Walkabout Sunset
Walkabout Sunset: Sometimes, on a walkabout, you just walk by the right place at the right time to make a simple click.
Wow! No Snow
Wow! No Snow Finally, a landscape without snow is possible now in northern Illinois. Sometimes, you still must frame the image carefully, but it’s possible. Spring may actually be arriving tomorrow with 60+ temps.
Western Sandpiper
Western Sandpiper Today, I just needed to think about warm; the concept of warm instead of cold.
Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron The Great Blue Herons are back. They’re really common around here, but this is the first one I have seem this year. It’s really nice to have them back; spring must be coming soon.
White-tailed Deer, again!
White-tailed Deer, again! The deer have become regulars around the area. It seems like a person would get tired of capturing images of them; but, they are just so cool.
White-tailed Deer
White-tailed Deer The past winter was so cold the deer did not seem to move around much. Now, almost everyday in early morning or late afternoon, they come traveling through to get water at the lake. This young deer heard the dogs and watched them carefully.
Grey Squirrel
Grey Squirrel Grey Squirrels are quite common in this area. Still, this guy seemed to be saying: it’s just me against the world and I’m pretty short compare to just about anything else. Thank God for tall trees to keep me and my family safe.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Crane A nesting pair of Sandhill Cranes have made their home on the lake near my house. They’ve been here for several years, but only once or twice a year do they come out into the open far enough to see them and perhaps capture an image. Early this morning, while letting the Pugs out to do their duty, was one of those occasions. In years past, I have seen both of them looking for food, this year, only one. After quickly getting the Pugs back in the house, I got the camera and headed down a trail so I could get closer without disturbing the crane. Finally, as I found a good position, I slipped and made a little noise. The Sandhill did not seem to notice. The slip got me a bit muddy and I was sitting in the mud. But, I could not move and risk making too much noise. So, I waited, and waited, and waited as the Sandhill wandered about looking for food. Every so often, I would squeeze off a few shots. After about a half hour, a hiker came through on the trail behind and scared the Sandhill. It was nice to get out of the cold mud, but I was a bit miffed at the hiker. It’s important for the Sandhills to feel safe in this area. If they don’t, they might not come back for another photo op. And, so it goes…
Hank Conrad © 2023
