Today at the TCAAP WVA, I Saw Wind in the Grass

Wind in the Grass DSC_1193, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.

It was super windy at the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area. Gusts over 40 mph. I had the 300mm f4 on D7000 and put the 10-24mm on the D5000. I didn't want to switch lenses in that wind...guaranteed dust infiltration.

I figured there was no point in setting up the tripod either. Heck, I couldn't even stand still in those gusts. I made the photograph to the right by holding the camera against a part of the bridge. I cranked down the aperture to get a longer shutter speed. It would have been nice to get a stop or two slower but alas I have no 72mm ND filters.

I felt sorry for the egret below. It looked like a real chore to fly against this wind. It was the only large bird I saw flying today.


Flying Egret DSC_0349
by Mully410 * Images

Previously at the TCAAP WVA, I saw America's Finest

HMMWV 2, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.

Behind the fence at the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area is the Arden Hills Army Training Site (AHATS). The Minnesota National Guard leases this land from the US Army.

Here are two HMMWV (aka...hummer) with some of our troops. These two stopped to ask me if I'd seen a large buck in the area. Of course, I said. I saw it run east way on the other side of the lake.

Thank you for your service!

Today at the TCAAP WVA, I saw a Brave Blackbird Chasing Osprey

Blackbird Chasing Osprey DSC_9661, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.

The red-winged blackbirds of the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area sure seem to hate the osprey...or any raptor for that matter lately. This brave (or annoying, I guess) little blackbird chased the osprey clear across the entire lake.


Osprey Annoyed DSC_9670
by Mully410 * Images

I also saw my first beetle of the season at the WVA:

 

Beetle and Flower DSC_9851
by Mully410 * Images

I also saw the bluebirds, tree swallows, geese, one of the trumpeter swans and two of the otters. 

 

Previously at the TCAAP WVA, I saw Cowbirds

Awkward Cowbird DSC_9444, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.

Yesterday at the TCAAP Wildlife Viewing Area, I saw a bunch of brown-headed cowbirds. The one in the middle of the shot on the left was squawking away and made this awkward pose for me.

I also saw an Osprey:


And I saw red-winged blackbirds chasing a crow:


And a song sparrow singing on a vine:

Previously at the TCAAP WVA, I saw a Weird Bird

Weird Bird DSC_9057
by Mully410 * Images

Yesterday, I saw this weird bird. Don't think I've ever seen one like this. The propellers were facing backwards and it has wings on the front. I thought it was a cruise missile or something.

Today at the TCAAP WVA, I saw an Osprey with Dinner

Osprey with Dinner DSC_8988, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.

Today was a great day overall. I planted my free trees from the Arbor Day Foundation, saw my friends and the osprey at the TCAAP WVA were very friendly.

I took the bike out to "my spot." The weather was perfect. 60F with high cirrus clouds here and there. When I first arrive, I met my friend, Kevin. I've known him ever since I started hanging out at the WVA. He's interesting and we share a love of wildlife and photography. Talking to him would have been enough to make it a good night but the osprey would not be upstaged.

Within a few minutes, we noticed one of the osprey tearing apart a fish on one of the nearby dead trees. I told Kevin watch for the osprey to lift its tail and crap because they almost always do that just before they fly off. Sure enough the bird did it and flew off...right towards us. Cool.

We chatted for a couple minutes until I remembered to turn around and keep an eye out towards Turtle Lake. I said "We better look this way because the osprey is going to catch a fish, fly right over us and bring it to the nest." Sure enough within just a few seconds that happened. The shot to the right was made at that moment.

At that point, Kevin had to leave and within a few minutes another friend showed up. While we were hanging out on the bridge, the osprey caught and ate 3 more fish. I got a few more decent shots.

An easy way to view the day's photo catch is to click on the photo. It will bring you to my Flickr page. Then use the "newer" "older" arrows to go through my most recent photos.

One last thing...I saw the first lupine in bloom:

Lupine DSC_9010
by Mully410 * Images

Previously at the TCAAP WVA, I saw Geese.

Goose Closeup DSC_8441, a photo by Mully410 * Images on Flickr.

Actually, I see geese pretty much every time I visit the TCCAP Wildlife Viewing Area. I don't like geese. They are obnoxious but I shoot them whenever they fly by...good practice. It almost annoys me when I get a good shot.

I heard these two coming from Turtle Lake...it's actually not hard to hear the coming. They came in low over the trees. This shot is not cropped.

BTW:  I didn't get out the WVA today because I was preparing to plants some trees in my yard.