Trumpeter Swans, et al.

It's been months since I posted photos on this blog. During that time, I've been to the Horicon Marsh near Waupun, Wisconsin, the Thiensville, Wisconsin dam, a bridge in Grafton, and Villa Grove Park in Mequon. With the exception of the pics from Horicon, the rest were taken in Mequon, Thiensville and Grafton.

 On Route 49 in the area that has the Horicon Marsh on both sides of the road, I saw this group of Trumpeter Swans and their five Cygnets some distance away. To my great surprise, they swam toward me as though they expected me to feed them. The Cob and Pen casually climbed unto the grassy area adjacent to the road while their Cygnets swam nearby, testing their wings for the flight that was in their near future.

On another day cruising Rte. 49, I saw this gathering of Egrets and White Pelicans feeding together in great numbers, something new to me, and I snapped as many photos that the weather conditions and distance allowed.

These shots made great card covers!

 Back at Villa Grove Park one very early morning I took what I thought at first would be very boring shots of a lone Blue Heron fishing in the Milwaukee River. A little bit of editing produced more dramatic results.

This young Blue Heron below was standing quietly (and fearlessly) next to the Grafton bridge near the Art Mill shops amidst the rushing water when I took this shot as he jumped to a safer perch:

The Thiensville dam area located adjacent to the Thiensville Police Station has been a great source of subject matter for me. All of the following photos were taken there within the last couple of months:

The above photo is of the path that runs from the parking area of the dam to the small pond at Shully's Catering.

A Cedar Waxwing took time off from hunting the insects on the river. The birds gather in great numbers in the morning for their feeding.

The flowers along the path are unbelievable this time of year.

There are two Kingfisher birds that claim the area near the dam and I was lucky to get these shots of one diving for breakfast. They are extremely fast (and shy) and the water shot below is all I could get once it made impact.

But I managed to capture its flight to the opposite side of the river to finish breakfast.

In almost the same spot of the river, I was startled to see this Osprey fly to a tree close by and perch for a short time before flying away for more hunting. And then, a second Osprey flew quickly by me before I could get a shot. It's possible they were parent and fledgling migrating or just vacationing.

The next day, I caught a glimpse of possibly the same Osprey hovering high above the river as he considered his chance of catching a fish below.









This is a great time to get out and enjoy the many gifts of nature so close to where we live. Take a seat at one of the areas above and just be patient. You will be rewarded!