May 31, 2016 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Birds, Daily Image 2016, Nikon 1 V3, Sandhill Crane, Wildlife
Sandhill Crane Well, I thought I was lucky to see a Sandhill Crane on last Monday’s walkabout, but while visiting far northern Illinois near Lake Zurich, I was even luckier. On a small lake, a nesting pair where out strolling along with their Colt. They must be accustomed to having people and cars around them. By using my vehicle as a blind, I was able to get very close without disturbing them. This image, and even better images in the next few days, are the closest I have ever able to capture of a Sandhill Crane.
May 30, 2016 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Birds, Daily Image 2016, Nikon 1 V3, Sandhill Crane, Wildlife
Sandhill Crane On my walkabout’s, seldom do I see a Sandhill Crane and never before have I seen one hunting for food on an open grass lawn. This one seemed quite content in his evening stroll hunting for an evening snack on a lawn between several houses.
May 29, 2016 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Birds, Daily Image 2016, Nikon 1 V3, Robins, Wildlife
Robin Working This Robin was hard at work finding materials to build or rebuild a nest. It’s a little late to be building a next, but obviously the materials were sorely needed.
May 28, 2016 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Common Snapping Turtle, Daily Image 2016, Nikon 1 V3, Wildlife
Another Common Snapping Turtle; actually, it’s the same turtle as yesterday. This image provides a better angle to see just how big these Snapping Turtles can become. Look at those sharp claws!
May 27, 2016 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Common Snapping Turtle, Daily Image 2016, Nikon 1 V3, Walkabout, Wildlife
Tonight’s walkabout turned up a Common Snapping Turtle. It seemed to be hunting around for a place to lay eggs. These turtles are not only large and strong, but can bite anyone trying to pick them up.
May 26, 2016 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Aviation, Daily Image 2016, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V3, T-33 Shooting Star
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, T-Bird, jet trainer made the trip to OshKosh last year.
May 25, 2016 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Cactus, Daily Image 2016, Flowers, Nikon 1 V3
Prickly Pear Cactus The Prickly Pear Cactus are blooming now around Phoenix. This image was captured last year in May. The desert can be a beautiful place even for a Midwesterner.
May 24, 2016 | AF 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED VR, Crabtree Nature Preserve, Daily Image 2016, Landscape, Nikon D200, Walkabout
Walkabout: Crabtree Nature Center! Occasionally, folks ask me: where are your walkabouts? Actually, most of the time I start from my front door and walk one of several routes close to home. Sometimes, I’ll make a special trip to a park, forest preserve, or hiking path. This image comes from one such place; Crabtree Nature Center near Barrington, IL. Its hiking paths wind along restored great plains prairie grasses, forest, and lakes. The nice afternoon light made a tranquil setting for the Canada Geese.
