...
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Laughing Gull Flyby

April 13, 2022 - The laughing gulls were plentiful at Myrtle Beach over Spring Break. This one gave a good flyby to show off the pretty r...
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Great Egret Flying Low

April 04, 2022 - I love watching these elegant birds soaring so low that their large wings almost skim the water.
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Egret Convention

April 02, 2022 - A collection of Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets in the same portion of this coastal creek in the Russell Burgess Coastal P...
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Great Egret Flyby

April 02, 2022 - I was blessed to have this insanely beautiful flyby of this great egret as it flew towards the last bit of evening light...
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Beauty in Brookgreen Gardens

April 01, 2022 - Brookgreen Gardens in South Carolina offered some of the most beautiful and picturesque views out of any organized garde...
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Fulvous Whistling-Duck

March 31, 2022 - This beautiful little Fulvous Whistling-Duck was resting among some leaves along the pond at Brookgreen Gardens in South...
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Snowy Egret

March 30, 2022 - The snowy egrets were plentiful along the East Coast. This particular Egret at Brookgreen Gardens gave me several nice p...
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Posing White Ibis

March 28, 2022 - Among many of the birds I was able to observe in South Carolina was the White Ibis and I have several images of them alo...
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Good Morning North Myrtle Beach

March 27, 2022 - One of the beautiful sunrises we were blessed with over Spring Break on North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
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Female Wolf Stare

March 14, 2022 - An image from my 2019 trip to Wolf Park of a female wolf that I locked eyes with. Her eyes were simply mesmerizing and a...
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Intimate Moment Between Lesser Yellowlegs

December 21, 2021 - I love this moment I captured back in August of two lesser yellowlegs walking together in a flooded farm field. Many tim...
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Backlit Red-tailed Hawk in Flight

December 19, 2021 - A beautiful red-tailed hawk with wings spread to show off those sun-lit feathers. Such a dramatic pose for a beautiful h...
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Polyphemus Moth-8

December 09, 2021 - This polyphemus moth gave us a surprise. We had the plump, green caterpillar for quite a while in our butterfly house wa...
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Beautiful American Kestrel

December 03, 2021 - I locked eyes with this beautiful American Kestrel today. This is the smallest falcon and one of my favorite little bird...
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Juvenile Playing in the Water

December 02, 2021 - A dreamy image of a juvenile bald eagle going for a fish...or maybe just splashing in a puddle like many kids like to do...
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Stillness in Motion

December 01, 2021 - Freezing a moment like this is priceless and never gets old. The beauty and power of a bald eagle fishing is a sight to...
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Fishing in the Fog

November 30, 2021 - Here is an image I came across and remember not editing years ago because of the softer focus but that is exactly why I...
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Standing on the Mississippi

November 29, 2021 - This image was taken on an overcast day with mist on the water. I love the effect it gives to the images. This was take...
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Bald Eagle over the Mississippi in B&W

November 28, 2021 - Pretty scene of a Mississippi River bald eagle soaring with common mergansers and other ducks in the background enjoying...
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Warm Colors on a Cool Morning

November 28, 2021 - There is nothing like sunrise colors on a cool morning to warm the heart.
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Turkey Turkey Day

November 25, 2021 - An image of a male turkey all puffed up taken in the Spring. I figured today was the perfect day to dig it up and edit a...
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Happy Thanksgiving

November 25, 2021 - Just a quick edit to say Happy Thanksgiving!
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Impressive Flyover

November 24, 2021 - This is one of those flyovers that can be common along the Mississippi River. One that is so close that I couldn't even...
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Black and White Eagle in Flight

November 23, 2021 - I went with this high contrast black and white edit for this beautiful bald eagle as it flies into your living room.
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Catching the Fish in Motion

November 22, 2021 - This has quite a bit of blur but in all of the right places. I love the motion conveyed in this image as the eagle swoop...
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A Close Look at a Perfect Catch

November 21, 2021 - This might be my new favorite Eagle images to this point. I love this close-up, intimate look of the eagle mid-flight wi...
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Beauty Along the Banks of the Mississippi

November 20, 2021 - Another blast from the past. I really hope I can get back to see these beautiful birds this winter along the Mississippi...
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Catching Ice Cold Fish

November 19, 2021 - An image from 2015 that I just edited of an American Bald Eagle catching a small fish from the ice cold Mississippi Rive...
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Bald Eagle Black and White Beauty

November 18, 2021 - I'm a sucker for a high contrast black and white and when I can combine that with one of my favorite birds, it is magic.
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Hovering Beauty

November 17, 2021 - Another image of a Mississippi River Bald Eagle that I dug up and edited from the archives. I'm glad I found this image...
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A Barn in a Bean Field

November 16, 2021 - This beautiful old barn was just begging to be photographed. The morning light was perfect and the clouds, shot at a lon...
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Be the Thorn

November 15, 2021 - This palm warbler did its best impersonation of a thorn sitting perfectly still as I took this image.
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Good Morning on the Farm

November 15, 2021 - A cool, crisp morning on a Midwest Farm in Central Illinois.
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Rural Texture

November 14, 2021 - My thinking as I went about this image...I really wanted to show off the textures of this scene with the harvested field...
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Stocking Up for Winter

November 14, 2021 - This Robin has the right idea...stocking up on juniper berries before winter arrives!
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Spectacular Flyover

November 13, 2021 - I have many images in the archives that I haven't edited so it is fun to go back and enjoy/edit them from time to time....
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Gathering Juniper Berries in Evening Light

November 13, 2021 - I caught this yellow-rumped warbler enjoying some juniper berries just as the sun was going down. I just love when I can...
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Swamp Sparrow's Brilliant Colors

November 12, 2021 - The colors and tones on the back feathers of this swamp sparrow are simply amazing.
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Tennessee Warbler Hideout

November 10, 2021 - I took this image back on Oct. 23rd in the Prairie near Lake Evergreen. It was fun spotting this Tennessee Warbler hidin...
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Yellow-rumped Warbler in the Prairie

November 09, 2021 - I love the isolation and colors on this little yellow-rumped warbler as it sits on a stem back dropped by beautiful prai...
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Tucked into the Trees

November 08, 2021 - Beautiful scene of a barn tucked in among the colorful Autumn trees.
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Autumn in the Pasture

November 07, 2021 - This scene caught my eye as I was driving around McLean County in Late October. The trees were starting to change more a...
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Swamp Sparrow Pose

November 06, 2021 - Getting birds in good light is always a challenge but especially some of these sparrows that like to withdrawal into thi...
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Late October in Central Illinois

November 04, 2021 - Just a simple, yet beautiful, panoramic view of harvested fields in the Midwest in late October at sunrise.
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Golden-crowned Kinglet Blending In

November 03, 2021 - I like this angle showing off the colors of the beautiful Golden-crowned Kinglet even if it was blending in nicely with...
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Ruby-crowned Kinglet-3

November 02, 2021 - How cute is this little Ruby-crowned Kinglet from Lake Evergreen? While it looks fairly calm, this little bird was hoppi...
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Northern Harrier Soaring

November 02, 2021 - I believe this is an adult female or an immature Northern Harrier as it was soaring above a plowed corn field in rural M...
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Northern Harrier on a Morning Hunt

November 01, 2021 - I so love these birds...Northern Harriers are fun to watch as they swoop low over fields as they hunt. This image is the...
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Autumn Colors have Arrived

October 31, 2021 - And just like that....the Autumn colors have arrived in Central Illinois. This was taken on Lake Evergreen. There are sp...
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Red-tailed Hawk in Morning Light

October 31, 2021 - I saw so many Red-tailed Hawks this morning and most didn't hang around long enough for a photo. This one, however, stay...
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Orange-crowned Warbler

October 30, 2021 - I don't get to see a lot of these Orange-crowned Warblers, but when I do they are usually late in the season and are str...
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Palm Warbler Vs Spider

October 29, 2021 - I love this image of a palm warbler sneaking up on a totally unsuspecting spider. The second image in this series shows...
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Song Sparrow

October 28, 2021 - While common, song sparrows are still a very beautiful and striking bird. I love all of their dark streaks and patterns.
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Palm Warbler Profile

October 28, 2021 - I just love the sweet, confident pose this little Palm Warbler gave.
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White-crowned Sparrow Glow

October 27, 2021 - I really like the airy, dreamy feel of this image of a White-crowned sparrow. Beautiful bird in a beautiful field.
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Ruby-Crowned Kinglet in Fall Goldenrod

October 26, 2021 - The sea of goldenrod is beautiful in the prairie right now especially when backlit by the sun AND even more so when a pr...
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White-throated Sparrow-2

October 25, 2021 - These White-throated Sparrows were all over the prairie in flocks. Like the white-crowned sparrow, they are a larger spa...
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White-crowned Sparrow-4

October 24, 2021 - The white-crowned sparrow is a strikingly good looking sparrow with the black and white crown on mature birds. They are...
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Morning on the Open Prairie

October 24, 2021 - I was excited to be able to capture this image of an American Kestrel patrolling the prairie for breakfast just before s...
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Harris's Sparrow

October 23, 2021 - The sparrows were in full force in the prairie today around Lake Evergreen. I took 100's of sparrow images. Of course mo...
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Midwest Sunset on Fire

October 22, 2021 - Tonight's sunset was beautiful and vibrant. I will always love and appreciate Midwest sunsets.
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Blue Jay Flyover

October 21, 2021 - While photographing the Osprey on Lake Bloomington, this Blue Jay flew over trying to steal the show. Valiant effort lit...
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Messy Eater

October 19, 2021 - This squirrel was a noisy and messy eater as you can see the crumbs flying. This image was taken at 16000 ISO and I'm so...
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Turkey on the Run

October 18, 2021 - This image was taken on a rainy day in early October as several female turkey were running for cover a tree line as the...
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Swamp Sparrow in Dappled Light

October 17, 2021 - I just love the rich colors and tones in this image of a swamp sparrow. The light was dapple in the thick bushes and ree...
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Great Egret through Fall Leaves

October 16, 2021 - If you have to shoot through foliage, might as well make it pretty, fall colors. While most of our trees haven't changed...
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GBH in Flight at Sunset

October 14, 2021 - A Great Blue Heron in flight is so majestic but even more so in the golden hour sunset.
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Palm Warbler in the Fall

October 13, 2021 - A friendly palm warbler popped in the opening of grass and reeds to give me a nice long look. I was able to get fairly c...
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Swamp Sparrow in some Reeds

October 12, 2021 - I saw the poms of this common reed moving like crazy and so I kept the camera pointed ready to see what bird might appea...
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Red-tailed Hawk Liftoff

October 11, 2021 - Check out this moment as the Red-tailed Hawk was about to take off.
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Red-tailed Hawk Wings Out

October 10, 2021 - I was able to get several images of this beautiful red-tailed hawk this morning. I can't make it out but it was eating s...
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October Sunrise in Illinois

October 10, 2021 - I didn't go out this morning expecting much of a sunrise due to the cloud cover so I was pleasantly surprised to find th...
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Nashville Warbler Blending in with the Goldenrod

October 09, 2021 - It is amazing how many times we walk by these little warblers and don't know they are even there until they fly off. Thi...
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Yellow-rumped Warbler Eating Dinner

October 08, 2021 - Yellow-rumped Warbler enjoying an evening snack of poison ivy berries.
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Ruby-crowned Kinglet

October 07, 2021 - These little Kinglets are fast. This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was cute as he would hang from the side of branches like this.
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Fall Goldfinch on some Spent Thistle

October 06, 2021 - This American Goldfinch found a little perch on a thistle plant.
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Northern Flicker Pose

October 05, 2021 - A Northern Flicker in warm evening light is a view to behold!
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Northern Flicker's Flashy Colors

October 05, 2021 - I absolutely love catching a norther flicker with its wings spread in good light. They have such brilliant colors.
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Osprey Eye Contact

October 04, 2021 - I captured this quick glance as the Osprey flew by at Lake Bloomington. I have always loved the Osprey.
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Double-crested Cormorant Swimming By

October 04, 2021 - I got to watch this double-crested cormorant swim quite close to the shore while hiking at Lake Evergreen. I was on one...
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Lake Bloomington Osprey with a Fish

October 03, 2021 - As I was driving around Lake Bloomington, I noticed the Osprey was out circling over the lake. By the time I got to the...
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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Posing

October 03, 2021 - A nice closeup of the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Posing for me.
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Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Takeoff

October 02, 2021 - Seeing a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on a bare pole so I could get a nice look with no limbs blocking my way was nice but g...
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White-breasted Nuthatch in Autumn

October 02, 2021 - I had just finished hiking one of the trails out at Dawson Lake and was getting ready to leave. As I was closing the car...
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Golden-winged Warbler in the Fall

October 02, 2021 - This brilliant Golden-winged Warbler almost got by me without me getting an image. It is always nice to see one so vibra...
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Common Yellowthroat Basking in the Sun

October 01, 2021 - I wonder why they call them yellowthroats? HA! This little guy was soaking up the morning sun. This was taken out by Lak...
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Black and White Warbler in Action

October 01, 2021 - Action shot of a black and white warbler reaching for a bug that has no idea what is about to happen.
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Chestnut-sided Warbler with a Moth

September 30, 2021 - Sometimes I get lucky with when I catch a warbler with an insect but I feel very blessed when I get bird, insect, and st...
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Black-throated Green Warbler Approaching a White Oak Tree

September 28, 2021 - This black-throated green warbler would hop from branch to branch in this white oak tree, but when it did, it would hove...
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Red-tailed Hawk Flyby

September 27, 2021 - I had this great look of a red-tailed hawk as it flew by. The shot wasn't easy to get with the back light and how fast t...
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Great Blue Heron at Centennial Park in Heyworth Illinois-3

September 26, 2021 - Great Blue Heron at Centennial Park in Heyworth, Illinois.
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Hummingbird Finds a Web-2

September 26, 2021 - This series of ruby-throated hummingbird images was one of the coolest hummingbird experiences I've been able to observe...
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Bay-breasted Warbler Hunting an Ant

September 25, 2021 - This ant had no idea what was about to hit it. The bay-breasted warbler was looking under every leaf in its path. I woul...
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Magnolia Warbler-3

September 23, 2021 - The, always beautiful, magnolia warbler.
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Fall Palm Warbler

September 22, 2021 - I was pleasantly surprised to see some palm warblers flying back and forth from the corn field to the trees along a rura...
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Beautifully Backlit Great Egret

September 21, 2021 - The sun was heavily back-lighting this beautiful Great Egret making it difficult to get a good exposure, but I do love t...
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Great Egret with a Fresh Catch

September 20, 2021 - I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful Great Egret at Lake Evergreen a couple of days ago (9/18) as it was f...
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Black-throated Green Warbler on the Attack

September 19, 2021 - The Black-throated Green Warbler wasted no time going after this unsuspecting insect that invaded its airspace.
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Late Summer Sunrise in Illinois

September 18, 2021 - This morning's sunrise was as beautiful as ever with a striking dramatic sky. Love when the clouds reflect that fiery or...
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Small but Beautiful-6

September 17, 2021 - It is important to stop and enjoy the beauty in the small things in nature while out birding. There is always so much li...
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Black-throated Green Warbler Posing

September 16, 2021 - Its always nice when you know a little warbler is moving among the leaves and you prefocus on a spot just hoping and wai...
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Blackburnian Warbler Wings Up

September 15, 2021 - I caught this blackburnian warbler just as it landed on this limb showing off the beautiful colors and markings on its s...
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Double-breasted Cormorant Panoramic

September 15, 2021 - 3 Double-breasted Cormorants in this panoramic image at sunrise.
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Vibrant Canada Warbler

September 14, 2021 - I was so excited that this little Canada Warbler popped out of the leaves to give me a good look. I usually don't get a...
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Beautiful Doe Along the Kickapoo Creek

September 14, 2021 - I was looking for warblers high up in the trees so intently that I almost missed this beautiful doe watching me through...
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Double-crested Cormorant at Sunrise

September 13, 2021 - A Double-crested Cormorant enjoying a beautiful sunrise at Heyworth Centennial Park in Central, Illinois.
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Snacking Squirrel at Ewing Park

September 12, 2021 - This squirrel was so cute as it was eating its snack in the tree, quite loudly I might add. I could help but smile as I...
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Black-and-white Warbler at Ewing Park-2

September 12, 2021 - The black-and-white warbler doesn't get always get a much attention as the more colorful warblers, I really do love thei...
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Black-throated Blue Warbler

September 11, 2021 - I was so very excited to see this warbler this morning at Heyworth Centennial Park. This black-throated blue warbler was...
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Golden-winged in Golden Light

September 09, 2021 - This beautiful golden-winged warbler gave a very nice pose looking into the light.
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Red-eyed Vireo Profile

September 09, 2021 - I love when the light hits the eyes just right showing off the beautiful red eyes of these vireos.
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A Nashville and Tennessee Warbler

September 08, 2021 - Sweet little Tennessee Warbler...I saw this bird the same day I found a Nashville Warbler. Yes!
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Black-throated Green Warbler Browsing the Web

September 07, 2021 - I saw more little warblers and even a hummingbird looking at spider webs for insects in could steal. They were browsing...
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Golden-winged Warbler Attacking an Insect

September 06, 2021 - I had a fun time watching this golden winged warbler checking all of the dead leaves of this tree looking for breakfast.
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Mourning Warbler

September 05, 2021 - I was very excited to find this mourning warbler this morning on a very nice and cool day. With the crisp 59 degree in t...
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Killdeer

September 04, 2021 - Killdeer were very active in the flooded fields I was photographing around Bloomington/Normal. While this large plover i...
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American Redstart -2

September 02, 2021 - I'm seeing a bunch of American Redstarts lately, which means more and more warblers should be migrating through now. Her...
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Least Sandpiper

September 01, 2021 - This little shore bird is a Least Sandpiper, I believe. It was much smaller than the other shore birds and stuck to the...
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Lesser Yellowlegs Looking for a Sunset Snack

August 31, 2021 - The beautiful light and reflection make this image really pop. I love how the eye is reflected just above the water line...
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Solitary Sandpiper

August 31, 2021 - I managed to capture this pretty Solitary Sandpiper as it flew by low above the water. I love that it showed off those b...
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Wilson's Phalarope

August 30, 2021 - I believe this is a Wilson's Phalarope. It was fascinating watching them swim in circles (there were 2 of them). I didn'...
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Lesser Yellowlegs Liftoff

August 30, 2021 - I was thankful to capture this moment of a lesser yellowlegs taking off from the water. It all happens so quickly and ma...
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Barn Swallow in Flight in Golden Light

August 25, 2021 - I so enjoyed myself while photographing these barn swallows swooping low over the water for insects among the shore bird...
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The Next Step of a Lesser Yellowlegs

August 24, 2021 - It is amazing watching shore birds work shallow ponds and puddles. I sat for hours watching these lesser yellowlegs movi...
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Check Out those Yellowlegs

August 24, 2021 - Just a couple of Dowitchers checking out the Yellowlegs strolling by.
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Lesser Yellowlegs Race

August 23, 2021 - A couple of lesser yellowlegs chasing each other off "their" spots.
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Preening Short-billed Dowitcher

August 23, 2021 - I got this pretty cool angle of the short-billed dowitcher preening itself. What great balance!
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Wading Short-billed Dowitcher

August 22, 2021 - Just enjoy the beauty of this wading Short-billed Dowitcher as you end the weekend and gear up for a new week. I know it...
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Flock of Foraging Shore Birds in Evening Light

August 22, 2021 - The last bit of light illuminated these beautiful shore birds as they foraged for food. I believe these are short-billed...
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Shore Birds on the Move

August 22, 2021 - Every now and then the shore birds would take flight and make a loop around the field puddle and reposition. I'm not a g...
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Lesser Yellowleg in B&W

August 21, 2021 - The reflections on the standing water in this rural field were amazing last night and the light was perfect. Perfect for...
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Driving into the Rocky Mountains

August 14, 2021 - I don't normally use many images shooting through car windows but I felt this one offered a pretty scene of the ride fro...
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Colorado Whitetails-8

August 13, 2021 - The Whitetail Deer population is alive and well in Colorado. A doe and 2 fawns would stroll through the yard almost dail...
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Rocky Mountain Beauty

August 12, 2021 - This striking view caught my eye while hiking a short trail near Breckenridge. The sun blasting through hazy clouds illu...
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Moody Mountain View

August 12, 2021 - The clouds add such a great mood to the mountain views and make for some great black and white images.
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Soaring Mountain High

August 11, 2021 - I was lucky to get this image of this red-tailed hawk soaring into the scene as I was trying to compose an image of this...
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Breckenridge in the Clouds

August 10, 2021 - Check out this view of a few of the peaks and ski slopes of Breckenridge, Colorado. The skies seemed so close that you c...
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Devil's Head in the Front Range

August 10, 2021 - I hear the Devil's Head Fire Tower Lookout is a pretty amazing view and someday I'd like to check it out, but it is curr...
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Morning in Castlewood Canyon

August 09, 2021 - Castlewood Canyon was a pretty cool state park not far from Castle Rock. The bluffs were beautiful and the plants and bi...
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Black-headed Grosbeak

August 09, 2021 - Another cool first time bird I photographed in Colorado last week...a female/immature Black-headed Grosbeak. I spent wee...
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Broad-tailed Hummingbird-5

August 08, 2021 - I really enjoyed photographing 3 types of hummingbirds in Castle Rock, Colorado. All 3 were new to me...the Broad-tailed...
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Castle Rock, Colorado

August 08, 2021 - I just love this image of a neighborhood in Castle Rock, Colorado resting in the shadows of the mountains to the West....
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Pikes Peak from Castle Rock

August 06, 2021 - Here is a two image panorama of Pikes Peak as seen from the base of Castle Rock, Colorado. This image features I-25 alon...
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Good Morning Deer

July 19, 2021 - This deer surprised me as I rounded the corner of the trail she raised her head from the leaves. She sat for a long time...
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Midwest Dusk

July 17, 2021 - A peaceful, tranquil scene in the Midwest worthy of a photograph.
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Red Winged Blackbird in Good Light-3

July 16, 2021 - Beautiful Red-Winged Blackbird in good light at Shroeder nature preserve last week. This bird was fine with flying form...
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Sassy Doe

July 13, 2021 - I feel like she was getting fresh with me.
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Eastern Meadowlark-1

July 10, 2021 - The Eastern Meadowlark is one of those birds that makes their presence known from their calls along country roads, field...
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A White-tail in the Prairie

July 09, 2021 - I took this image from my car as I was leaving Shroeder Nature Preserve in McLean County. It was pretty awesome seeing t...
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Young Buck Springing Through the Beans

July 09, 2021 - I estimate this young buck cleared 4 rows of beans per leap. Impressive leaping ability!
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Mourning Dove Sitting Pretty

July 09, 2021 - I love the common, yet beautiful, mourning dove. They are in abundance in North America. I also love the sound their win...
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Ruby Throated Hummingbird Hovering

July 08, 2021 - It was a beautiful night with beautiful light to get hummingbird images. Here is a ruby throated hummingbird hovering ni...
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Barn Swallows Getting Fed

July 08, 2021 - A two-image series of a barn swallow feeding its fledglings. The past week and a half swallows have been swooping fields...
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Young Central Illinois Buck

July 08, 2021 - This was taken on my way home after driving around Lake Evergreen. I spotted this young buck with velvet still on his de...
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Yellow-billed Cuckoo

July 07, 2021 - A cool bird that I usually hear more than I see and now I can say I finally have a good usable image of one. There were...
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Tree Swallow Skimming the Pond for Bugs

July 07, 2021 - Another image of a bird in flight flying fast and low over the pond. The swallows are fun to watch as they pick off bugs...
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Cruising Spotted Sandpiper

July 06, 2021 - I observed several swallows working this pond for insects but this spotted sandpiper surprised me as it whipped by acros...
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Flying Into the Last Remaining Light of the Day

July 06, 2021 - This might be my new personal favorite cardinal image. The light in the wooded area was almost gone as the sun was close...
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Common Yellowthroat Singing From a Compass Plant

July 05, 2021 - The prairie is full of these tall compass plants sticking up through the sea of perennials. They have beautiful yellow b...
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4th of July in Central Illinois

July 04, 2021 - In an attempt to get some Bloomington/Normal rireworks to celebrate 4th of July 2021, we went out looking for a fairly r...
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Female Orchard Oriole Says Happy 4th!

July 04, 2021 - The orioles, both the Baltimore and Orchard, were out if full force this week at Lake Evergreen. I'll share a series of...
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Female Red-winged Blackbird with a Moth

July 03, 2021 - I watched this female red-winged blackbird flying all over the place and when it finally flew by in a straight line, I n...
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Evening Song by a Dickcissel

July 03, 2021 - These vibrant little birds have been lining the prairie singing their songs from all directions. Dickcissels were everyw...
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Eastern Towhee Making Himself Heard

July 02, 2021 - I always enjoy hearing their song carrying through the prairie. The eastern towhee has striking looks especially with th...
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Storming on the Plains

July 02, 2021 - One of the many waves of storms that pushed through Central Illinois last week.
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Portrait of a Female Blue Grosbeak

July 01, 2021 - I spent another evening with this Blue Grosbeak pair as they worked hard catching insects and taking them to their fledg...
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Blend In Young Buck

July 01, 2021 - While hiking I saw some dear across the bean field. If I wasn't looking through my camera/lens, I totally would have mis...
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Female Blue Grosbeak-1

June 30, 2021 - This female blue grosbeak has become one of my favorite little birds. Unlike the male blue grosbeak, she has been very a...
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Barns in a Storm

June 29, 2021 - I drive by these barns from time to time and always thin what a great subject for a photo in the right conditions. Yeste...
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Male Blue Grosbeak

June 29, 2021 - I had fun taking photos of a male and female blue grosbeak at Lake Evergreen last night. The storms rolled through and t...
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Acadian Flycatcher

June 25, 2021 - I spotted this sweet little flycatcher along the gold mine trail in Tazewell County, near the Mackinaw River. I can neve...
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Leaping Through the Fields

June 24, 2021 - I startled this doe as she was feeding in the fields...she startled me too. I didn't know she was there until I heard so...
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The Beautiful Chipping Sparrow

June 23, 2021 - I love the markings of the chipping sparrow. The best thing about photographing small birds that are always on the move...
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Indigo Bunting Peeking Through the Wildflowers

June 22, 2021 - There were so many indigo buntings patrolling the wooded areas near the Mackinaw River in Tazewell County today. I was h...
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Bluejay with a Bug

June 19, 2021 - Going through some images I took this spring and I came across this one of a bluejay that had been hopping around on the...
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Magnolia Warbler Looking for Bugs

May 27, 2021 - I know I got in a little late on the warbler action this year and pretty much only saw a few varieties. The magnolia war...
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Singing Gray Catbird

May 26, 2021 - I could listen to these Gray Catbirds sing all day long...such beautiful songs! This was taken May 19th at Ewing Park in...
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Posing Scarlet Tanager

May 24, 2021 - I was in awe of this posing scarlet tanager in beautiful evening light last Wednesday. Despite having vibrant colors, he...
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Red-eyed Vireo Among the Honeysuckle

May 23, 2021 - I was happy to just enough light on the eye of this pretty vireo to see the red. Such a sweet little bird surrounded by...
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Olive-sided Flycatcher with a Bee

May 22, 2021 - The flycatchers have been out in full force at Ewing this week and this olive-sided flycatcher is one of my favorites. I...
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Hooded Warbler Series

May 20, 2021 - An image from a series of images of this beautiful little hooded warbler.
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Hooded Warbler

May 19, 2021 - I'm very excited about this hooded warbler that I spotted this evening at Ewing park. I was heading back to the parking...
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Inquisitive Cardinal

May 18, 2021 - I love when a bird poses for me. Usually I only get a second or two before they fly off, hop to another branch, or duck...
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Magnolia Warbler Among the Leaves

May 16, 2021 - I love this image of a sweet little magnolia warbler spotted through the thick branches and leaves. It shows just how di...
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Chestnut-sided Warbler Basking in the Glow

May 15, 2021 - Life has been busy and full lately, which has limited my ability and energy to get out and enjoy the spring migration. Y...
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Pretty Pitbull

March 28, 2021 - Here is Bella, the first of our 2 puppies we adopted in the winter. She is so sweet and loving to our family, and especi...
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Sneaking a Peek

March 27, 2021 - So our family adopted two puppies leading into winter. This is Kip and we get a kick out of Kip's stare. He is always wa...
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Basking in the Sunrise

March 23, 2021 - I really enjoyed this tranquil scene of this barn basking in the warm light of a sunrise reflected in the windows.
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Good Morning McLean County

March 22, 2021 - When my daughter asked, "Dad can we go get some photos in the morning for my art class?"... I said "you bet!" We stumble...
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Great Blue Heron In Flight

March 07, 2021 - The great blue heron is such a majestic bird. They cast an unmistakable shadow as they fly over.
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Dramatic Ring-billed Gull Catch and Eat

March 06, 2021 - These Ring-billed Gulls can be fun to watch fish. They aren't an eagle but they are quite agile in the air. I love that...
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Ring-billed Gull Suspended in Air

March 04, 2021 - I was able to freeze this moment as the ring-billed gull made a dive and came up empty. The suspended-in-midair pose loo...
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Common Mergansers on the Move

March 03, 2021 - Beautiful male and female common mergansers on the move, low over the water. When these water fowl decide to take off, I...
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Common Goldeneye Landing in a Foggy Mist

March 02, 2021 - Four males and a female common goldeneye flying in on Lake Evergreen with a thin mist on the lake. I believe there is a...
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The Point of No Return

March 01, 2021 - A ring-billed gull diving beak first into the water to fetch a fish that it spotted well above the water. The whole proc...
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Showing Off In Flight

February 28, 2021 - One of the signs of early spring in our area are the numbers of ring-billed gulls fishing in the open waters of frozen l...
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Tufted Titmouse Bath Time-4

February 28, 2021 - How cute is this tufted titmouse bathing in a puddle along the trail? It was enjoying the ice cold bath and then would s...
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What a Sunset

February 27, 2021 - I was blessed with this incredible sunset on the way home from photographing birds at Lake Evergreen tonight. I pulled d...
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Saturday Morning in Central Illinois

February 27, 2021 - The full moon was beautiful this morning. I found this sleepy little farm north of Bloomington, IL to make this image....
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Texture

February 26, 2021 - I was struck by the various examples of texture in this scene. The board of the dock leading into the rocks and prairie...
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Spotted

February 24, 2021 - I think she spotted me before I spotted her but, ultimately, we were both spotted. I appreciate the simplicity of this l...
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As Dusk Nears

February 22, 2021 - I love these moments of the day just as the sun sets and the light is at its best. It is a magical and peaceful moment t...
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Young White Tail

February 21, 2021 - A cute youngling slowly walks through the snow...such a sweet face.
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Midwest Winter Tones

February 14, 2021 - I love the color palate of winter and especially the tones in this image. The muted blues and beige colors work incredib...
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Evening Meal

February 13, 2021 - A peaceful scene of several does enjoying a meal before before sunset. There wasn't much available light for this image,...
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Hunting Fox

February 12, 2021 - I interrupted this fox as he was hunting just before sunset...either that or he was pooping. I'd like to think he was hu...
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Horned Lark on the Roadside

February 10, 2021 - Horned Larks typically fly off before I can get close enough, but this little guy stayed long enough to give me a good l...
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Lurking in the Grass

February 09, 2021 - So I went for a rural drive tonight to see if I could find some pretty winter landscapes to photograph. I went East of t...
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Dark-eyed Junco Found a Patch to Feed

February 08, 2021 - This sweet little dark-eyed junco found a small patch of grass to find something to eat.
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Midwest Beauty

February 07, 2021 - There is beauty all over the Midwest. In my pursuit for the next nature/wildlife image, I stumble upon many breathtaking...
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Fox Stare as the Snow Begins to Fall

February 06, 2021 - I was gifted this encounter with a beautiful fox this afternoon. It was just as the snow started falling. You can see th...
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Pretty Robin in a Juniper Tree

February 06, 2021 - One of my favorite little trees to check this time of year because it attracts all kinds of birds looking for food is th...
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A Doe at Sunset

February 05, 2021 - I usually always see deer in the fields around Lake Evergreen in the evening, but they typically just blend in with the...
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The Last Bit of Light

February 04, 2021 - Ice fishermen pulling their sleds of gear on their way back from a day of ice fishing. As they walked by they said "sorr...
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Reflection of Colors

February 03, 2021 - Tonight's sunset was beautiful. I had tonight marked on my calendar for the past week because the app I use indicated th...
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B&W Eagle Wingspan

February 02, 2021 - Here is another, previously unedited, eagle image from the archives taken from 2016. Check out this full wing extension.
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Dreaming of Eagle Flyovers

February 01, 2021 - I'm really missing seeing these beautiful eagles on the Mississippi River. I decided to dig through my archives to edit...
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Dark-eyed Junco Showing off the Markings

January 31, 2021 - A beautiful little Dark-eyed Junco was sitting among the icy and snowy branches and showing off the beautiful markings o...
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Bald Eagle at Sunset on the Mackinaw

January 28, 2021 - When I took this image I didn't think it would turn out. I tried to expose for the eagle while still preserving the suns...
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Weathered Old Barn

January 27, 2021 - I've photographed this barn before but with each passing season, it gains more character. The stories this old barn coul...
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Winter Path

January 25, 2021 - Winter trails are some of my favorite to explore. They offer a cool and refreshing air with a silence that hits differen...
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Perched Eagle in a Winter Scene on the Mackinaw River

January 24, 2021 - Taken last week (1-17-21) during the snowfall on the Mackinaw River. Simple black and white of a beautiful and serene sc...
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Central Illinois Eagle

January 22, 2021 - I was able to escape for a little camera time this evening after school. I decided to venture out to the Mackinaw River...
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Belted Kingfisher on a Wire

January 18, 2021 - The snow didn't stop this belted kingfisher from intently watching the Mackinaw River below for an afternoon meal.
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Rural Winter Landscape

January 16, 2021 - Just a simple rural winter landscape with mood.
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Great Blue Heron Enjoying Winter Peace

January 13, 2021 - A Great Blue Heron chilling in this peaceful winter cove made for a serene scene.
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Winter Creek Bed

January 08, 2021 - The water levels at Dawson Lake were already very low so when the ice and snow storm hit, it created this beautiful scen...
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Do You Want to Have a Picnic?

January 07, 2021 - This looks like a COOL place to have a picnic.
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Pileated Woodpecker is 2021 Bird of the Year

January 07, 2021 - The Pileated Woodpecker is ABA's 2021 Bird of the Year. It just so happens I spotted my second ever pileated woodpecker...
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Alone in Thought

January 06, 2021 - Peace, solitude, and alone in thought.
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Winter Oasis

January 06, 2021 - The sense of peace that comes over me when I find spots like this to think about my composition and camera settings whil...
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Silver Scene

January 05, 2021 - There were multiple scenes that took my breath away including this view of the snowy banks along the lake with the trees...
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Tufted Titmouse on a Snowy Branch

January 05, 2021 - Today is National Bird Day which, naturally, calls for a bird image. Here is one of my favorite little birds to watch in...
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Red Barn in the Midwest Tundra

January 04, 2021 - I've always been a sucker for red barns and this one caught my eye among the fields of snow and trees of ice.
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Flying in a Winter Wonderland

January 03, 2021 - What a beautiful morning it was at Dawson Lake this morning. I spent several hours making images. Here is the first of m...
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Deer in the Thickets

January 02, 2021 - I watched about 30 deer cross the street from the plowed fields to this amazingly lit prairie grass. I was patient and l...
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Winter Tree of 2020

January 01, 2021 - One of my last images of 2020. This lone tree in a quiet field on a hazy, winter day struck the right mood for the momen...
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Field Catching the Light

December 22, 2020 - I couldn't pass up this grass field as it caught the sunlight at dusk.
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Winter Solstice Moon

December 21, 2020 - We were able to see and get a blurry image of the conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter but nothing post worthy. The moon, h...
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Songs of Summer by a Song Sparrow

August 29, 2020 - Beautiful morning, beautiful colors, and a beautiful song. I'm going to miss summer.
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Finding Light in the Shadows

August 28, 2020 - Sometimes the image is found in the shadows. Look for the light in all places...it is there if you look.
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Monarch on a Milkweed

August 27, 2020 - Monarchs and Milkweed - they just go together.
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King of the Field

August 25, 2020 - I loved watching this male gold finch in the sunflower field. There were many birds around but this gold finch sure seem...
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Standing Out

August 24, 2020 - This sunflower wasn't afraid to stand out and shine bright.
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Craving the Morning Light

August 22, 2020 - On a cool, damp, foggy morning, a sunflower stands tall craving the sun's warm light.
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Sneaky Coyote on the Banks of the Mackinaw

August 21, 2020 - As I was photographing the sunflowers atop the bluff along the Mackinaw River, I peeked over the side and spotted this c...
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Hummingbird and Butterfly- Sharing is Caring

August 20, 2020 - How about this cute photo of a ruby-throated hummingbird and a monarch butterfly sharing a single milkweed bloom. It was...
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Sunflower Dew

August 16, 2020 - Make sure to zoom in on this one. There was a thick layer of morning dew when I took this image along with a blanket of...
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Patrolling the Sunflower Field

August 15, 2020 - Another image of the indigo bunting I shared from yesterday as he was hopping around in this sunflower field. Again, I f...
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Indigo Bunting on a Sunflower

August 14, 2020 - I went out yesterday morning with the intention of taking some landscape images, but this beautiful little bird made me...
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Sunflowers at Sunrise

August 13, 2020 - This morning was absolutely beautiful. It was a crisp 64 degrees, dew covering everything, a slight fog hovering over so...
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Seen Many Storms

July 16, 2020 - Oh the storms this old barn has seen while sitting in a Midwest field among the corn and bean fields.
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Freshly Watered Fields

July 15, 2020 - I love the beauty of a field that has been freshly rained on. The green just seems more green and the smell of fresh rai...
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His Light Shines

July 13, 2020 - Even in our darkest times, His Light shines. I continue to pray and keep faith that we will be able to overcome this dif...
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Wall of Rain

July 13, 2020 - And just like that the skies opened and the rain fell. I love this image of the light rays from the sun piercing the clo...
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In Comes the Storm

July 13, 2020 - Here is another image of the incoming storm that features a bean field and the small grove of trees on the right. The cl...
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Storms Moving in Over Sunny Fields

July 12, 2020 - I was able to drive out in front of some of the storms that hit Bloomington yesterday afternoon. Here is one of the imag...
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Summer Storm Rainbow

July 11, 2020 - I was able to to capture a rainbow this afternoon left by the storm warning that hit McLean County today. I had to shoot...
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Bluebells in Bloom

March 16, 2020 - One of my favorite local Spring events is the blooming of the bluebells. My wife and I enjoy taking a hike as a family t...
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Peaceful Memory

March 16, 2020 - Vacations are fun and exciting, but also busy and fast-paced. Moments like this one where you can soak in a sunset with...
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Sunny Afternoon Snack

March 16, 2020 - One of my favorite little birds to watch during the hot mid-summer months is the goldfinch. Their high-pitch chirp and t...
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Inquisitive Bird

March 16, 2020 - Every now and then these eagles fly by with some inquisitive glances. Here is an eagle giving me that look.
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Due for a Mani

March 16, 2020 - Great form, beautiful tail drag, on target...if only it could have had a manicure before the photoshoot.
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Natural Power and Grace

March 16, 2020 - This all happens so fast that I feel very fortunate to have caught this exact moment at this angle with that perfect gol...
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Restful Winter

March 07, 2020 - I made this image a couple of weeks ago when there was still ice on the lakes. This image conveys the peace and quiet fo...
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Great Horned Owl at Dusk

February 24, 2020 - In my pursuit to get the best nature images possible, I sometimes get hung-up on the technical aspects of an image. Trul...
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Ring-Billed Gull Fishing

February 23, 2020 - As I drove around Dawson Lake at Moraine View State Park today, I couldn't help but noticed the numbers of Ring-Billed G...
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Portrait of a Roar

October 29, 2017 - Just a simple black and white portrait of Zenda, the Lion, at Brookfield, Zoo.
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Lion Love

October 20, 2017 - Zenda and Isis demonstrated this public display of affection. I felt very lucky to capture this exchange. This was a sup...
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King's Glare

October 06, 2017 - How would you like to be on the other end of this glare in the wild?
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The King of Brookfield

October 03, 2017 - Patience....patience is the lesson behind this image. I went straight to the big cats enclosure on this cool, seasonal d...
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Solar Eclipse Over Bloomington Illinois

August 21, 2017 - An image of the solar eclipse on August 21st, 2017 as seen over Bloomington, IL. Unfortunately we had some clouds and ra...
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Pretty Summer Colors

August 09, 2017 - Animals aren't the only photo opportunities at Brookfield Zoo. Make sure you enjoy the grounds, beautiful landscaping, a...
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Brookfield Zoo Giraffe 1

August 06, 2017 - The giraffe at Brookfield were feeling quite sassy with many faces being made. They are truly one of the most majestic a...
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Mexican Grey Wolf Pup

July 31, 2017 - A Mexican Grey Wolf pup on point.
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Peek-A-Boo Orangutan

July 29, 2017 - I love the Orangutans at Brookfield Zoo. They offer the cuteness and "awwwww" moments of watching mother, Sophia, with h...
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Dreaming Big

July 26, 2017 - I believe this is Zachary, the youngest of the Western Lowland Gorillas at Brookfield Zoo. I have several images of him...
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How You Doing?

July 11, 2017 - How about this image of a male cardinal checking himself out? I found it quite funny as he kept cocking his head back an...
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Bumble Bee at Work

June 29, 2017 - A Bumble Been doing his work as he hovers from flower to flower.
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I Can't Believe My Eyes

June 22, 2017 - It is always a treat capturing expressions in nature. I love the look on the expressive eyes as this baby raccoon peers...
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Peek-A-Boo Raccoon

June 21, 2017 - The baby raccoon wasn't so sure about me at first. He had to evaluate the situation before he began his thievery.
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Little Burglar

June 20, 2017 - Busted this baby burglar raccoon as he fed on seed in the feeder tray at Funk's Grove.
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Baby Raccoon

June 18, 2017 - A sweet baby raccoon I encountered today while taking some photos of the birds at bird feeders at Funk's Grove. This chu...
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Controlling the Skies

February 17, 2017 - There is no questioning who is in charge when this eagle patrols the skies above the Mississippi. There are literally th...
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Fiercely Determined and Focused

January 28, 2017 - Check out the determination and focus on this eagle. They can look so intense and fierce when they are on the hunt. All...
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The Launch

January 25, 2017 - I managed to capture this image of this eagle taking off from the tree it was perched on. It all happened so fast that o...
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Golden Hour Light on an Eagle

January 24, 2017 - I'm digging the golden hour light that this eagle is basking in. This is the color straight out of the camera. I've view...
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Powerful Eagle Black and White

January 22, 2017 - I felt it was time for a good black and white image and this eagle image screamed black and white to me. I love the cont...
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Beautiful Day for this Eagle

January 21, 2017 - Beautiful light was illuminating this beautiful bald eagle as it soared among the 100's of waterfowl on the river this c...
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Juvenile Bald Eagle Showing Off

January 20, 2017 - Feast your eyes on this gorgeous juvenile bald eagle in action! It had no problem swooping in and getting this fish. Wha...
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Head On with an Eagle

January 17, 2017 - Love when I get these "eye-contact" moments especially when the eagle is flying right at me.
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Eagle Just Missed

January 14, 2017 - Check out this handsome looking eagle...he just missed getting a fish, but he managed to swing around and get it the sec...
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Impressive Flyover

January 11, 2017 - Maybe not my cleanest image ever, but it sure demonstrates the imposing presence these eagles make flying overhead this...
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Three's a Crowd

January 09, 2017 - A sunny perch on a cold afternoon...although it looks like one is really letting the other have it. Its fun to watch the...
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Low Perspective of an Eagle Fishing

January 08, 2017 - This is one of my favorite images from my shoot on Jan. 6th. It was late in the day and the light was getting low (that...
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Eagle Examining the Catch

January 07, 2017 - I'm loving this moment captured of the bald eagle checking out the fish and making sure it has a good grip. Such a cool...
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1st Bald Eagle Image of 2017 001

January 06, 2017 - I was able to return to my happy place along the Mississippi River today at Lock and Dam 14 to photograph my favorite wi...
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Autumn Heaven

November 14, 2016 - What a perfect fall evening at the campground for a campfire and peace.
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Curious Little Hummingbird

September 13, 2016 - This little hummingbird and I made eye contact for just a split second and luckily I pressed the shutter button at the r...
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Common Buckeye Butterfly in Warm Light

September 10, 2016 - How about the warm glow of light on this Common Buckeye Butterfly? I'll take God's natural light any day of the week.
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Hummingbird in a Golden Wonderland

September 10, 2016 - It is pretty astounding to see the sun hit these fields creating a golden pasture. If you sit and just watch, you can se...
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Peering Wings of a Common Buckeye Butterfly

September 06, 2016 - Beautiful Buckeye Butterfly nestled in the allium blooms soaking in warm afternoon sunlight. The markings on the wings a...
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Ruby-throated Hummingbird Liftoff

September 05, 2016 - There is something inspiring about watching these tiny hummingbirds go about their business. They are fast and fearless...
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Bottoms Up

August 23, 2016 - My in-laws planted sunflowers in their garden this year and the gold finches are loving the fresh seeds. Such a beautifu...
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Soaring in Rare Air

April 18, 2016 - Its been quite some time since I've edited and uploaded an image. This was another eagle image from back on Jan. 18th. N...
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Strong American Eagle

April 03, 2016 - I love this pose and side profile of the eagle's head and eye. I am careful when making black and white images not to ma...
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Locked On and Loaded

April 02, 2016 - This eagle is locked on to the target and talons are loaded and ready to grab a fish. I love the focus and determination...
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Stunning Flyover

April 01, 2016 - Love when they fly over so close that I can see the details of these birds. Even that fish is in awe!
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Soaring Just Before Dusk

March 29, 2016 - A beautiful bird enjoying soaring at dusk before the sun sets.
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A Beautiful Flyby

March 28, 2016 - All flybys by the eagle are beautiful but when they dip low enough to see across the tops of their wings, it is spectacu...
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Risen on High

March 27, 2016 - Happy Easter!
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Eagle Diving in Blue Skies

March 26, 2016 - A diving eagle is a sight to behold; add in the great lighting illuminating the wings and blue skies and you have an unb...
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Eagle's Look of Determination

March 25, 2016 - For me, there is nothing better than a dramatic black and white image, which isn't always easy to do with some of these...
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Eagle Looking Over his Shoulder

March 24, 2016 - Eagles have to be alert, especially when fishing with other eagles around. This eagle was watching for other eagles...pr...
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Soaring so Peacfully

March 22, 2016 - American Bald Eagles soar so effortlessly and peacefully. I could just watch them for hours, it is so relaxing.
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Beautiful Eagle at the Golden Hour

March 21, 2016 - When everything goes just right...camera and lens are dialed in, lighting is perfect, weather conditions just right with...
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Majestic Soaring Eagle

March 20, 2016 - What a beautiful adolescent American bald eagle! This bird is probably 3-4 years old but wow, what a beautiful bird!
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Showing Off Some Serious Skills

March 18, 2016 - Not my sharpest image but I love the moment caught here. This young American bald eagle is showing off some serious fish...
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Holding on Tight

March 17, 2016 - This bald eagle has a tight grip on a fresh catch and doesn't plan to let go anytime soon. This is a young bird but has...
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Eagle Smiling into the Sun

March 16, 2016 - I believe this eagle appears to be smiling while enjoying the warmth of the sun on its face. I love finding art in natur...
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An Eagle Among the Rocks

March 15, 2016 - These rocky banks make for a beautiful backdrop for this eagle. This image might go down as one of my personal favorites...
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Eagle Diving Along the Banks of the Mississippi

March 14, 2016 - Loving this stunning eagle as it swoops down and just misses a fish before it rises from the water just off the banks al...
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Trying to Eat in Privacy

March 13, 2016 - I was able to sneak this image of an American Bald Eagle trying to eat mid-flight behind extended wings. I don't blame t...
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Beauty

March 12, 2016 - I can't express how much fun it is to leave early in the morning with the hope of seeing, let alone photographing, these...
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Dramatic B&W Eagle

March 11, 2016 - Today felt like a good day for a moody, yet brilliant black and white edit. The shadows add a little mood to the face of...
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Uh...You Have Something in Your Teeth

March 10, 2016 - This bald eagle ended up with a few feathers in the beak...how embarrassing! The funky shadows on this bird on the right...
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On Mighty Wings of Eagles

March 09, 2016 - On mighty wings of eagles indeed...such incredible, strong, resilient birds. They demand respect as they patrol American...
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American Bald Eagle: Fishing Pose

March 08, 2016 - Here is a classic fishing pose as the bald eagle glides in for a fish it has spotted.
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American Bald Eagle: In Flight Profile

March 07, 2016 - Here is a profile view of an eagle in flight...love when that eagle gives a dark-wing background for a side profile shot...
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American Bald Eagle: Freeing the Moment-2

March 06, 2016 - Here is a unique image showing an American Bald Eagle fully laying out after snagging a fish. Check out the talons and w...
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Young Flyer

March 05, 2016 - How impressive is this young bald eagle looking in flight? This young eagle is probably in its 4th year. The head and ta...
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What Are You Looking At

March 05, 2016 - Sometimes I think I'm pretty stealthy and skilled at sneaking up on the wildlife but the reality is, they all pretty muc...
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Spectacular Diving Eagle

March 04, 2016 - I'm so thankful for the opportunity and the ability to capture these majestic creatures. Seeing them first hand is an in...
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Swooping In

March 03, 2016 - I love when they swoop low enough for me to get a glimpse and photo of their wing feathers...so incredible that it leave...
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Wing Span and Talons Extended

March 02, 2016 - Love this dramatic pose of the eagle grabbing the fish with wings fully open and talons fully stretched. Like many thing...
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Witnessing Perfection

March 01, 2016 - I love watching these eagles soar and maneuver through the sky with ease. I also love watching them perched in trees eat...
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Mute Swan

February 29, 2016 - It was such a beautiful after school today, that I decided to go for a quick drive looking for some migratory water fowl...
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What a Catch

February 28, 2016 - Check out this massive fish that this eagle is flying with. The wings are working extra hard to try and lift this catch.
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Juvenile American Bald Eagle in Flight

February 27, 2016 - This Juvenile American Bald Eagle posed perfectly for me. I love how he turned to expose the beautiful underbelly and wi...
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American Bald Eagle on High

February 26, 2016 - Nothing more magical than seeing a spectacular specimen like this American Bald Eagle soaring high in the Midwestern blu...
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Brilliant B&W Baldie

February 26, 2016 - I really like this pose for the black and white with the wing offering a darker backdrop for the eagle's white head. Suc...
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The Screaming Eagle

February 24, 2016 - I haven't used Photoshop much over the years, preferring to stick with Lightroom as my main editing software. It isn't t...
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Soaring In Golden Light

February 23, 2016 - I love how this bald eagle reflects the golden sunlight separating it from the background of trees on the hills from the...
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A Force of Nature

February 22, 2016 - The American Bald Eagle is certainly a force of nature yet one of the most beautiful creatures ever created. I simply lo...
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My Fish

February 21, 2016 - I dare any other eagle to try and take this fish from this bird...not going to happen! Look how determined it is!
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Curious American Tree Sparrow

February 21, 2016 - I was able to escape for a few hours today to enjoy nature. I had high hopes of photographing some early arriving water...
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Happy Eagle with its Catch

February 20, 2016 - Check out this happy, soaring eagle with a prized fish ready to eat. It doesn't get much better than this for this bird.
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Beautiful Bird of Prey

February 19, 2016 - Something so beautiful yet so efficient at catching and killing its prey...nature is incredible.
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Fish Won't Know What Hit Him

February 18, 2016 - As fast as this eagle was going, there is no way a fish would stand a chance...such and incredible bird!
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The Magnificent Mississippi River Bald Eagle

February 17, 2016 - This gorgeous adult bald eagle makes a pass along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River.
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Young Eagle Get it Under Control

February 16, 2016 - This young eagle, maybe a few years old, is still perfecting the art of the catch. You can see it looks a little clumsy...
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Keeping an Eye on the Prize

February 15, 2016 - A remarkable and fun thing to observe is the way these large eagles are able to pivot their entire body and wings while...
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Standing on Water

February 14, 2016 - A fraction of a second is what it takes to capture a moment like this with the eagle splashing down on a fish with its p...
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Artful Portrait of an Eagle

February 13, 2016 - I love nature and I love art...every now and again the two collide resulting in an image that I fall in love with. I lov...
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A Stony Stare

February 12, 2016 - Imagine this massive bird barreling down on you with wings fully extended (7 feet) and weighing in at around 10lbs with...
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Foggy Morning on the Mississippi

February 11, 2016 - I usually like to get to the Mississippi River fairly early despite the poor lighting it offers early. The best lighting...
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Just a Fistful of Fish

February 10, 2016 - Even finding this small fish will go a long way to helping this eagle sustain what it needs for survival. Every bit help...
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Eagle Gliding in Blue Skies

February 09, 2016 - Oh to be able to glide like an eagle! The very symbol they represent is the feeling they must enjoy as they own the skie...
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Anglers of the Air

February 08, 2016 - It is quite amazing how well built these bald eagles are at fishing. They are a true master angler of the air.
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Witness my Mighty Wings

February 07, 2016 - The wings of the American Bald Eagle never cease to amaze me. I'm not sure if any image can fully capture how amazing th...
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Pretty Red-head

February 06, 2016 - I don't want anyone thinking I'm only into eagles so I decided to upload an image from today of another local favorite....
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Illuminated American Bald Eagle

February 06, 2016 - When the sun catches those underbelly feathers and wings of the bald eagle, it is like the heavens open and pure gold re...
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A Most Beautiful Attack

February 05, 2016 - I'm not sure, in all of nature, if there is a more beautiful attack by one animal on another for survival than a bald ea...
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A Wave of the Wing

February 04, 2016 - Here is a close-up fly-by where the eagle tipped his wing up for me as if to say, "check me out" and give a little wave.
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Brilliant Fly-Over

February 03, 2016 - When I see a fly-over like this, I do everything in my power to keep the camera and lens on the eagle and my finger on t...
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A Part of Their World

February 02, 2016 - It is an honor to be around these wild eagles as they soar, dive, and fish and allow us to observe and photograph their...
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Close Encounters

February 01, 2016 - You should hear me as I'm trying to photograph an eagle that flies withing 30 feet of me...I start giggling like a schoo...
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Focused on Survival

January 31, 2016 - The only thing on this eagle's mind is survival. They must continue to find and eat through the winter months to sustain...
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Powerful Eagle Wings

January 30, 2016 - When I look at this image, I can't but think about how powerful eagle's wings must be. They aren't small birds but those...
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Diving Up Close

January 29, 2016 - I'm blessed to be able to see a bald eagle diving this close but to be able to photograph it is just special.
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Banking into the Beautiful Light

January 28, 2016 - I was thankful for this eagle turning back into the perfect late afternoon sunlight...like a painting.
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Backlit Bald Beauty

January 27, 2016 - I don't mind back-lit images, especially when they add this nice rim light to the eagle's wings and head. This bird is h...
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A Full On Dive

January 26, 2016 - Here is a side profile of a bald eagle in a dive heading towards the water. It is so amazing how they can control their...
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The Shadows of Eagle's Wings

January 25, 2016 - One of the many challenges of photographing bald eagles, is trying to manage the light. You don't want the white feather...
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Success!

January 24, 2016 - As cold as it was and as important as it is for their survival, you find yourself cheering for the eagle when they get a...
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Glorious Sun-filled Day

January 24, 2016 - Soaring, fishing, and basking in the sun along the Mississippi River on a -10 windchill day is a perfect day for an Amer...
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Fish Inspector

January 23, 2016 - I love watching these eagles multi-task. Catching fish then flying off while either looking at their catch, eating it mi...
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Wind in the Feathers

January 22, 2016 - This Bald Eagle is gliding along the banks of the Mississippi with target in sight. Notice how aerodynamic they are and...
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Fully Committed

January 21, 2016 - I'm not sure a bird can be anymore stretched out and committed to catching that fish than this massive eagle is. With th...
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Falling in Style

January 20, 2016 - As fast as an eagle elevates hundreds of feet in the air, they can drop even faster especially when they have locked ont...
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Locked in a Battle

January 19, 2016 - One of my goals is to get a good talon-locked fight between two eagles. This male and juvenile bald eagle are in a fight...
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American Bald Eagle in Action

January 18, 2016 - Wow, this adult bald eagle was close, possibly one of the closest successful images I've caught of a bald eagle in a fis...
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Dramatic Approach

January 17, 2016 - I love the lighting and angle of the bird in this image. In order to get an eagle fishing image like this one, the condi...
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Eagle in the Spotlight

January 16, 2016 - I made my first trip to the Mississippi today...with the strange winter we've had, the eagle numbers are down but I want...
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Clear Fall Morning

November 01, 2015 - I love photographing this little island on Dawson Lake during different seasons. It is called Honker Island and usually...
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The Kids this Fall

October 12, 2015 - It has been so long since I've uploaded an image and I can't think of a better one to share than this one of my kids thi...
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Fields of Wildflowers

August 12, 2015 - On a drive through the Mackinaw river valley, just west of Bloomington, I came across this pretty sunflower field glowin...
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Last Colors of Fall

November 05, 2014 - This season's transitioning is a perfect time to get out and appreciate the last bit of warm colors before winter starts...
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Welcome Home Faith

March 30, 2013 - Here is Faith, the newest Marcy. We adopted her from Wishbone Canine Rescue. We are also fostering her 7 puppies. They a...
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