Sunday, June 30, 2013

Nowhere Near the AHATS WOA, I Saw Buildings Implode

I went to Minnesota State University - Mankato on June 29, 2013 to watch them demolish the old Gage Towers dorm.  It was great fun.  The photo on the right is a collage of the highlights.

Please visit my other blog for link to a slide show of more photos and some videos.

Gage Tower Implosion Collage\


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Today at the AHATS WOA, I Changed the Name of This Blog

Osprey-46166.jpg by Mully410 * Images
Osprey-46166.jpg, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.
The Minnesota National Guard updated the name of my favorite small park. For years it was called the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area. TCAAP stands for Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant. The TCAAP has been closed for many years so it was about time the name got updated.

The park is now known as the AHATS Wildlife Observation Area. AHATS is the Arden Hills Army Training Site, which is the current name of the 1300 or so acres on the eastern side of the former TCAAP land.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Today at the Former TCAAP WVA, I Saw a New Sign

New Sign-1383.jpg by Mully410 * Images
New Sign-1383.jpg, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.
The Minnesota National Guard removed the sign at the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area a few months back. Today, I noticed the new sign up. This area is now officially called the AHATS Wildlife Observation Area.

AHATS = Arden Hills Army Training Site
TCAAP = Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant

I'm not sure if I should changed the name of this blog and the Facebook site. What do you think?

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Today at the TCAAP WVA, I Saw a Dragonfly Fight

I nearly always see something new at the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area. Tonight was no different. Here is shot of a dragonfly fight. I heard them buzzing and managed to catch two shots, one of which was in focus.

The osprey on the south end of Lake Marsden are feeding young. Not sure how many yet because they are still low in the nest.


Osprey-46166.jpg

Friday, June 14, 2013

Previously at the TCAAP WVA, I Saw a Goldfinch

Goldfinch-45212.jpg by Mully410 * Images
Goldfinch-45212.jpg, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.
Most of the time, the goldfinches near the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area just flyby or they briefly stop on the barbed wire. This guy sat singing for about a half hour as I practiced with my flash setup. Thanks, Mr. Finch.


Goldfinch-45231.jpg

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Today at the TCAAP WVA, I Saw a Song Sparrow and Worm

The song sparrow pair at the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area were obviously feeding young today. They have a small nest on the ground so I hope people don't continue to use this as an off-lease playground for their dogs.

Today was my first time in the field with my new homemade flash bracket. It was much fun. I learned things and confirmed things I've read about flash.

Song Sparrow with Worm-45360.jpg

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Today Near the TCAAP WVA, I Saw a Killdeer

Killdeer-45165.jpg by Mully410 * Images
Killdeer-45165.jpg, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.
We had a great day for the St. Paul Audubon Urban Bird Festival near the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area. This momma killdeer got a little hungry or nervous. She was sitting quietly while nearly 30 of us shuffled by and made photos. Later she got up and picked at the ground for a few minutes and sat back down on the next.

We saw a dead common nighthawk and lots of other live birds. We also saw two coyote puppies far in the distance.

A male eastern bluebird was bringing food to a nearby nest can.  Fortunately we had a bluebird expert with us so we took a look at the four babies.

Baby Bluebirds-4438.jpg