Hidehiro Otake: From Japan to the Minnesota Northwoods

Year 10

Ready for am excellent read about nature / wildlife photography? (the images in this case are NOT what is important)

I originally learned about the amazing journey of Hidehiro Otake via an article in Perfect Duluth Day. Knowing essentially nothing about nature, let alone wilderness, Otake was inspired by a dream about wolves and came upon Jim Brandenburg‘s book, Brother Wolf. For most of us, the story might end at this point, but Otake who had recently finished school was dissatisfied with a potential life in urban Japan. Knowing nothing about wilderness or photography, but wanting to experience “brother wolf” and learn photography, he bought an airline ticket from Tokyo to Minneapolis. Otake’s goal was to reach Ely and the Northwoods and meet Jim Brandenburg. Only there were a few problems; Jim Brandenburg was not expecting Otake (or even aware he existed), nor was there any means of reaching Ely via public transportation (let alone Brandenburg’s remote cabin on the edge of the BWCA).

Remember I said it was an amazing journey? Otake eventually met Brandenburg, started a lifelong friendship and lived on his land near Ely for a few months. In addition, he was introduced and became friends with Will Steger, the famous Ely based explorer who has trekked to both poles by dogsled. Years later Hidehiro Otake is one of the best Japanese nature photographers.

As a fyi, Otake does not have a large presence in North America (understandable), but is well known in Japan. I felt this blog post expanded our horizons. Folks should really read Otake’s five part story. You will learn that most anything is possible if you follow your dreams! When I learned that one of Otake’s first published works was a young children’s piece, I just had to reach out to the gentleman! We are now in contact.

Make Way for Mergansers!

Year 10

Obviously a take off the classic children’s book by Robert McCloskey, Make Way for Ducklings (Wikipedia link). Perhaps you would like your memory refreshed about the duck family’s search for a home (YouTube link for email subscribers)

In my case, it is the Common Merganser family of Lester River. Momma duck eventually would like to get the ducklings out into Lake Superior, but at such an early age the waves would be to strong for her chicks. Thus, the Merganser Family stays near the mouth of the Lester River where I found them towards the end of yesterday afternoon’s bike ride. This morning the family was sunning on the gravel bar at the river’s mouth.

Make Way for Common Mergansers!

Motoring Around the River

Rest Time

Feeding Time Again!

FuzzBall and Junior … Back Together Again!

Year 10

After almost one month apart due to FuzzBall taking a dive to the forest floor at a very early age, I was finally able to capture them somewhat close to one another. The Amity Creek Great Horned Owlet Twins likely are hanging together because they want to be first when the “gravy train” arrives. Actually, Momma Owl was sitting in the same white pine but 40 feet higher. The youngsters could not see their parent, and thus did not beg.

The skies were “blah” due to all the Canadian forest fire smoke. In theory we have zero clouds today in terms of moisture.

FuzzBall up High – Junior down Low!

Lots of sleeping around 10 am (Junior, then FuzzBall)

Finally awake