On Trail With Nibi Mocs

Had a nice nap, ate supper, then headed out in the canoe once more. Gloria and Dave, neighbors of the resort, were kind enough to let me photograph some more Showy Lady Slippers on their property.

After several shots, I headed back out on the lake in the canoe. I came across 2 very laid back loons in a sheltered bay. Another reason to stop and take photos.

One of the loons actually slept most of the time I was there.

I managed to get among my best loon shots ever.

I then quietly paddled away, leaving them to hang out in their protected bay.

Not far away, I spotted a Great Blue Heron. He was obscured by some grass but I could see that he was carrying something, presumably a fish, in his beak. I observed and photographed from a distance, not wanting to disturb his meal. Photos were tough to get thanks to the grass. It wasn’t until I was processing this photo that I found out he didn’t have a fish! It was some kind of rodent in his mouth. I did watch as he swallowed it whole.

Once again, I find myself up way too late blogging. I want to get an early start in the morning. My plans include a trip to Lake Bimidji State Park where, a friend assures me, I’ll find plenty of Lady Slippers and oher flowers to photograph. I’m also going to try to find time to visit Itasca State Park.

The 5:00 alarm was just too early — I’d been up way too late blogging the night before. I nestled down in the covers, John Shaw’s mantra running through my head… “Don’t be late for work!”. Well, John, this nature photographer was going to be late this morning. Finally managing to roll out of bed, I had a quick breakfast and got my gear down to the beach. No mist, no clouds, still quite a breeze and a chop on the lake. It was shortly after 6 when I pushed my canoe from shore. Later than I’d planned but I was still the only person in sight.

Several loons dotted the surface of the lake, most staying top-side, only occasionally diving. A couple let me get within photographic range, one even sitting up on tail, flapping wings.

While another bobbed in the water close by.

After taking several photos, I left the loons in peace and cruised the shoreline of the narrow lake. I saw several deer, including this spike buck.

Irises growing on shore were beautifully reflected in the lake, among the lily pads.

An old, photogenic boat was pulled up in the weeds.

I also spotted more herons including this one who was more interested in fishing than in what I was doing.

I missed the lunge for the fish. But caught the ruffled feathers after he shook the water off.

So-so pose, great background.

Nicer, more active pose, not so good background.

Another loon popped up very close to my canoe — with the sun behind him though! I moved the canoe around to get better lighting but he was further away

A couple of views of the resort from the lake.

It’s mid-day now so the lighting’s not very good (and the wind is stronger). I’m going to nap for awhile. I’ll be doing more shooting towards evening, when the light is better. Sure hope the wind dies then too.