Sunrise Gems: Bobolink & Killdeer

Year 2,

Sunrise is early around the summer equinox. If one wishes “golden hour” photographs, it is necessary to head out to one’s desired location well before 5 am in order to be ready when the sun pops up over the horizon a bit later. Losing sleep is worthwhile. Here are efforts from yesterday and today. The Bobolink was photographed in the Sax-Zim Bog, while the Killdeer were intent on mating along the Duluth waterfront. I was actually surprised that the killdeer were still mating; I was actually out looking for their chicks. I actually missed the mating shot because it happened so quickly, and into the sun.

New Fence Posts for a Bobolink
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Killdeer looking for a good mate …
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The Lazarus Camera! Great Blue Heron Food Fight!

Year 2

The Lazarus Camera! Those of you who saw my post yesterday afternoon will appreciate the title. The rice did the trick!

Parents, ever had a day like the one experienced by this Great Blue Heron?! The kids show no table manners and fight over food!

This morning I hiked in to a Great Blue Heron Rookery. Unlike yesterday, I did not get caught in a downpour / thunderstorm. I did hike through underbrush, wade through knee deep water, and ultimately picking a number of woodticks off me, but it was worth it! The swamp / marsh is a great place this time of year … just be prepared for bugs!

Food Fight!
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And the Winner!
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The Scene!
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Patiently Waiting for Mom or Dad
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Meanwhile elsewhere in the swamp … an Osprey and Ring Necked Ducks
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The Last Photo! Drenched! Harry Times Two!

Year 2

Last photo with this camera??? Hairy Woodpeckers x2 … the young birds are fledged.

I got caught in a huge thunderstorm while out hiking this afternoon. For 30 minutes I cowered deep in dense undergrowth and tryed to keep my camera dry. Ultimately I failed. Both the camera and I got drenched. After a hot shower I am now warm and dry; but the camera two hours later is doing strange things. My Canon SX60 turns on whenever it desires and gives me a non stop busy mode; in short it does not work.

I just ordered another camera via Amazon Prime. Hope I will be able to return the new camera, but research via the web seems to indicate my Canon SX60 is toast. I ordered a the slightly older SX50 refurbished model as a money saving mode.

My better half just told me (and I agree) that I have a very understanding wife. I have a very nasty habit of wrecking one camera per year … drop on ice … get caught in downpours … whatever.

Just fledged Hairy Woodpeckers
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