A few more photos from my visit to Hudson on February 26.
A pair of swans, backlit, water sparkling around them.
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A swan stands up and flaps.
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A swan just after takeoff.
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More swans take off with a splash.
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Running on water
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Backlit swan at sunset
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Two cleared for takeoff
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Pair of swans at dusk
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Preening at dusk
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And, that’s all. Hope you enjoyed!
On Friday, February 26, 2010, I headed up to Hudson again to photograph the Trumpeter Swans there. I had a beautiful, clear day with highs in the upper 20’s and a light and variable breeze. The swans were very cooperative. I set up my folding chair on the ice and shot away. Oh, the tough life of a nature photographer! 
In all, I took over 600 images. Here are some of the results.
General view of the swans with a couple of ducks.
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Three Swans a swimming
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I captured this image just after the swan pulled his head out of the water.
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Head on view.
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Side View.
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Graceful curves.
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Side by Side Landing.
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One Swan Asleeping
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Poise
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Here’s looking at you, kid!
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Showoff!
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Shy
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Love
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Another shot of a swan just after pulling its head out of the water.
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Swanson had an excellent routine but just couldn’t stick the landiing!
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PARTY TIME!
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Sig tried hard but the ladies just weren’t impressed.
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The first time, ever I saw your face…
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“What’s so special about those ugly ducklings? I’m the pretty one!”
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I’ll be posting more photos from my day at Hudson later.
Hope you enjoyed!
During February, I made 2 trips over to the Mississippi River, with the primary intent to photograph American Bald Eagles.
On February 11, I headed over to Colvill Park in Red Wing, MN where I had a lot of success the past two years. For a reason I haven’t been able to fathom, eagles were scarce there on this particular day. Those that were around were either too far away or flying too high for my 400mm lens to reach them. I finally gave up and headed south along the river. South of Lake City, I pulled into an overlook. I saw several eagles in trees close to the overlook but didn’t have a clear shot of any of them. They gradually flew away and I was able to capture this image of one flying straight away from me.
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After watching for awhile, I headed further south and stopped in at Reed’s Landing. As expected, I saw quite a few eagles there. Also as expected, they were impossible to photograph. I did see, and capture, a fly-by of some trumpeter swans.
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Somewhat disappointed with my results, I headed home.
Today, February 25, I headed over to Colvill Park again. Again, the eagles were scarce and far away. It seemed even worse than the previous trip. Desperate to photograph something… anything… I noticed the patterns and textures on the ice…
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A common merganser swam moderately close, giving me another subject.
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Again, any eagles I saw flying were really beyond the reach of my lens.
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Then, it was back to patterns and textures in the ice again.
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I did have a nice conversation with Luis from Honduras who has been staying in Red Wing for about 15 months.
Then, the waxing moon rose, providing me another, high-flying subject.
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Finally, an adult eagle flew low enough to be in range.
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Following right behind was a juvenile, flying even lower.
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The show was short lived. The two eagles flew away and no others showed up. With the light fading rapidly, I packed up and headed for home.
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.
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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.
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One of the loons actually slept most of the time I was there.
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I managed to get among my best loon shots ever.
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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.
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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.
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While another bobbed in the water close by.
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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.
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Irises growing on shore were beautifully reflected in the lake, among the lily pads.
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An old, photogenic boat was pulled up in the weeds.
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I also spotted more herons including this one who was more interested in fishing than in what I was doing.
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I missed the lunge for the fish. But caught the ruffled feathers after he shook the water off.
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So-so pose, great background.
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Nicer, more active pose, not so good background.
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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 
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A couple of views of the resort from the lake.
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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.
