Each spring, more than one million Sandhill Cranes migrate through Nebraska’s Platte River Valley. It is the largest gathering of cranes anywhere on Earth. When we have visited this region during spring migration, we have at times witnessed a literal swarm of activity, including geese, ducks, pelicans, raptors, and shorebirds. In this image, you may…
You must be quick to catch a meal with wings, and this Barn Swallow is zipping over Lake Wisconsin, perhaps hurrying to bring its catch back to young ones waiting in the nest. You may need to zoom in to see the meal in its beak. This is one of those shots which is maybe…
In the Upper Midwest, summer is often a season of growth and preparation for the transition to autumn and the cold realities of winter. By contrast, this small flower, native to Florida, takes full advantage of the Sunshine State’s subtropical climate. It is known to bloom year-round, though somewhat less frequent during the winter months….
The Stillpoint photo journey across many landscapes in North America has included both grand vistas and intricate little treasures. It reflects the words of the mostly unknown American poet Katherine Edelman: “To be curious is to be alive, to sense the wonder in things great and small.” Each image, whether of sweeping mountains or a…
This shoreline of Green Bay along Michigan’s Upper Peninsula features freshwater, sandy beaches, and protective dune grass – Bailey County Park. I wanted to feature the dune grass in this picture, so I tried to make sure it filled the largest part of the image. Dune grass is very important for the protection of the…
Sainte Anne’s Catholic Church and the surrounding shoreline – Mackinac Island State Park. These sailboats are protected from Lake Huron storm waves by two rocky breakwaters, creating the harbor at Mackinac Island. This shot captures much of the charm of the island, with its Late Victorian resort architecture. Sainte Anne’s original log structure was moved…
Clear water from the spring runoff fills First Creek – Vasquez Peak Wilderness area. Sometimes on a hike I overlook the details around me. Here, the simple blend of the elements wood, rock, water, and green vegetation creates a micro picture of the greater scenery as you make your way up First Creek. I love…
The contrast between the old, gnarly and twisted cedar trees to the lush and alive green Southern Wisconsin farmland beyond feels like someone creating a romanticized pastoral painting, not a real-life photographic image. Add the soft cloud effect in the distance and a little mystery of the 200-foot cliff between us and the farms below…
A little tranquility and simplicity… when chaotic events call for a pastoral scene what could be better than the view of Wisconsin farmland from Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area – Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Standing on the edge of the 200-foot cliff to take this picture, the scene in front of me seemed out…
Trillium (Trillium grandiflorum), the distinct white flower found throughout Wisconsin forests in the early spring – Logan Creek State Natural Area. When I was a kid, I often took walks by myself in the woods on our farm. A sea of trillium would be something I started to look forward to every spring. (Sturgeon Bay,…