Starting F8F Bearcat The Grumman F8F Bearcat, the last of the piston-engine carrier based fighters, was one of the best piston-engine fighters never to see action in WWII. It was delivered too late to the US Navy. Surplus Bearcats saw action in the war in Indochina with the French and Royal Thai Air Forces. Later, Bearcats were sold to civilians and have raced in the Reno Air Races. Less than two dozen Bearcats remain airworthy today.
Quiet Walkabout Last night’s walkabout was eerily quiet. It was dead calm; no wind sound, no sound of tree leaves rustling. Also, the usual insect sounds like cicadas were silent. Birds normally singing or cheeping were silent. Fewer kids were outside playing. Fewer people walking their dogs. Perhaps, it’s just a coincidence that the eclipse happened earlier in the day; perhaps not. Tonight’s walkabout was really noisy by contrast, but really, just back to normal.
Eclipse 2017 in Northern Illinois Sure, it’s not a superb image. Still, with all the rain and clouds in the area, it’s a lucky shot to remember this special day. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth and blocks all or part of the sun. Totality, where the moon completely covers the sun, occurs in a narrow path across Earth’s surface, with the partial solar eclipse visible over the surrounding area, hundreds of miles wide. Northern Illinois was not in the path of totality, but was in an area of 87% of totality. The next eclipse will not occur until 2024 and will be visible again in Illinois.
The Blue Angels at the Chicago Air & Water Show The Blue Angels, of course, are the main attraction to this year’s show. This image tries to capture their F/A-18 Hornets flying formation; only an amazing 18 inches apart. The Blue Angels have been performing since 1946, making this their 71st season and making it the oldest formal flying aerobatics team in the USA.
AeroShell Aerobatic Team’s AT-6 Texans at the Chicago Air & Water Show The North American T-6 Texan is a single-engine trainer used to train pilots of the US Army Air Forces, US Navy, and Royal Air Force as well as other air forces during World War II. The USAAC designated the T-6 as the “AT-6”, the US Navy as the “SNJ”, and British air forces as the “Harvard”. Today, it remains a fun airplane to fly because it’s a stable flight platform and aerobatic capabilities.
U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin Rescue Helicopter at the Chicago Air & Water Show Yes, the Chicago Air & Water Show started today with their practice day. The show will run tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 3pm and it’s free, after parking of course. The Blue Angels will be performing each day as well as a F-22 Raptor demo.
Bison in Yellowstone The Bison have grown their winter coat and have gained enough weight to hopefully live through the winter months. Fall can be the best time of year to capture beautiful Bison images in Yellowstone.
Bugling Elk in Yellowstone Soon the Elk will be bugling in Yellowstone; just another 4-6 weeks. Yellowstone becomes a magical wilderness in the fall with fall color and the distinctive sound of an Elk bugling. All the wildlife are in their best condition; ready for the coming winter.
