Category: photograhy

Geese

We took a little drive to Bemidji Lake, which is a fairly wide spot in the Mississippi River, and happened upon a family of Canadian Geese going about their daily lives.

Mama leads her goslings along the shore to teach them the basics of hunting for food and such. As you can see, it can lead to sibling rivalry, but she ignores it.

When it’s time to come ashore, the tall gander offers protection for the little ones. He doesn’t seem to mind the seagull here, but mama looks like she’s about to headbutt him.

All tuckered out from their seafaring adventure, the goslings get ready for an afternoon nap in the security of their loving parents.

Mama treats them with fairy tales and nursery rhymes as they drift off in slumber. After all, she is Mother Goose.

–Photos by me

Sunsets

“The sun sets, but my spirit soars.”

“Never let a sunset go undocumented.”

“Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful too.”

“Sunsets, the perfect end to a perfect day.”

–Photos by me

More Pelicans, Please

I went back to Rapid River to get more shots of the photogenic pelicans. Here’s what I got:

Every spring, the pelicans gather at the mouth of Rapid River as it flows into Rainy River. The fishing here is unparalleled for both the birds and American as well as Canadian fishermen.

The surging river is a dangerous place, even for these seasoned water-fowl. This poor guy got knocked around on the rocks a bit, and he’s trying to get his head on straight again. Notice the wall of water crashing down behind him.

A giant wave explodes on the rocks. It’s hard to believe, but the river will be reduced to but a trickle in a month or two. It’s nature’s way.

I don’t think the fishing is going too well so far, because I see a lot of birds fighting over a single fish. I wouldn’t want to swordplay with these hungry scrappers.

–Photos by me

Canada’s Wildfires

My son Aaron at Lake of the Woods

With 91 active wildfires up in Alberta, the smoke’s getting a little thick around here at the Minnesota/Canada border. Fortunately, it’s riding on the upper winds so far, and it’s detrimental effects have been minimal. However, there’s a little cooler weather in the forecast, and that may bring the smoke down to ground level.

Two years ago, it was so bad I could hardly see across the street. My eyes and nose stung, and my throat got pretty sore. Like I said then, it was like living in L.A. back in the smoggy days.

The sun comes up pink, and then turns a color I can only describe as cream soda for the rest of the day. It’s a strange, almost eerie sky: there are no clouds and the sun is right there, but I don’t think any boys will be toasting ants with magnifying glasses in the near future.

Minnesota doesn’t need your smoke, Canada–we’re soon legalizing our own.

–Photos by me