McGills Nature In Motion

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 17, 2016

Monday we woke to rain and gale force winds....causing us to lose power. So we decided to head to the Refuge. We were happy to find two juvenile loons on E Pool. One was more than willing to pose for a couple of photos. I would like to think it could be our little J Pool chick.

The B Pool territorial trumpeter swans were feeding near the spillway with their two almost grown cygnets. Though thirty plus cygnets were hatched on the pools...only five survived along the drives...one on J Pool...two on E Pool and these two. Sad...northern pike...snapping turtles and eagles are their main enemies.

And so ended our 2016 season at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. It was an amazing year…so many to cherish and reflect on. We will be counting the days till we return for sharp-tailed grouse count in April.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 16, 2016

Probably my last early morning on Seney National Wildlife Refuge for this season...calling for rain in the morning. Always a sad time of year...but what an amazing season it has been!

 At least it was a lovely morning. I enjoyed watching the Harvest Moon setting over the Refuge before the sun even rose...well it was behind some clouds.

The sun finally rose over the dark clouds...showing off the Fall colors through the morning fog...and casting reflections in the water.

...I did find a little wildlife to photograph...though much more scarce and camera shy. Some male wood ducks were scattered along with hooded mergansers...trumpeter swans...Canada geese...green-winged teals...pied billed grebes and two young common loons.

The Personification of Fall...the gathering of Canada Geese. I don't usually spend much time photographing them...but they were there. They did a little talking amongst themselves and decided it was time to fly.

The territorial pair spent their time preening and patrolling their domain.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 10, 2016

Monday morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Of course, I would find Mr. E Pool eagle sitting in his tree just before the sun came out. He even sat and let me take a couple of photos. But at least I saw him.

Finally the sun broke through the clouds giving me some sweet shots. There is nothing more relaxing and serene than my early morning quiet time on the Refuge. I'm going to miss that when we leave next Monday for the season. Then it's time to spend time with my winter friends....eagles...rough-legged hawks and hopefully some snowy owls

I almost missed a little ruffed grouse roosting on a dead tree along the drive. This is when I'm reminded to slow down...stop and really look...it's always amazing the little things you will discover along the way if you do.

I did enjoy a few minutes with a territorial pair of trumpeter swans on a pool with Canada geese...some green-winged teals...wood ducks and a single greater yellowleg on Monday. But when an intruding swan arrived they took after it. Unfortunately that's when the sun decided to peek out...and I didn't get my settings changed in time for the action shots.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 9, 2016

I enjoyed another gorgeous sunrise at Seney National Wildlife Refuge this morning. Even treated to a little fog to make it perfect.

One of my favorite shots from this gorgeous morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge was when the sun rose through the clouds...the light it cast on the Fall foliage and cloudy sky was totally amazing...along with sweet reflections.

I may not have wildlife to shoot but I did enjoy the many faces of sunrise reflecting on Nature. Clouds can make such a beautiful backdrop of a sunrise...especially as the rays pierce them from above.

If you hesitate...you can miss what Nature gives you in a blink of an eye. Get up and get out and enjoy what Nature has waiting for you. It looked like the clouds were going to be heavy when I arrived before daylight...but the north winds blew and gave me some spectacular vistas...and reflections.

At Seney National Wildlife Refuge you never just what you may find around the next curve. Unfortunately this time of year it's not much in the way of wildlife. But I can settle for beautiful visions of Nature.

So what I found around the next curve….Sunday morning in God's Cathedral. The best place to be to enjoy the solitude and peace that Nature brings us.

Then I found this little ruffed grouse just sitting in the road...waiting for me to take its picture. I had to actually approach it to get it to move off the road. A little gift of wildlife for me from God on this beautiful Sunday morning.

I found flocks of ring-necked ducks throughout the Refuge. But don't expect to get too close to photograph them. They are off and flying...circling and circling...father and farther away.

I would love to think the young loon I found was our J Pool chick checking out C Pool...but there was another one on D Pool, too. With the Fishing Loop closed I haven't been able to monitor the little guy. But feel it is fine and should have been flying by now. By Monday both young loons were gone. So hopefully they found flying mates. I wish them safe journey and hope to see them return one day.

I found this friendly crow sitting along the drive enjoying some Fall harvest on top of a dead birch tree. Love my corvids! It was so engrossed with eating it didn't fly away...till someone pushed me from behind.

I ended my day on the Refuge tonight with a gorgeous sunset…almost as gorgeous as the sunset I took at 60mph along Lake Michigan Friday night. But luckily I was standing still when I shot this one.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 8, 2016

A quick trip through the Refuge this morning before sunrise...which didn't show up till after 8:30 or so. I met a fellow W.I.N. member, Teresa Haven and her husband, from Missouri, here to enjoy our great Upper Peninsula. I was very happy to find this juvenile common loon on E Pool in the early morning gloom.

I found a little color and a little sunshine just before I left the Refuge. But the temperature this morning read 41 degrees...feels like 33. A little change from the day before when we had 77 degrees at home.

I startled her and she startled me ...but she stopped and posed for me anyways before I left the Refuge this morning…white-tailed doe…sweet girl.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 3, 2016

After the morning fog lifted...the sun shone on the bits of color throughout making for some lovely vistas. FYI Those are American coots enjoying the morning

Then the fog moved back in...which I totally loved...except I had to sit and wait for it to lift to see any wildlife.  But I wasn't complaining....I had all day to enjoy it.

I had so much fun photographing these two greater yellowlegs. They would chase each other...fly to keep up or get away from the other. They would literally run to get ahead of each other. I was hunkered down in the muck and grasses...and they never gave me a second look. I came back to the same spot several times throughout the day...and there they were still going at it.

After the fog lifted I was so excited to find the E Pool eagle sitting along the drive. But of course...as soon as I lifted the camera...bam...he took off. Well I did get a shot of him.

I had fun with these two little pied billed grebes. The one is still sporting its 'stripes' showing it is a juvenile. I couldn't decide which one I liked so I'm posting them all. Sorry. Like their 'cousins' the loons...their feet are located way on the back of their bodies...causing them to need a longer distance to lift off the water. I love their little flapper feet that kept popping out from under this one's wing.

During the early morning sunrise I found this handsome male wood duck hiding in a cove. I love the colors and reflections surrounding him.

spotted a greater yellowleg flying...I investigated and found several green-winged teals, too. I was enjoying watching them...but two hikers spooked them. I was able to snap this shot as one of the females took off...followed by the rest of them. But the yellowlegs continued to entertained me

I'm always excited when American coots start showing up in the fall at the Refuge. I was able to access a point of land a little closer to them. They are so much fun to watch

While I was watching the coots from my brush pile...I heard a splash...something landed nearby. I was able to pop my head up and see it was a male wood duck. I waited patiently....and finally he floated out in front of me. At first he was in the shadows...then slow came out into the sunlight. smile emoticon:) Perfect moment

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 2, 2016

I was on the Refuge this morning at 7:30am temperature 56...with a little bit of sun peeking out to show off some of the color that's popping up. The Fishing Loop is now closed for the season...so back to taking the Marshland Drive. It's not quite as active but still great to just be here.

I did find a bald eagle on both ends of E Pool...then this 2nd year eagle flew from G Pool over D Pool and then cruised over C Pool.

The wood ducks were out and about early this morning but quickly headed back into the marsh.

A little more color along C Pool. As I was processing the photo I realized we have some American Coots visiting the Refuge!! I love these funky footed birds.

Got back to the Refuge after an afternoon with sandhill cranes. I love the reflections that the setting sun makes on the fall foliage. A perfect way to end a day in the U.P.

It's always a treat to get to enjoy a sunrise or sunset at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Tonight was one of those lucky nights. The clouds lifted before sunset...giving me a lovely sunset to enjoy.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal October 3, 2016

It was a perfect morning...fog...sun...reflections and wildlife. This is pre-sunrise on the Refuge.

The sun finally broke through the fog this morning. It was a perfect morning....and a perfect day spent with wood ducks, pied billed grebes...greater yellowlegs...American coots and even some green-winged teals

I got back to the Refuge with about forty minutes to enjoy it before the sunset. My first encounter as I started the drive was this young merlin. It sat still long enough for me to get a few shots before continuing the hunt.

Also in my forty minutes of daylight I found this American coot hanging out with some of the wood ducks. I'm not so sure the wood ducks appreciated its presence.

Then I found four sharp-tailed grouse along the drive. I was amazed how much I saw in such a short time. I guess I need to make quick runs more often.

 Then I was able to get some sweet sunset shots...making it the end of a perfect day

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal September 26, 2016

I was on the Refuge before sunrise...but I could have slept in a couple of hours because it took that long before I ever caught sight of it. The temperature was 58 degrees but windy. Oh well, the sounds of the Refuge were still a joy to hear. I did spot a least a hundred sandhill cranes flying from west to east. Looks like the gatherings are beginning. Finally enough sun broke through to capture a few shots

The sun did make an appearance...just in time to shoot a few wood ducks. While shooting the wood ducks...I found a  great blue heron. It took off flying through the branches...flying up at an angle...ending up in a tree.

We found a pair of sandhill cranes on H pool later in the day. The winds were howling out of the southwest...and the pair seemed to enjoy 'dancing' in the wind.

Another pair of sandhill cranes flew in to chase out the other pair I had been photographing. Always fun to watch them challenging each other.

While I was watching the sandhill cranes carrying on chasing each other....the territorial pair of trumpeter swans flew by chasing off an intruder. Like I always say...if you just stop...you'll be amazed at what flies by you

Standing in the howling...gusting southwest winds...I was treated to fighting sandhill cranes...fighting trumpeter swans...and yeah...an great egret. Also a Northern harrier and merlin flew by but no photos.

Then we found a few wood ducks hanging out in a cove. One was very content with bathing while the other two looked on. I just wish the sun had chosen to peek out at this time. I would have made a point of trying to sneak up a little closer.

We did get a few peeks of sunshine mid-day and just when we found a couple of handsome male wood ducks enjoying the 'crumbs' left over from the trumpeter swans feeding.

The best part of the day was meeting up with our friends Ken and Jean Rautiola. While Jean and I were standing in the drive talking...the second great egret showed up. It flew off before we could get good shots. So Jean and I jumped in our truck (while Ken and Michael were in their truck) and followed it down to J Pool.

On our way down to J Pool looking for the great egret, Jean and I found our little J Pool loon chick preening along the drive. So good to see the little one doing so well...even though it's been all alone for several weeks.

Yeah...Jean and I found our great egret at the end of J Pool enjoying the eats. We photographed and watched it for over an hour. We wanted to make the most of our time on the Fishing Loop. It will be close the next time we come.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal September 25, 2016

Another gorgeous sunrise at Seney National Wildlife Refuge this morning.  It was partly cloudy with temps at 53degrees. Unfortunately the sun didn't stay with me too long...but still had a great day.

As autumn is descending...the Refuge is changing...most of the loons have left. But the youngest loon chick at ten weeks old...J Pool chick...is still hanging out. I was so happy to see it this morning in the sunrise.

Well, the sandhill cranes weren't on H Pool this morning so I moved along down to G Pool. My friends Ken and Jean Rautiola had told me that the Refuge was lowering G Pool again...continuing repairs to the G/D spillway. Lucky for me...a couple of pairs were hanging out on a couple of the islands. As I got there...well after sunrise...about twenty sandhills took off from the far end of G Pool heading...away from me. But at least I found them.

I did get up close and personal with apair of sandhill cranes...as the sun peeked back out. Despite the cloudy day...I managed to get quite a few decent shots when the sun co-operated.

After the sandhill cranes flew off to another island...a pair of trumpeter swans were more than willing to pose for me. The lighting was perfect...so I took full advantage of it

I waited patiently...photographing the pair of trumpeter swans. I knew after they preen...they do the wing-flap. Perfect...made more perfect with the early morning light.

During one of the 'dark' moments of the morning I found a  young Northern harrier hanging out preening in a dead tree. I was able to get several shots of it without it noticing me.

I also saw several dozen pied billed grebes throughout the Refuge yesterday. They are such cute little divers...but very shy. It's usually the young ones that allow a few photos taken before submerging like a submarine.

The two great egrets were still at Seney National Wildlife Refuge...but just not quite as co-operative as last weekend. Well, I guess I can't be greedy

The wood ducks were everywhere around the Refuge, too....but also not quite as co-operative as last weekend. That's what makes catching them more special. But it was fun to watch a male 'woo' his lady...I guess biting her tail is a turn on. She seemed to like it.

I was happy to find this great blue heron hiding in the marsh yesterday at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Sadly we haven't seen more than three or four at the most at one time. Years ago we had six or eight at one time sitting on the dead trees...along with many others. I love these prehistoric creatures.

Despite the day being mostly cloudy...I managed to get some fun action shots...when the sun actually was peeking out. Timing and luck are two of my best friends.

With the lowering of G Pool to fix the G/D spillway...the trumpeter swans had invaded the area along with mallards, pied billed grebes and wood ducks. The territorial pair of trumpeter swans was not too happy with the invasion. The male took  out one of the younger invaders.

As I was photographing a pair of sandhills a car stopped...a lady got out walked toward the water to take a quick shot...and bam... the sandhills flew. Well, luckily I was hunkered down in the bushes...knowing what was about to happen...and snap! I got the shot!

While I was hunkered down enjoying the sandhill cranes and the trumpeter swans...a  Northern harrier flew by...checking out the 'eats' around G Pool.

The Northern harrier stirred up the many wood ducks feeding on G Pool. I was able to snap a couple of shots of them as they flew by me.

Then a pair of trumpeter swans came flying in...circling right in front of me before landing. If you just sit quietly...it's amazing what will come your way.

The territorial trumpeter swan on G Pool was getting quite a workout . Then two pairs of trumpeter swans came bobbing up close to me. Both pairs were doing their up and down courtship movements. It was so comical to watch them. It went on and on for some time. I kept trying to get both pairs making their 'heart shape' necks at the same time...but I did manage one deep heart and another 'open' heart

Then I did get a chance to capture a wood duck or two. One of the males was just getting his fall breeding plumage. He looks looked like he was wearing a toupee.

Nature blends so well into its background. The juvenile red-tailed hawk was doing a little hunting along the drive...but we spied it all the same.

One treat was finding this juvenile horned lark. It was enjoying the seeds of the small weeds along the drive. I actually had to shoo it out the drive in order to move on. With fall migration...you never know what you will find.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge September  19, 2016

I arrived around 6:45 am again to 64 degrees with a south wind and clouds over the sunrise. I got to spend the morning again with about twenty-five sandhill cranes. Nothing more perfect than hearing their soft cackling/purring as they start their morning. Unfortunately they all took off to the east...not in front of me....but still wonderful to hear them cackling all the way.

The sun rose amongst the clouds on…the best time of the day...especially when I'm surrounded with the awakening wildife.

I was treated to a small flock of Northern shovelers in the early morning sunlight. They circled several times before landing...giving me ample opportunity to photograph them...from a distance.

Then, of course, there was the great egret out fishing in the sunrise. I'll miss these two beauties when they finally head south. But what joy they have brought me while they have been here.

It was gorgeous till about 8:45am then the clouds moved over the sun….but eventually peeked back out.

My moment of happiness on Monday at Seney National Wildlife Refuge came when I spotted the D Pool loon daddy and his young in the middle of the pool. F Pool loon, ABJ, and his chick have left...C Pool loon, T7, and his chick have left...and on this day I was witness to D Pool, Z4, and his chick taking off. It was such a thrill when the young flew by...smiling. Z4 called as they flew away heading south. I waited...thinking they could just be taking a test run...but they never returned. So I wished them well...and hope to see Z4 back here next spring

I was so happy to find several wood ducks in one of my favorite quiet spots. They lighting at the right time of day is superb...showing off the greenery around the water. It was a perfect setting for these gorgeous creatures.

A young wood duck was as curious about me as I was of it...at the end of the drive. He came off his log to check me out. He didn't fly off...just started to feed. Now why can't they all be so co-operative???

I went back to the trailer to get Michael to make one last run through the Refuge before heading home.

I was given a treat when this handsome male wood duck allowed me to get several shots of him...before he decided he didn't like his picture taken. He was all alone...still not ready to look for love? But he was definitely showing off his fall breeding plumage.

We also found one of the juvenile hooded mergansers in the J channel where they like to hang out.

We also found two double crested cormorants on D Pool…a sure sign that our loons have gone.

We also found this six point buck Monday at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The points aren't big...but they are there.  He just stood and looked without moving an eyelash...as I took a few photos of him.

I was just complaining how I hadn't got to see the eagles too much this year...except at a distance. Sadly neither E or G Pool eagles had young this year. Well, guess what we found fishing on G Pool?? Yep...one of the eagles. It snagged a little fish then went to this spit of land to eat...with a friend. I love watch the crows and ravens nagging the mighty eagles. The eagle didn't offer to share so the crow flew off....then eventually the eagle. I did not get great pics but just great to spend some time watching these might raptors.

Just before we left the Refuge for the last time this trip...I spotted the young male wood duck...back sitting on a log in the marsh. Once again he didn't seem to mind me taking photos of him. Lucky for me.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge September 18, 2016

I arrived at the Refuge around 6:45am to 51 degrees and a west wind.

I start the morning  with the sandhill cranes …at least twenty-five of them around me. There was one pair with a colt. The family with the colt was the first to leave. The sun was trying to rise above the clouds.

It wasn't too long after the sun rose above the clouds that one of the great egrets flew in to join the sandhill cranes.

My last pair of sandhill cranes to leave me...was the only ones that actually took off and flew in front of me....and the sun was peeking out.

The winds were blowing from the west...yep the clouds were coming my way. It didn't take them long to come in and fill up the sky.

I heard the call of one loon…the eagles chattering and some yellow-legs flew over. Along the drive I found pied billed grebes in G Pool….an eagle fly over…wood ducks and pied billed grebes on C Pool….a merlin in B marsh…and a flock of ring-necked ducks on C Pool. My last visitor was the young red-tailed hawk near the end of the drive. It landed on the ground then took off as I got closer.

We made a quick jog into the Refuge to check on the wood ducks near the Visitors Center around noon. We were happy to find a female on a downed tree...and actually stayed there to be photographed.

Then we spotted her handsome suitors...there were two male wood ducks trying to woo the female. Lucky me...they were more interested in her than what I was doing.

The other male wood duck suitor was working his way up the downed tree. But then he spotted me and flew off...taking the other two with them.

Back to the Refuge Sunday afternoon...lots of people. But I was first one on the Fishing Loop. I spotted an egret on H Pool...bad lighting but I decided to shoot it anyways. It flew to a better spot. Then I moved on...to find the second one on a dead tree. I was able to walk fairly close to it. A jeep waited for me as I was on foot. I told them to go ahead after I had shot enough. I said I was ready if it flew...which it did.

Then the great egret flew back...right in front of me. Of course I was zoomed out too far and clipped its wing...but I still got it. Their wings are so gorgeous.

So after the great egret flew in front of me...it flew down to where the first one was fishing. And so began the fun!!!

Then both of the great egrets flew into the dead trees way back at the start of H pool. After four cars went by...I backed up midway on H. Another car saw them and pulled in at the start of H Pool where they were both sitting in trees. He eventually spooked them and I was able to get some decent shots of them.

And then I watched the egrets as they flew away together. They flew into trees back at F marsh. So I left the car parked and walked back to see what I could see.

So after the egrets chased each other around...the first time...one landed on this downed tree along the drive. I hiked back to find it...and continued photographing. It was so sweet to spend some time observing this little beauty.

The wind was blowing causing some of the bark of the tree to flop around. The egret was so cute trying to snatch at the bark. It finally got it...and then let it go. I love getting to spend time observing nature. You never know just what you will witness.

Believe it or not while I was crouched down along the drive shooting this beauty...people drove right by it...without see it. What?? Seriously??? But I didn't mind...and neither did the egret.

Then the great egret took off. But luckily I kept my eye on it. It flew back into the marsh...where the other great egret was hanging out. I decided to head back to where my truck was parked...keeping an eye on the egrets. I hoped if they were going to fly it would be back that way...and the lighting would be much better

Well, my patience paid off. All of a sudden the great egrets started chasing each other. First one came flying by me...then the second great egret came flying by me. It was like a blitz...egrets flying everywhere!!! Totally awesome!!!

One of the great egrets landed on an island on H Pool...but...in the blink of the eye...the other great egret came back out of the marsh. The second great egret flew by me...to chase the other egret off its island...then they both flew back toward me. Dang! That was the most amazing few minutes!!!  Timing and luck!!! Yep...it was definitely my lucky day with these two beautiful visitors.

I was so happy to see the J Pool loon chick doing well at nine weeks old. It's been on its own for over two weeks. Sandhills  were feeding along H Pool...a juvenile Northern harrier spooked up by a kingfisher...a young blue jay chasing a flock of Northern flickers. I also spotted a great blue heron in C Pool but it got spooked and flew off. B Pool trumpeters swan came over to me from across the pool enjoying the beautiful setting sun...and a quick snap of a shy juvenile pied billed grebe. I left at 7:20pm before th beautiful sunset. It was a long but successful day. What a perfect way to spend a perfect day in the U.P. and SNWR.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge September 12, 2016

It was another gorgeous morning. I arrived at 6:30am to 57 degrees …windy and no fog. I got nestled in before the sun broke over the ridge. I had about twenty-five sandhill cranes around me...but they didn't notice my presence....and take off.

The only problem with getting out there before the sun is completely risen...is the wildlife is already moving. But I still managed to snap this juvenile Northern harrier as it started its morning...heading right at me. I did see both of them for a few minutes but they decided to hunt elsewhere.

My great egret finally came in around 8:00am but it didn’t come in and preen on its usual spot. The second egret was back further. It flew but only to head behind H Pool.

I was so surprised when a...I believe...great yellow-leg...flew at the end of my spit of land. It didn't seem to mind me photographing it.

It was good to see the J Pool eight week old chick doing well. It is all alone. Dad seemed to have left over a week ago. Last year dad stayed till the young was ready. Hoping nothing happened to him. I'm very fond of J Pool territorial male loon banded AT. Junior had just eaten a nice size fish....so it’s doing fine.

Always happy to find one of the juvenile hooded mergansers on their favorite log. This is where I first spotted the family of seven and their momma. I have seen at least six of them still together.

I had a nice visit with fellow photog, Beth Eldridge, who was visiting the Refuge for the first time. Then I had a lovely visit with my Happy Place friends, Ken and Jean Rautiola.

You know how I love my sandhill cranes...except this guy. He and his mate came out of the marsh and started squawking right as I was approaching the juvenile merlin who was sitting in its favorite tree. Oh well, I got the sandhill.

I had given up hopes of finding a male wood duck in its fall breeding plumage this past weekend at SNWR. Most of them I had seen were still in the process of changing in to their handsome plumage. But...out of the shadows...came a handsome male. I love these beauties. We are so lucky to have them in their spring and fall breeding plumage.

Michael and I had to take one last drive through the Refuge before heading home on. I'm so glad we did. We found several male wood ducks enjoying the beautiful afternoon.  One was reposing on a log. Love finding a wood duck on wood.

I loved finding several male wood ducks in the shadows. The wind blowing the lily pads added to the setting.

My patience paid off as the male wood duck moved out of the shadows and into the light. I liked his 'fan' aka lily pad. What a perfect way to end our visit to the Refuge.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal September 11, 2016

It’s another beautiful morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge as I arrived at 6:45am to 46 degrees…no fog and breezy.  I was surprised to spot an osprey sitting in a tree along the drive. All of the adults and I had though youngsters had left. It could be a migrating bird. I didn't quite get settled before dawn broke...so I spooked a few sandhill cranes. But I did catch a snap of them as they cackled by me.

I was luckily settled in to my special place when one of the great egrets flew in. Love catching them in the early morning sun

Shortly after the great egret flew in...everything flew!! Well, a bald eagle decided to fly over to do a little duck hunting. The egret flew and landed in a tree right behind me!! After it thought it was safe...it took off to go back to fishing.

I couldn't resist shooting the territorial trumpeter swans as they patrolled their domain. Sadly this pair lost all five of their adorable cygnets...the ones I shot in the early morning light as momma lead them all down to the water

The trumpeter swans came up so close...I thought they might join me on my spit of land.

I had so much fun with a juvenile Northern harriers. I adore these raptors. I love their 'owl' faces. One of the youngsters was practicing its pouncing on a muskrat lodge.

So...what could be better than one young Northern harrier??? TWO juvenile Northern harriers!!! What a treat to watch these two 'play'. I'm so sure the miscellaneous ducks were not too happy with their 'playing' though.

I was hearing different calls other than the standard quacking of the mallards. I zoomed in and discovered female and juvenile American widgeons...northern pintails and green-winged teals amongst the geese and mallards. You just never know what you may find...especially during migration.

After I left my morning spot I found the J Pool loon chick still doing well at eight weeks old…all on its own. There were quite a few pied billed grebes on G Pool. Then I found first three…then three more hooded merganser juveniles. It was good to see so many had survived. I have been seeing them off and on all summer. Momma had seven so six is a great amount to survive.

At the end of C Pool I found at least a dozen pied billed grebes and eight trumpeter swans. Then a pair of fawns jumped out in front of me. I head out to get Michael to go visit the black bears along the Toonerville Trolley.

I made it back around 4:30pm to 73 degrees and partly cloudy/sunny skies and windy. There were wood ducks at the pool in front of the Visitors Center but they spooked before I could photograph them.

I was happy to find at least five sharp-tailed grouse in the afternoon. I had other friends say they saw seven of them together. So momma has six healthy almost grown young...which is a big achievement for a grouse. I first spotted two on one side of the drive...then three popped their heads out of the other side of the drive.

I was so excited when I moved along the drive after seeing the STG and then actually finding one eating...in a very picturesque setting. It just glanced about in the soft afternoon sun...showing off its gorgeous feather patterns. For a dull colored bird...it is totally stunning. We volunteer every spring to do the sharp-tailed grouse count on the Refuge back at the STG courting lek. So it’s nice to see the results of a successful pair of courting grouse.

It was a lovely evening but I had to head out for an appointment. But I’ll be back before dawn tomorrow.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal September 6, 2016

We woke up to lightening and rain…so I worked on photos. Finally just before we decided to head home…the sun peeked…so off to the Refuge for one last run through.

We got there at 4:15 to 75 degrees and partly cloudy with peeks of sun.

There was quite a few wood ducks in the V.C. pool that allowed me to snap a few shots before flying off. The males are starting to don their handsome fall breeding plumage.

ABJ and his chick were near the shore as we started the drive. The two great egrets were sitting on a downed tree on the back side of H Pool where several sandhill cranes were feeding.

J Pool chick was alone by the drive. It seems to be doing well at seven weeks old…eating and watching for danger. I can’t believe its dad left it all ready. Hopefully nothing happened to the dad. It did have a lone sandhill to keep it company.

A Northern harrier was scattering the waterfowl and shorebirds feeding on the back side of J Pool.

The sandhill crane family and their colt were still at the end of J Pool where they were stirring up some yellowlegs.  One of juvenile hooded mergansers was on its favorite log.

We were happy to spot D Pool loon dad with his chick on the back side of the pool. At least a few of the adults and chicks are still with us.

There were lots of pied billed grebes and wood ducks throughout C Pool. As we headed out at 5:30pm the clouds moved back in.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal September 5, 2016

I was on the Refuge by 6:40am. Clouds were over the sunrise but going to clear off. Temperatures in the 60’s with southeast winds. The fog was thin so the sunrise showed off the sandhill cranes as they started moving.

 A  pair of sandhills were waking with the sunrise...and deciding just where they wanted to start their day.

The pair of sandhill cranes decided to fly over and land in fron to me with about twenty other sandhills...on this gorgeous Monday morning

I was so delighted when this great egret decided it was time to come in and visit. I was extremely excited when it came in and landed right in front of me.

A bone of contention....as you all know...I get up before daylight to get to the Refuge. I like to settle in before everything starts to stir. Well, an hour after sunrise...after the great egret and flown in further out. I heard a car door...then the car pulled away. I thought...oh they must know me and leaving a note on my truck. Before too long I hear loud crashing as a man with his huge lens and tripod come barreling over the hill to try to get out to where I was. Lucky me I had mucked across quite a bit of water to get to my spot. The man wasn't quite prepared to go that far. I...of course...glared my best glare...not once but twice. Seriously??? I don't mind someone shooting behind me on the hill or from the drive. But crashing through the brush...causing the sandhills to go in to a frenzy. Well, he took a few shots...then the egret moved in to its favorite spot...right in front of me. The man took a few more shots...then...crashing...he barreled back out of the brush...causing the egret to fly away.

One good point...the egret flew right in front of me. So I guess good things can come out of bad situations.

 I would love to have read him a few of the proper etiquettes of wildlife photography. He and his friend were also stalking…to an extreme…some wildlife the day before...not respecting the wildlife's 'space'. URRGGHHHH...that's all I can say. Now back to enjoying my wildlife.

Once the egret flew by me...it went and spooked out another egret. It looks like the second one got the 'poo' scared out of it.

I had shorebirds and wood ducks…kingfishers and lots of geese and ducks flying over. The territorial trumpeter swans had to put in an appearance, too.

I spent two hours in my favorite spot…then moved on…time to go see the black bears along the tracks of the Toonerville.

T7…the C Pool male loon was up close with his chick. I just said ‘hi’ and moved on. The clouds were starting to move in when I left at 9:30am.

I made it back to the Refuge around 4:40pm to 81 degrees…wind and mostly sunny for now.

A great blue heron was feeding on E Pool and one in F marsh. One of the great egrets and a few sandhills were still feeding on H Pool.

A northern harrier flew from G Pool to E Pool without stopping for a photo op. Pied billed grebes and merlins on G Pool.

I spotted an American bittern on C Pool but too many people pushing through the drive to stop for shots.

Wood ducks at the Visitors Center pool…another great blue heron in F Pool when I made another run through…a northern harrier over H Pool. J Pool chick was hanging out near the drive. I also had a chance to get close to an egret but it got spooked by a car before it came around the bend to where I was hiding.

By the time I ended my early evening at 7:15pm the clouds were rolling in. It looks like rain tomorrow.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal September 4, 2016

Early morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge…I arrived at 6:40am and 51 degrees...dense fog till well after 9:00am...but I still had a wonderful time just sitting quietly and listening to the wildlife slowly waking up. I was surrounded by sandhill cranes...two great egrets...two great blue herons...wood ducks...mallards...Canada geese...kingfishers...and even a screaming eagle or two.

Along with the wildlife...I was surrounded by beautiful works of art. The dew was heavy on the webs making for some gorgeous prisms that a photo just can’t quite capture.

It was hard to spot the great egret amidst the dense fog this morning. But I enjoyed every minute I was blest to spend with it...regardless of the fog.

As the fog lifted slightly...I was able to shoot both the great egret and the great blue heron cautiously hunting together this morning

A little sun breaking through the dense fog this morning....showing a few of the sandhill cranes and the great blue heron as it hunted along in front of them.

Finally the sun broke through the fog...and the winds died down...making for some sweet reflections shots, too.

Then the great egret performed some yoga moves for me...one side...and then the other. I'm not quite that graceful. It was a perfect morning...after the heavy fog finally lifted.

Even the great blue heron was very accommodating at. It fed up near the great egret...then flew...flying right by me.

The great egret liked to fly in and land on an island to preen. Lucky me...I wasn't too far away from this 'island'. It was quite the poser. And I was truly blest to spend time with it.

I had kingfishers flying around…an eagle screaming in a tree…a wood duck flew in close andowith some other shorebirds flying around….a great way to spend a foggy morning.

G Pool is being lowered to work on the G/D spillway. I spotted several pied billed grebes…but I did not see any of the loons. The merlins were not on their favorite tree. I think the paparazzi that were chasing them yesterday spooked them away.

Several pied billed grebes and wood ducks throughout C Pool. I spotted a northern harrier over B marsh.

By 12:00 it was 73 degrees and partly sunny and breezy. The C Pool loon dad is still with his chick.

Seven week old J Pool loon...still with just a touch of its downy feathers left. I checked on it all three days I was at the Refuge...morning and night...and it appeared to be all alone. Last year Daddy J Pool loon stayed with his young one till later in the fall. This chick was hatched July 16th a week later than last year's chick. It seemed fine...eating and keeping watch. It even went up on land like mommy and daddy taught it...to go potty. This pair is definitely the exception. Most loons do not access land except to copulate...nest...or if stressed.

 It was nice to meet facebook friend, Joel DeYoung, and introduce him to this chick. Also great to shoot with friend, Jean Ann Rautiola.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge August 29, 2016

My favorite time of the day...daybreak at Seney National Wildlife Refuge...as the wildlife awakens to greet the new day. One of my favorite early morning friends...the sandhill cranes...as they cackle their greetings and take flight to find more friends to feed with.

Then through the early morning fog...you find not one but two great egrets flying in to feed nearby. Perfect. I spent two hours with these beautiful creatures...along with 30-50 sandhill cranes...and a few other visitors.

I had just nestled in to my spot to sit and watch the early morning show...I was sooooo excited when one of the great egrets decided to head over my way on Sunday morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The rising sun and foggy haze made for some sweet shooting.

As I sat snuggled into the damp brush...the early morning awakened around me at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Sandhill cranes were coming out of the swamp to join others feeding in front of me. Nothing more perfect then the cackling of a sandhill in the quiet stillness of a foggy morning.

While I was shooting the sandhills...I turned just in time to get a sweet snap of this juvenile Northern Harrier. I love these unique raptors...and always excited when I get the privilege to see one up close and personal

I was also treated to the two great egrets chasing each other around the pool. Lucky for me the one flew by me and landed back in front of me.

Here's the flyby I was treated to as the winning great egret came and landed in front of me. But this wasn't the last flyby I was treated to...there's more to come

The great egret decided to go back and chase the other egret that was across the drive. Lucky me...it came and flew right back in front of me...in the perfect sunlight.

After the great egret took off after the other egret...it landed in a tree near J Pool. I was able to get quite close to capture it in the beautiful blue sky.

As I continued on my drive I found my merlins in their usual spot along G Pool along with the loon chicks.

I found a momma bear and two cubs along the drive right before I got to G Pool on my next run through. Momma paused and let me capture a few shots before they went back toward H Pool. Their black coats glistened from spending time in the cool waters of the marsh.

On my afternoon run I was treated to ABJ and his chick fishing near the shore. I actually spotted them rounding a curve so I positioned myself to line up with them when they came my way.

I then spooked a great blue heron along E marsh…still a few sandhills feeding along H Pool.

J Pool daddy and chick in the channel…some plovers and sandpipers along the shore…then a fifth year eagle flew over stirring up the water and shorebirds…as the loon wailed.

The wood ducks are starting to vie for the females attention even before they are in full breeding plumage. It should be a good fall for some action. Before I left I spooked a young great blue in C Pool. It was kind enough to fly up into a pine tree a pose for a few shots.

Seney  National Wildlife Refuge August 28, 2016

I arrived on the Refuge at 6:40am to 62 degrees with fog and clouds covering the sunrise.  The sandhills were calling the juvenile osprey on F Pool was sitting on its old nest calling for its parents that are no longer here…having left for the Southern Hemisphere.

A loon was calling on E Pool….ABJ and his chick were out still resting. Kingfishers were shattering and flying around…hyper little critters. Both of the E Pool eagles were in their tree. The trumpeter swans were waking on E Pool along with several wood ducks and beavers.

The J Pool daddy loon and chick were in the channel. The Caspian terns were fishing. A northern harrier flew in front of me at the start of G Pool.

The juvenile merlins were still in their tree near G Pool….screaming for attention. The daddy loon was out with one chick while the other was at the far end of the pool.

An eagle was in the feeding tree at the west end of E Pool.

Another run through found a pair of sandhill cranes on an island on F Pool squawking. I was then treated to time with a great egret and two great blue herons on H Pool…along with some sandhill cranes on H Pool. I was treated to a kingfisher flyby as I was nestled down watching the action.

I found lots of wood ducks in the C Pool marsh and the pied billed grebes, too. More pied billed grebes at the end of C Pool along with ring-necked ducks and a lone loon with a red band on its right leg.

We made an evening run through at 5:00pm to 75 degrees and partly sunny skies. We found a great blue heron in the pool in front of the Visitors Center. The great egret and some sandhills were still on H Pool.

I was able to get some shots of the J pool loon and chick. Further down on J Pool a Northern harrier flew over the back side of the pool stirring up the shorebirds and ducks that were feeding there.

Then we spotted the sandhill cranes and their colt near the bridge. Well, they weren’t alone…there was a great egret feeding nearby. It was so fun to watch the sandhill crane colt...going after the great egret. The colt wasn't too pleased with the egret invading its territory. For a colt that can't fly yet...it was pretty persistent...stalking the egret till it finally was content with the distance it was keeping. You never know what you will find and what events you may witness. That's what I love about what I am privileged to do every weekend...spend time with nature.

We found the female osprey...aka...Dumb...who lost her nest when the strong winds went through the Refuge...several weeks ago...near her lost nest. She was holding a large pike...and just sitting there...sadly...like she was waiting to feed her 'babies'. Our friends...Ken and Jean found her about a half an hour later...still sitting there with her uneaten fish.  Who says animals don't have feelings. She really should be heading off to South America. Poor dear.

We found this female merlin at the end of C Pool in the setting sun. She was busy trying to catch something...probably to feed her screaming young. She managed to pose for a minute before heading off to continue her hunt.

The egret also spooked up a couple of Virginia rails while it was feeding. Then we spooked a great blue heron in C Pool. We found a female merlin hunting at the end of C Pool.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal August 22, 2016

Monday morning I was on the Refuge before daybreak….6:40am gorgeous and 48 degrees.  Unfortunately, right when I got the Refuge my truck informed me I had a tire that was low. So....I called Michael...he borrowed Claudia's car and came and changed my tire. Of course, I wasn't going to just sit and wait...so I decided to take a walk back to I Pool...to check on the loon chicks that I haven't seen yet. First I spooked a great blue heron that was sitting in a pine tree along the trail. The loons were right near the shore when I found them...with dad feeding them. They look to be about the age of the C Pool loon which is seven weeks old.

I had known when and where they had nested earlier in the season...but found their nest flooded when I checked on them last. Well, surprise...surprise...they, too, had re-clutched...and were successful. What an amazing season for the loons this year...9 pair hatched sixteen chicks...with fourteen still surviving. Perfect.

When I finally started the drive on the Refuge the sun was already up and the wildlife was awake. I spooked three more great blue herons that were in trees along the start of F Pool. A pair of sandhills were just preparing to take off...to look for some breakfast. The sandhills were cackling all over the Refuge...music to my ears. I also saw one of  F Pool adult loons with their chick…a young osprey was screaming in its nest. They have fledged and I have a feeling the adults have already started on the southward migration to get to South America.

Kingfishers were being elusive…an eagle flew in front of me going to E Pool.

I was delighted to be running late going through the Refuge...otherwise I might have missed a special visitor...a Great Egret. Hopefully we will see more of these guys in the coming weeks. We've had up to a dozen of them visit us in the fall.

J Pool had a couple of sandhill cranes…yellowlegs…our loon daddy and chick and a northern harrier flying over…along with the trumpeter swans and their two cygnets.

Well I found a kingfishter and it actually let me get close enough to snap a few shots...in the actual daylight. I love these hyper little belted kingfishers...but they sure don't like their pictures taken.

What a treat to find a young merlin screaming for some attention along the G Pool drive. I love these little mini raptors. They are so quick and fierce.

While I was watching the little merlin I also found our G Pool loon chicks. They were worried when another loon flew over. Their dad wasn't far away keeping an eye on them. It does appear that several of the females have already left the Refuge.

While I was watching the merlin…I heard the sound of loons paddling off the G Pool. Eventually they flew over. I guess G Pool daddy was entertain a couple of friends this morning.

Then as I was rounding D Pool…there was an eagle sitting in the Osprey nest…yep…the ospreys have left…now time to dismantle their nest. The little stinkers. I also found

I was very happy to find one of the pied grebe chicks near the shore. The adult and another chick were near when I stopped...but slowly submerged and disappeared. This little one came from a different area and didn't realize I was nearby...lucky me

I was so thrilled to find my little juvenile merlin still sitting in its tree later in the morning. I was able to get closer to get some shots of it. Eventually I pulled the truck up...parked and sat down across from my little friend, My little merlin friend seemed more than willing to tolerate me shooting it. It was even curious about me...but not upset with my presence.

Juvenile merlin #2 flew into a pine tree behind its sibling. Oh what fun I had. These two little raptors kept me so busy...I got a stiff neck. Oh what a problem to have.

I couldn't believe my luck...first with the one merlin...but even more excited when the second one joined us. I spent almost two hours with these amazing little raptors. A perfect day on the Refuge.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal August 21, 2016

After a very rainy start to our day...the clouds finally started to part and allow a peek or two of sunshine. So after missing my early morning run through the Refuge...and missing another Sunday with our black bears....we finally got to spend time with our wildlife at the Refuge. We entered the Refuge around 12:30pm to 65 degrees and mostly sunny skies…and breezy. We spooked one of the juvenile hooded mergansers on H Pool. Along J Pool the Caspian terns were out screaming and fighting...again. I was able to snap a quick shot of this adult and its nagging juvenile. The adult was trying to get it to fish for itself...baby wasn't happy with that arrangement

I was able to spend time with our J Pool loon daddy and his five week old chick. Luckily the pool spillway has finally been repaired and the water level is back to where it needs to be to keep our loons happy and healthy. I caught daddy after he came up from diving for food...no food...but I love seeing them up close and personal.

 The J Pool loon chick is definitely in its ugly duckling stage at five weeks old...losing the baby down and growing its adult plumage. They grow so fast. I am so privileged to have monitored this little one since it was one day old...and hopefully until it is ready to head to its wintering ground this fall.

Daddy J Pool appears to be on his own. I think the little missus has headed out. Daddy was doing his part feeding junior. He is one of my all-time favorite loons. And he really does seem to like me. Really!

While I was spending time with the J Pool loon daddy and his chick...daddy noticed something large in the sky. A bald eagle was flying over scattering all the shorebirds...terns and ducks. Daddy let out a wail...warning his chick of impending danger. Junior dived...then moved in closer to daddy. Ever vigilant

Another alert...another eagle flying over. Daddy wailed and junior stayed close to his side...right in front of me. Of course I told them everything would be all right...I'd protect them.

The G Pool loon chicks were out with one parent guarding them. Lots of wood ducks on C Pool long with ring-necked ducks and pied billed grebes.

I was able to get a couple of quick shots of our C Pool loon daddy and his chick. I haven't seen the chick up close for a couple of weeks. Its parents have kept it out in the middle of the pool most of the time. So it was great to see it...in its beautiful new adult plumage.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal August 16, 2016

I was granted an extra day off…so I arrived at the Refuge around6:30am with 60 degrees and overcast skies. Everything was being lazy…and quiet.  

I was able to get a close-up of another little belted kingfisher letting me get close...in the early morning light...of course.

Lots of action on J Pool that is almost drained. Terns…shorebirds…trumpeter swans…Canada geese….sandhill cranes…kingfishers…and our loon family. A loon was flying to the south…maybe I’ll find a party.

I found this lone sandhill crane colt...no parents. Sadly it was alone all day long. Luckily though it can fly now. Who knows...maybe it decided to explore on its own for a while. At least the other sandhill cranes are starting to get more social so it should have others to stay close to for extra protection.

Just down the drive from my lone sandhill colt...I found the family that has been hanging out on J Pool. I heard them before I saw them. Once again, I thanked them for letting me know they were there. The dad warned me to keep my distance…which of course I always do.

I found the sandhill colt hiding in the brush near its parents who were trying to distract me with their noise. It didn't work.

Then daddy sandhill and the colt started moving out giving me a clear shot of them. It sure looks like fall with the bracken ferns starting to die. But it has been an awesome summer...and I'm sure there's many more beautiful days ahead of us.

G Pool loon adult was out with its young….D Pool had a visitor that didn’t stay long.

I found four sandhills in C marsh…wood ducks and an American bittern in C Pool. A crow was chasing a poor kingfisher that had a small fish it was trying to eat.

I always enjoy finding the wood ducks on fallen logs. I found two of them close to the road...but my settings were set for distance. URGGHHH. Oh well, there is always another day.

I have been finding more little pied billed grebes this past couple of weeks. Their parents sure have been good at keeping them hidden. But now the young are more independent...the parents have lost control of them.

The lone sandhill cranes spent its time on the almost drained J Pool...where the eats were good...and other sandhills were gathering. It tried to cackle...but nothing came out. I guess it doesn't have its voice yet...but at least it can fly.

I was excited to find six pied billed grebes at the end of C Pool on Tuesday. I was able to catch five of them together. The buggers have been scarce all summer as they raised their young. Glad to see them...I've been worried about them.

J Pool has had a breach in its spillway...causing it to drain drastically. We have worried about the safety and health of the loons and their chick. But fortunately there is a deep channel full of fish for them to feed on. There are at least twenty Caspian terns...sandhill cranes...trumpeter swans...a gaggle of Canada geese...solitary sandpipers...yellow-legs...hooded mergansers and numerous other creatures enjoying it. Here are just a few shots from Tuesday. Besides young harriers...merlins...kingfisher...osprey and an occasional eagle making an appearance.

One of the sweet juvenile hooded mergansers was resting on their favorite log. There were actually two of them...but one was being camera shy...but not the one cutie.

I found a lone merlin at the start of the drive in the marsh. F Pool loons were out feeding…one parent close to the chick…the other one out further preening.

I found the lone loon on H Pool again…and a male harrier hunting. I found another harrier at the end of J channel. Then I heard and caught a quick glimpse of two red-tailed hawks along the west end of the drive.

The fog moved back in making for some sweet shots.

I had to take a second look when I found a bald eagle...not for a photo op...but because it was sitting in a pine tree...right next to the osprey nest on D Pool. Luckily it seems the osprey chicks have fledged...otherwise I would have heard quite a commotion going on. It won't be long and these devilish eagles will start taking a part the osprey nest to fortify their own nest. Yep...opportunist....little stinkers. It won't be the first time they've done this or I dare say the last.

Lots of young ring-necked ducks and pied billed grebes at the end of C Pool.

On my last pass through the Refuge on my extra day off...I was given a gift. I was sooooo excited to find two American bitterns together. Little did I realize that there was a third one there, too!! I think the one on the upper left was the adult...the other two were juveniles. The adult bittern flew off into the marsh...but the juveniles stayed put...thank goodness. I was able to get a close-up of both of them. Unfortunately someone came up behind me and I had to pull my truck ahead...by then they were gone. But what an amazing treat for me. Like I always say...you never know what you will find around the next corner...so always be prepared.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge August 15, 2016

I arrived at the Refuge a little later…6:25am…the sun isn’t rising till around 6:40am. The temperature was 61 degrees with quite a few clouds in the sky.

I spooked a great blue heron out of the pool in front of the Visitors Center.

One of my first sightings was a bald eagle waiting for the sun to rise along the F/I drive. Actually it was still there at 10:30 when I went back through. Either the hunting was good...or it was just enjoying the peace and quiet.

What a gorgeous morning on the Refuge today. It started out with clouds...then sun...then fog...then sun...then fog again. It was so peaceful and ethereal…so worth getting up early for.

Once again my little kingfishers are more than willing to pose for me...in the dark. I have to have the ISO so high that it's too grainy for printing...but at least I got it.

Actually the sun came out...the fog took over...the sun came out...the fog took over till almost 11:00am

A pair of  sandhill cranes in B marsh gave me a warning of what was to come. I heard them before I saw them...so I was prepared getting them in flight as they took off.

I found six pied billed grebes all together at the end of C Pool!! I am always amazed how well these little guys stay hidden while they are nesting and raising their young. I think it’s when the young finally get big enough to go where they want that we actually get to see the little buggers.

I was enjoying this pair of sandhill cranes along J Pool...when all of a sudden… 'in-coming'…another sandhill. I had just enough time to pull back my zoom to get a little bit of the action. The male from further down the pool with a colt...didn't like this pair 'sharing' his territory...just yet. I guess he's not in the mood to be social just yet...as some of the sandhills are already starting to gather at night for their fall migration

Further down along the draining J Pool...I spotted first three of the juvenile hooded mergansers...and then I found two more sleeping along the shore. So sweet to have these guys doing so well and giving out photo ops. There are also yellow-legs and solitary sandpipers enjoying the lowered pool.

It was fun to sit in the fog along G Pool watching one of the adults and the two chicks. One was being very adventurous...'taking off'...belly landing...bolting and posturing...and wing swimming....while the other begged its parent for food and then preened. What a privilege to be able to witness these young loons as they grow...ready to face the great big world out there.

I was excited to see another young merlin fly into a dead tree in front of me. I went past it...then shot back at it. The morning light showed off its beautiful eye. It's a great time to be at the Refuge. The young wildlife is just starting to try their wings...and find they still want someone to feed them.

On another run through the fog moved back in…making for some great scenery shots. I found a merlin being chased by a Northern harrier at the end of J channel. Then I caught a quick glance of the nighthawk hunting bugs in the marsh.

I found a pair of sandhill cranes in C marsh…then another pair flew in squawking. Further down I was excited to find an American bittern in the ‘dead pool’ we have only seen one other bittern and a great blue heron in this spot in the fifteen years we have been visiting the Refuge.

Before I left the Refuge a pileated flew by me…along with lots of Northern Flickers.

We didn’t get back to the Refuge till almost 7:00pm to 77 degrees and clouds. I’m finally finding some more bitterns in odd places.

We had a very fun night on the Refuge watching the Caspian terns on J Pool. All of a sudden two started screaming and fighting right in front of us. Totally awesome experience...and I was even able to capture most of it, too.  You just never know what you will witness. There are about twenty of them living there...and a couple of young ones...recently fledged and driving their parents crazy begging for food. I love to hear their cronking especially when they're fighting.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge August 13, 2016

Back at our Happy Place tonight. I got out of work an hour early...but unfortunately the clouds were everywhere. Oh well, it's going to be a great three days off! Our first visit was with this great blue heron. Yeah!!! They have been so scarce...nice to see this one just hanging out.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge August 14, 2016

I started my day at 6:00am with 64 degrees and complete cloud cover…but it’s still nice to wake up with the wildlife all around. The sandhills were cackling…the osprey chicks screaming…loons hooting…trumpeter swans trumpeting…kingfishers chattering…perfect.

I found a lone loon again on H Pool. I’m almost certain its J Pool female taking a break from the limited water on her diminishing J Pool. There was a breach in the J/ I spillway that has been discovered and now being repaired. Thank goodness there is a deep channel that the loons can still catch fish for their chick.

It was great to find a pair of sandhill cranes with a grown colt on J Pool. Sadly we haven't had too many of them survive this year. It won't be long and they will be gathering to fly south. Where has the summer gone??

There was also the trumpeter swans with their two cygnets…a couple of the juvenile hooded mergansers…fighting kingfishers and lots of shorebirds and terns.

The G Pool loon family was all together feeding…no party going on there. The juvenile merlin was screaming as usual…and the eagle was in the feeding tree in E Pool.

There are lots of wood ducks throughout the Refuge. I can’t wait till the males don their handsome fall breeding plumage…soon. The ring-necked mommas are doing a good job with their young…along with the elusive pied billed grebes.

We were greeted by the F Pool loons. Daddy ABJ was tending the nine week old chick while momma was catching a treat...for herself

I spent midday with the J Pool loons. Due to a breach in the spillway...the pool has decreased causing the loons to be limited to the only deep channel. I spent over an hour with them while they preened...feed the chick...and watched both adults access the land to defecate....not a normal act for loons to perform on land. As I was leaving the loons…an American bittern flew out of F marsh…but away from me of course.

While I spent time with the J Pool loons on the Refuge...the trumpeter swans with their two surviving cygnets took a break nearby. Glad to see these two little ones doing well. We don't have too many cygnets that survived on the Refuge this year.

Our loons on C Pool are maintaining their mid-pool location…but the chick is doing well and growing fast.

Around 9:00am I found a small party of four loons on G Pool…but the two visitors left shortly after I stopped. Then I found another party of seven loons at the north end of D Pool…but they, too, were departing when I got there. Timing is everything.

I did get to spend a little time with D Pool chick and one adult later in the morning.

I did find an American bittern last night on the Refuge. It was quite dark...but at least I saw it. I love watching these unique little birds as they stalk their prey. It was a very cloud night with everything being quiet…but the sun did peek out right before it set. Tomorrow may be a better day.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal August 8, 2016

6:00am a cool 48 degrees and clear skies as I enter the Refuge.

Monday on the Refuge...the F Pool loons were waking with the new day. Always a treat to see what will greet me....the sounds of loons...sandhill cranes...trumpeter swans...geese...eagles...ospreys...kingfishers...terns...pretty much everything....making for a perfect morning.

Why is it that a female kingfisher would sit and let me get close enough to get photos...while it was barely daylight...but not when the lighting is better? Little stinker.

Another Seney Sunrise...Fire in the Fog. It makes getting up before the dawn worth it all.

While I was watching the G Pool loons entertaining "Greenie" last year's G Pool male....I found...actually I heard a young merlin. It was kind enough to sit and pose for me...as it was screaming for one its parents to come feed it.

I did find the D Pool parents out with their young…no party yet.

I was treated to a moment or two with the growing pied billed grebes....before they submerged and disappeared. It's amazing how fast they grow...already losing their downy feathers...but still with their calico striping.

I found the F Pool chick acting defensively Monday morning. I found the reason as I turned the corner. Daddy...ABJ...was dealing with an intruding loon.

Another treat from Monday morning...was having a handsome buck. He actually leapt across the road in front of me. I stopped...whistled and he stopped and watched me for several minutes before going on his way.

 I found first a party of eight loons on D Pool...then another loon arrived...then two more….eleven loons…what fun! A perfect way to spend a morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. My loon party of eleven got active when two of them went into a yodel...then they started 'wing' swimming and calling. There is nothing more exciting then hearing these loons talking and carrying on. Perfect.

Then my loon party got even more fun. Two of the loons came bolting out of the water. Nothing more exciting then hearing them yodel and bolt up and down out of the water...posturing and posing for each other. While I was watching all of this a young eagle flew into a tree across D Pool…followed by an adult eagle. The loons weren’t too happy with that.

The loon party started to wind down as one by one and two by two the loons took off...walking across the water to get their heavy bodies airborne. The perfect way to spend my morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

A male wood duck in eclipse was hanging out on a log on H Pool. I was able to get a few shots of him before he popped down into the water and swam away.

I was blest to spend over an hour with the J Pool loons. They allowed me to follow them down the channel and all the way back as they rested...fed and preened.

I was thrilled to find three little merlins sitting in this dead tree along the drive. They didn't seem to mind me taking a few shots of them...before moving on.

I found the young eagle again in the feeding tree at the west end of E Pool. I also found the young pied billed grebe and hooded merganser on H Pool hanging out together.

I hate to leave the Refuge on such a perfect day…but we’ll be back for a three day weekend next time.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal August 7, 2016

I arrived at 5:55 am to 53 degrees and clear skies. F Pool loons were out and about. A great blue heron was sitting in a dead tree along F Pool where one of the ospreys was hunting.

H Pool had a pair of sandhill cranes. Unfortunately they flew before the sun actually rose.

I found three sandhill cranes on J Pool along with the loons in their channel. Two kingfishers were chattering and chasing each other around.

Another morning...a completely different sunrise at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. That's what I love about nature...nothing is static...everything is ever changing. Makes every day an adventure

A foggy Sunday morning with 'Greenie' on G Pool. Last year's territorial male who is still trying to woo his lost love back from "Red" this year's male. Time will tell. I feel so bad for him. I'll give him one thing...he sure is persistent.

While I was spending time with "Greenie" on one end of G Pool...four loons flew over...then two more and landed at the far end of G Pool for a little early morning party.

While I was watching "Greenie" the loon on G Pool...I made a quick stop to take a close-up of one of thousands of beautiful spider webs throughout the Refuge. I'm totally fascinated with the intricacy of these creations by the web weavers...aka spiders.

I moved down to the "loon party" at the far end of G Pool...where I found the G Pool pair and six 'friends' hanging out in the fog. Unfortunately they were too far out for any really good shots. Most of the females are getting ready to head out sometime this month...but even the other loons...males and females like to take breaks from their 'babysitting' duties.

One of the eagles was in the feeding tree at the west end of E Pool. I had a bittern fly over me going from D to C marsh. Then I spotted another bittern in C Pool further down. Several ring-necked mommas have four to five growing chicks along C Pool.

I found a sandhill crane enjoying the early morning sunrise on F Pool. Her mate was back farther keeping an eye on the other side of the island. I pulled back to get her reflection in the water.

I was totally excited when I found F Pool loon family...aka ABJ's family...next to the shore morning. I thought for sure they would immediately move away from the shore. But...I think she was so happy with the fishing that she didn't hurry off. She'll be leaving soon...then I can spend more time with ABJ and his chick

Mr. ABJ came up close to me and I was able to get him sparkling in the early morning light. Thank you Mrs. ABJ for allowing him to get close to me.

Mrs. ABJ even let me snap a shot of her...after she surfaced from fishing. I think she forgot I was there...she was really in the posing frame of mind.

I found the H Pool trumpeter swan pair napping along the shore...in the sun...with a reflection...couldn't resist.

Back to the Refuge in the afternoon...I was delighted to find a female belted kingfisher. She was so engrossed in bathing and fishing that she didn't notice me sneak up on her. I got to spend a little time watching her before she saw me...and of course took off...chattering away.

I got to spend some time in the evening with my J Pool loon daddy. He is such a show off. It never fails that he goes into his preening mode...more than once while I'm watching him.

Mr. J Pool is one of my all-time favorite males now at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Don't get me wrong...I love ABJ...but I totally connected with this wonderful daddy last year. And I'm still smitten.

Earlier in the summer I had found momma hooded merganser with her seven young chicks on the very same log and I now found two of the juveniles at. The seven chicks have grown up and fledged. We've been seeing them around the Refuge. So I was happy to find these two together enjoying the evening. I was able to quietly sneak up on them without disturbing them.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge August 2, 2016

One last early morning on the Refuge. I arrived at 6:00am with 56 degrees a thin line of clouds over the rising sun. The morning fog always makes for a mystical magical effect. Perfect.

ABJ and family were still in their same area. I found six sandhill cranes on H Pool in the fog. It wasn’t quite as special as yesterday morning but still fun to watch. The J Pool loons were down along the I drive so I decided to take a hike. Unfortunately I spooked a 2^nd year eagle that was ‘watching’ them. The loons immediately started swimming away from the shore. So much for some magical foggy photos of my J Pool family. So I headed back down the trail. I spotted a pair of kingfishers fishing at the pier so I snuck down into the brush. Unfortunately, when I knelt down to get in a better position, I felt a sharp sting. A ground bee had gotten on my pants and when I knelt down I drove the stinger in to my leg. So I went and put some after bite on it. Well it wasn’t that bad…better than shutting my hand in the truck door like last week. Well at least while I was running back to the truck to tend my wound I spooked up an American bittern.

I found my 2^nd year eagle sitting in a tree just down at the end of J Pool. Before I could even stop…it flew. Little stinker…it could have at least given me a photo op…since it spooked my loons.

I found G Pool loons entertaining two other loons. Daddy loon came over near the shore…riding high in the water. Before I knew it he was taking off…then one of the visitors took off. I snapped the pair of them crossing paths. Daddy chased the visitor out of the area….followed by the second intruder. I found the chicks quietly sleeping at the opposite end of the pool.

I found the eagles in the same area as yesterday at the start of C marsh but this time they were sitting in a dead tree right next to the drive. Amazingly I was able to sneak up and take shot of one of them…the other flew. I see what they were doing…two poor little ducks were trying to hide in the marsh.

I made another run through and found F Pool chick next to the drive!!! One of the parents was sleeping a little further out…probably ABJ…he can tolerate me.

I found another party of four on D Pool. They were a little far out but still watched them. The two visitors eventually flew off flying right over me.

Next time through I was thrilled to find yet another party of four on F Pool. Not too much action with this bunch…one flew off then came back. I eventually left them. A pair of sandhill cranes was feeding on a nearby island and a male northern harrier flew over then another pair of sandhill cranes while I sat and watched the loons.

I hadn’t seen a northern harrier all weekend then I saw my second one in H marsh. All the loons were still out taking care of business…too far out for photos. I did spot a young merlin on the drive through the woods at the end of J Pool.

Oh my gosh…I found them…pied billed grebe chicks…and one parent in the same area as yesterday. I was able to get some shots off of the chicks before they moved out too far. They are about half grown with still some of their calico downy feathers. There were at least two if not three. Yeah!

I left the Refuge at 12:30pm it was getting really hot and too many people.

Well before we headed home from our three day weekend we made one last run through the Refuge at 4:00pm. The clouds were starting to move in with temps in the 80’s. It wasn’t too busy by this time. I did get to spend time with J Pool momma and chick that were near the drive. Unfortunately the clouds started to move in. I also found several greater yellow-legs and lot of terns on J pool.  We watched G Pool loon chicks exercising their wings…’swimming’ across the pool.

 We ended our visit with a young buck out in the marsh feeding. He posed for us…then moved on his way through the marsh. Can’t wait till next weekend to see what new things we will discover.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge August 1, 2016

Another beautiful morning at the Refuge. I arrived at 5:45am with clear skies…and a lovely fog over the pools. ABJ family was sleeping in the same area as yesterday morning. I had the most fun sitting and watching nine sandhill cranes on a small spit of land on H Pool. They would walk across the water to another island…then back. Finally as the sun rose…they became more vocal and mobile. Eventually they lifted off and flew to the east. I was able to get some lovely shots of them. The territorial pair remained behind…continuing to feed.

As I rounded the H channel area…the sun shining through the fog and the thousands of cobwebs was totally mystical. Nature is always surprising and amazing me at its unique beauty around every corner.

I did see all of my loons but too far out for photos. Three young merlins were screaming around G Pool. As I was rounding C marsh an eagle flew up into a tree in the middle of the marsh. To my surprise there was the mate sitting in another tree. Looks like they have a new hunting spot…duck looked to be on the menu.

As went further down C Pool four loons flew over. Looks there is going to be a loon party somewhere around the Refuge. Hope I can see it. Well, I did see a small party at the end of C Pool. The C Pool loon was close to the shore while its parents were out entertaining a visitor.

I made another quick run through…taking the Marshland Drive I spotted the East end loon family near the shore. I was able to get a few shots before the parents called them away. A lone eagle was sitting sentry in its favorite pine tree. As got closer to the end of E Pool I heard loons calling. A 2^nd year eagle was flying over where the two chicks were out near an island. The parents were further away around the corner.

I spotted two pied billed grebes in C Pool but it doesn’t look like they have chicks. They have been very elusive this summer.

I ended my morning at 9:00am. I hated to leave but we were taking an adventure around Lake Superior on this beautiful day.

I made it back on the Refuge at 7:00pm with 87 degrees and hot. I found a blue-winged teal female in the channel across from F Pool. A beaver was enjoying the lily pads, too. I was also entertained by a young crow learning to fly.

As I got to the C Pool sign…I found an American bittern!! I was able to sit and observe it for quite a while before someone came up behind me. Then I found them…two pied billed grebe chicks…right next to the shore. Sadly by the time I was able to pull over they disappeared….but I saw them and that was worth the drive through.

I did find a lone loon at the east end of E Pool. When the E Pool eagle flew over it yodeled. I love to hear them especially as the sun is setting. Then the west end loon chicks were out with one of their parents. I called it a night…ready to hit the hay to get up for one more morning on the Refuge.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 31, 2016

I woke before the alarm this morning anxious to start my morning on the Refuge. I wasn’t disappointed. A few clouds were in the east…which actually made for a very colorful and dramatic sunrise. I entered the Refuge at 5:30am with 51 degrees and a slight east breeze.

The F Pool loons were still sleeping as I waited for the sun to rise over F Pool. I was treated to a trumpeter swan gliding in front of me as I photographed the amazing pinks in the predawn sky…and the slight fog over the pools. Loons were calling throughout the Refuge along the sandhill cranes...Canada geese….trumpeter swans…terns and everything else….that’s why I love this time of day.

I then headed down to H Pool where I found two pair of sandhill cranes wakening with the day…cackling their greetings to others around the Refuge. The beavers were busy along with the ospreys whose chicks were calling to be feed already.

I stopped and watched the sun actually rise through a bank of clouds over J Pool with the loon family. The colors had changed from pinks to oranges by this time…and the ground fog moved in thicker making for some very dramatic shots. The loons were very accommodating…gliding in front of me…the male actually preened for me.

I found the young red-tailed hawk along the J channel hunting...where I also heard the screaming of several young merlins begging to be fed.

I found the two G Pool chicks quietly waiting for mom and dad to show up.

I found C Pool loons…trumpeter swans…ring-necked momma and five young…and lots of wood ducks.

On my second run through everything was moving away from the shore…F Pool loons…J Pool loons. I found momma loon in the channel. She actually flew off as daddy and junior were out feeding closer to the drive. While I was watching daddy feed junior a greater yellow-leg flew in. The kingfishers were out playing games with me….little buggers.

As I rounded G Pool I spotted a lone loon at the north end. At first I thought it was probably ‘’Greenie” last year’s male who has been stalking his old mate and territory. But it started to preen…and it was the G Pool male. The water was like glass and I was able to get some lovely reflection shots of him.

As I left him I found his family next to the drive. I was so excited. They haven’t given me this kind of opportunity since they were little. I quickly snapped some reflections shots of both the growing chicks. Then the youngest one went out to its momma to beg for food. The older one is much more independent and likes to catch its own food. While I was watching them daddy took off and flew over me. Sweet. I love watching them walk on water to take off.

I was thinking maybe daddy G Pool had a ‘party’ to attend. So I was so excited when I discovered eight loons all gathered near the shore on D Pool!!! I was able to park and sneak out to sit in the brush to enjoy the show.

The loons are starting to be social…gathering…preparing for the time they will leave. The females are the first to leave…usually in August…followed by the males in September. The chicks won’t be ready to fly off till late September early October. Luckily some of the dads like ABJ will stay with their young till they are ready to head off to their wintering grounds.

I spent an amazing forty-five minutes watching the loons swim one way then another…posture…dive…and then BOLT out of the water. They did this several times almost in front of me!! It was totally awesome. The force in which they bolt out of the water is amazing. Eventually one by one they flew off back to their own pools and families. One of the most amazing mornings I have experienced!

I finished my morning with spotted a doe and fawn in the marsh along C Pool….and a female wood duck on a dead tree in Gray’s Creek Pool. By the time I left at 9:30am the clouds were moving in.

I came back on the Refuge at 6:00pm after a lovely mid-day with our black bears along the tracks of the Toonerville Trolley.

It was 78 degrees with a strong breeze and partly sunny…perfect evening. I got to spend time with C Pool loon chick…that is now going through the ugly duckling phase. The loon families were out enjoying time away from the drives. I stopped to shoot some pied billed grebes but was pushed off by an aggressive car. If people are here to enjoy the wildlife…why are they here? An eagle was out on the feeding tree at the west end of E Pool. Then I was excited to find a young great blue heron fishing in the C Pool marshes. I watched it catch a nice fish…and play with it awhile. I made one quick run through hoping to catch the setting sun…and was rewarded with a close shot of a male merlin that had just caught its dinner. I didn’t as much of the sunset as I wanted…another pushy car.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 23-26, 2016

Once we got to our Happy Place...aka Seney National Wildlife Refuge...the clouds moved in. But we still had an American bittern pose for us. Most of our loons were out too far for photos...but our C Pool loon family was right near the shore. I said 'hi' to them but didn't worry about taking any photos. I have tomorrow and Monday to spend some time with them.

SNWR Journal July 24, 2016

So my Sunday morning on the Refuge was rain delayed. I still made a run through around 8:00am.   I was greeted by a pair of sandhill cranes at the entrance. The Caspian terns were out fishing and screaming around. Sadly the F Pool trumpeter swans only have two cygnets left of their original eight. The osprey chicks are getting bigger and should be ready to fledge soon.

All of the loon families were accounted for...but not close enough for photos....except for our lone D Pool chick that is just not quite five weeks. The adults must be out flying around stretching their wings...visiting other 'friends'.

I was happy to find a great blue heron feeding in C Pool...along with many wood ducks. It was in the same area last night. Hopefully, we will finally see a few more of them now on the Refuge...now the young should be fledged. Our little ring-necked mommas are busy with their little ones.

Well, it was gloomy but I did get some shots in the evening. I took some shots in the dark of a pair of intruding loons o D Pool last night at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The territorial pair finally drove them into a corner...then...bam...out they flew...together...then flew into the sunset. So cool!! I don't even care that the shots are the greatest. You just never know what you will see and experience out with nature...gloomy night or not.

I was quickly getting out of the truck to shoot the sun which finally appeared right as it was setting. It was beautiful...red sky...gorgeous...but the truck door shut tight on my index and middle finger. Yep...it hurt...but I casually laid my camera on the ground...and proceed to unlatch the door. Ok I may have said a bad word...or two. But I luckily didn't break any bones...or have any open wounds...just a little discoloration. I iced it and went to bed...without getting a shot of the sunset.

SNWR Journal July 25, 2016

Of course I was up before daylight...despite my crushed fingers…on Monday morning.

Sandhill cranes were my greeters on this beautiful morning. They had flown in and pushed another pair off. I watched as they flew into the sunrise. This pair cackled and cackled...the perfect morning greeting.

Caspian terns and common terns were busy fishing. The J Pool loons were out in the middle of the pool.

Wood ducks seem to be just about everywhere on the Refuge. The males are still in eclipse…waiting for their handsome breeding plumage to grow.

Several little juvenile hooded mergansers were scattered around the Refuge. Looks like they have all separated from their mom and all gone their own way.

I love my sandhill cranes! I found a pair near the drive right after sunrise. I was lucky to get a quick shot off before they flew. A great Monday morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

I was approaching G Pool when I found a single loon at the north end. I knew it wasn't one of the territorial pair. It was riding high in the water and on alert. I had a hunch that it was last year's G Pool male/daddy...double banded green. Poor guy he is still holding out hope that he can reclaim his territory and old mate. While I was watching him...another un-banded loon flew in. Then all of a sudden they both took off. The reason...the G Pool territorial pair were flying over. Well, they all took off and flew till I couldn't see them anymore. Cool. I love my loons.

I actually saw eight of the ten chicks. The east end E Pool chicks weren't near the shore but I know they are doing fine. They are the oldest....having hatched on June 5.West end E Pool chicks hatched late June.

The one surviving chick on F Pool....ABJ's chick hatched June 7…One of the two G Pool loons hatched mid-June…D Pool loon chick hatched the 3rd week of June…D Pool momma had a crayfish...thought it was going to feed it to the chick...but it ate it…J Pool chick with momma hatched July 15 or 16.

I was blest with my share of sandhill cranes on Monday at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. A handsome fellow was just waiting for me along the drive. I even walked toward it...slowly...but it just continued to watch me...not stressed by my presence. I'm not sure how long we could have spent together because another car was pushing for me to move along. The sandhill flew away...but I was pleased to have spent a little time with it.

I found a northern harrier flying over B marsh. ABJ and his chick were out and about on my second run through. But the female appeared and they headed out away from the shore. The young kingbirds are busy learning how to hunt. The osprey parents are busy trying to feed their growing young. The great blue heron was out in H marsh. I found another northern harrier flying over H Pool.  I even found a pied billed grebe on C Pool.

Then finally around 11:00 am on Monday I was treated to some up close time with our J Pool loons at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Daddy was fishing near the pier while momma was watching Junior. I went and got down near the water and just enjoyed the moment. I spent more time observing and visiting with them then I did shooting. Sometimes you just have to be present and take in the all in.

Daddy J Pool loon came right up to me...fishing and diving. I love these moments. There is nothing more perfect then time spent with my wildlife especially at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

Then...of course...Daddy J Pool went into his preening mode. I was zoomed out too much and clipped his wings...but got his head shake. He is such a handsome devil...and quite the show off. What a great way to spend my Monday morning with my wildlife at the Refuge.

 I found a 2nd year eagle that is possibly last year's G Pool eaglet. It has been hanging around the Refuge since neither of the eagle nests on G or E Pool was successful this spring. Hopefully next season will be more successful for our eagles here.

I took one more run through around 1:30pm…but too many people. One guy was using a spotting scope…but he would jump out of his car…look…then quickly get back in and race away.

A little merlin flew over the end of G Pool. Then I found a pair of osprey that was very upset with a bald eagle. It appeared the osprey had a fish…the eagle caused it to drop it…then the eagle snatched it up out of the water. The poor ospreys tried to get it back but the eagle went up into a pine tree hiding in the lower branches to eat his plunder. Big bully….the ospreys have chicks to feed…the eagle just has itself.

Back in our Happy Place tonight. The sun broke through some clouds to give us a lovely night. We saw most of our loons...all doing well.

Our J Pool loons had abandoned their first nest earlier in the season. So we waited and waited and waited for the little missus to finally choose another nesting site. I estimated the day of the hatching to be July 15-17. So on Saturday afternoon our friends Jean and Ken Rautiola confirmed one chick on J Pool! I couldn't wait to get up to see it. And as fate would have it...the sun was shining and they were right next to the shore for me.

I love it when I can get a family portrait...especially of my loons. The J Pool loons showed off their new little chick to. Last year this pair did virtually the same thing...had a failed earlier nest...then finally hatched a late chick....July 10...who survived and flew to its wintering grounds with its dad. This year July 16 isn't too much later. So hopefully with a long fall and good parents this little one will survive just as well.

Daddy loon is constantly preening...especially when he has an audience. At least this year he didn't kick his little chick in the head with his waggling foot.

Then Michael spotted this American bittern in the shadows. I was able to get a few shots before he flew off. He nabbed a treat through this lily pad.

Well, my Happy Place got happier. We spotted four cars stopped ahead of us. The C Pool loons were out a little ways feeding Junior. Well...I got out and went down in the brush...the cars moved on. I talked to them...and...they slowly worked their way toward me. Yep...toward me. The sun was setting...casting some sweet light on them. Daddy C Pool loon... popped right up in front of me while I was hunkered down in the brush. This pair seems to feel safer when I talk to them. I'm always amazed when the respond to me. Not all of the loons do...especially ABJ's mate. She does NOT like me at all. If ABJ is out with his chick...he will respond positively to my voice. If she's around...he turns and heads away from me. Seriously

Seney National Wildlife Refuge July 17, 2016

My Sunday on the Refuge started out with a beautiful sunrise...even though there were a few clouds in the sky at 5:55am and 64 degrees. AJ and his family were coming in near the spillway on F Pool. Of course the Canada geese were everywhere. The eagle was in its tree on E Pool. A lone sandhill crane was out in J Pool. Then I found a lone great blue heron at the beginning of J channel.  I had at least a few nice hours of daylight before the clouds completely moved in. But we were heading to the black bear research blind by that time and clouds work for us there.

The G Pool loon chicks were out and about with their parents. All of a sudden they went into their defensive mode. Sure enough...I look up and there is a loon flying over.

So here is the loon that flew over G Pool causing a stir yesterday morning. It's the double green banded male loon that was G Pool daddy last year. I have watched him flying over and land here in the past. Poor chap...trying to win back his mate and territory. Well he not only flew over and landed...but landed right where the family was gathered. That didn't go over too well with family though.

I even got a brief moment with ABJ and his five week old chick. It was brief because his mate was out farther telling him to get away from that 'creature'. She doesn't like me

I went back around to G Pool before I ended my visit on the Refuge. I found the 'kids' hanging out near the shore. But they quickly moved away. That's what they are supposed to do...when they feel threatened. Mommy and daddy were just flying back into the Pool from taking a morning break. They have been leaving these two alone for almost three weeks now...since they weren't even two weeks old. I think this new daddy is more of a playboy.

 The chicks are definitely in the midst of their 'ugly' duckling stage. Another a couple of weeks and their old down will be replaced by their adult gray and white plumage.

A momma kingfisher was busy watching her mischievous fledglings. I was able to shoot her...from a distance in this beautiful serene setting.

A bald eagle was being chased by two Eastern Kingbirds at the end of E Pool. The osprey was standing guard over its young that looks to be almost ready to fledge.

The common terns are fishing everywhere around the Refuge. Love to hear their little squeaking.

I found sandhill cranes in B marsh…I think they were trying to discourage me from finding their colt.

Kingfisher young are fledged and flying and screaming everywhere. I was excited to find a pied billed grebe at the end of C Pool.

7:10am ABJ was close to the shore with his young…but…his mate called him away from me. The F Pool trumpeter swan family was feeding in the marshes.

I found yet another pied billed grebe in the J channel.

A poor momma ring-necked duck was startled when C Pool male loon came up amongst them to scare them away from his territory. The C Pool loon momma and chick were near the shore…but poor lighting so I only said hi then moved on.

We came back in the afternoon after the rain dissipated around 5:30pm but it was still cloudy and windy.

It was lovely to find our three fledged Eastern Kingbirds posing for us. Even though they have fledged...they still would like their parents to bring them treats.

ABJ and chick out and about…E Pool eagle still in its tree. Cedar Waxwings are flitting about. H Pool trumpeters swan with their one sole surviving cygnet was out and about. Merlins…kingfishers…loons on G and C and a lone loon at the end of C Pool were our evening entertainment despite the dark gloom and then rain.

In the evening the storm clouds moved in but was still able to spend almost an hour with the J Pool family and their two day old chick. As always it was a thrill to have them feel safe enough around me to come up and show off their little one. The chick spent most of its time on momma's back. Perfect.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 18, 2016

Monday morning on the Refuge...perfect! I arrived at 5:50am with temperature at 59 degrees and winds WNW. The F Pool trumpeter swans and their four cygnets were up and about. The rising sun...and sandhill cranes...what could be better. Then they cackled.

I enjoyed the early morning just watching my sandhill cranes...then the perfect moment...they flew. Of course I could only shot one of them...and they flew away from me...but still perfect. While I was watching them I had a kingfisher…a northern harrier…a loon…then three loons fly over. Yes…a great way to start the day.

Well by Monday morning the sun came out...and I took a hike. I spent over an hour with this beautiful little family. Momma J Pool loon kept the baby on her back most of the time except when daddy came to feed it. And they stayed right in front of me!!! I never had to move from where I was in the brush!!

We are so lucky that the J Pool loons successfully re-clutched and hatched their chick. This seems to be this pair's style...as we have watched them for at least the last three years...once on H Pool while J Pool was drained and the last two years on J Pool.

All of a sudden momma went down in defensive mode. Sure enough something was flying over us. It was daddy loon coming in and landing right near his family. I guess he caught us all off guard. I love how the chick just sat there as calm as could be. Moments like this don't come along every day...so it makes it that much more special when I can be there...and capture it, too.

After daddy flew in and startled momma…momma loon gave him a look like 'where have you been?' Daddy did some preening...then some fishing for the chick...then left momma and baby while he went out to fish for himself. To give him some credit...his time with the chick will be coming soon. Momma will leave later in August...and daddy will be left to tend the chick until its ready to take care of itself.

Momma and baby both gave daddy 'the look'. He was busy zipping his feathers and preening...while they patiently waited for him to bring some food to the chick...and give momma a break. Well, he did eventually bring some food...but didn't give momma much of a break.

I found a single hooded merganser in the H channel across from the fishing pier. A Wilson snipe flew over the end of J Pool.

Three kingfishers were playing along J channel. There are wood ducks all over the Refuge. The males are now in their eclipse...having molted their beautiful breeding plumage…until fall.

The two G Pool loon chicks born over a month ago…are so different. The one is totally independent...catching its own dinner...a very large fish. The other is still waiting for its parents to feed it. I laughed when the parent brought it just a wee fishy. I think the parents may be hoping that it will decide it should get its own dinner.

I found one of the D Pool loons at the north end of the pool…and the other adult and chick near the osprey nesting area where the adult was watching the young.

I've been seeing a pair of sandhill cranes in the same area the last couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure it's the pair with a colt. Every time a see them they are very vocal and try to get me away from where I'm sure the colt was hiding. I just take a quick photo and move away. I'm so glad to know that we have at least one surviving colt on the Refuge. Hopefully we will find a few more before fall.

My C Pool loons have been staying near their old nesting area…but the lighting wasn’t worth bothering them. So I just admired them then moved on.

I spotted a sweet innocent fawn as it came down to get a drink of water. It's starting to grow out of its spot...and seemed to be on its own. But I'm sure momma was not far away.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 12, 2016

I was up and on the Refuge by 5:45am. The clouds were thick…the wind strong… and the temperature at 74 degrees and muggy.

ABJ and his family were out and about with an osprey hovering over F Pool. Another osprey was fishing around the corner of F Pool.

A pair of sandhills was on an island on H Pool…as a male northern harrier flew by.

The J Pool loon was out and about along with a sandhill crane…and the trumpeter swans with their five growing cygnets.

The Common terns were enjoying the gusting winds on G Pool…where the loon family was back feeding near the spillway.

The osprey chicks are still in their nests throughout the Refuge….keeping their parents very busy.

The sun peeked out for a minute at 6:25am. Our C Pool loons were sleeping so I didn’t bother them. I have some amazing shots from earlier in the weekend in good lighting.

I found a pair of sandhill cranes on an island on B Pool along with trumpeter swans with two good sized cygnets.

Another run through…this time I took the Marshland Drive. Sandhills were on an island in F Pool…where an osprey was fishing.

The E Pool eagle was in its sentry tree. The east end E Pool loons were out a little farther. A doe ran across the drive in front of me…no fawn.

I found one of the west end E Pool loons feeding the young near the shore…but they quickly moved away once I stopped.

Loons are flying around the Refuge…the Canada geese and their growing goslings are everywhere.

Once again the wood ducks are feeding throughout the Refuge which is wonderful to see. They have been scarce the last couple of years. Hopefully, they will still be here in the fall…the males in their handsome breeding plumage.

The scent of the blooming milkweeds is so intoxicating. I can understand what draws the monarch butterflies to them.

It nice to see some of our trumpeter swans still have some of their cygnets although still not as many as they started with. We thought with the eagles not have young this year a few more would have survived. But then it could be snapping turtles or northern pike that took them.

I was excited to find a momma hooded merganser with seven almost fully grown chicks. She has kept them hidden from us…and predators. Well done.

D Pool loons were near the shore…or so I thought. When I didn’t see the chick I got worried. Then I realized…one of them was an intruder. It suddenly took off…then the D Pool loon followed. They both flew around then landed back where the other D Pool loon was. They had a little confrontation till the intruder finally took off.

I ended my time at the Refuge with loons flying overheard. We decided to head over to check on the Caracara at Munising before heading home…but it had been frightened off by men working along the river with big equipment.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 11, 2016

We finally decided to take a trip to Munising to check on the caracara. It seemed it, too, was hunkered down somewhere out of the weather.

Later in the day we made another run through the Refuge. We were delighted to find the F Pool trumpeter swans still have four healthy cygnets. They originally had eight. They were taking an afternoon nap along the F marsh. We enjoyed some time with them before moving on.

On our second run through we were finally given an opportunity to see and photograph an American bittern. Yeah! We then took the Marshland Drive to check on the E Pool loons. We found the East end loons out with their month old chicks near the E/C spillway. Then we watched a female osprey catch a fish. The West end loons were out…not too close to the shore as typical. But it was nice to see both chicks doing well.

We were happy to find a pair of sandhill cranes out in B marsh with a good sized colt…but they weren’t willing to be photographed.

I did get to spend a little time with C Pool daddy and chick. It was fun to watch dad bring fish to the chick. He would ram it in the chicks face. The poor chick had to back away. He didn’t it not once but frequently. I guess he was still getting the knack of parenting. You would have thought he would have learned from his awesome father…ABJ.

Well, the sun came out full force…so we had to make one more run through. We were so glad we did. We found the J Pool male out near the shore…preening. He put quite a show on for us.

Then as the sun disappeared…of course…the D Pool loons with their one chick were finally up near the loon observatory. It was great to see them…without having to hike to the back of the pool where they usually hang out.

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 9, 2016

We made it back to our Happy Place for a lovely run through before dark. My elusive American bittern first flew by us...without a photo. We then found one hiding in the bushes...and that one flew off, too.

We did get a quick distance glimpse of F Pool loons...one of the east end E Pool loons...a lone loon on H Pool and the G Pool loon family. Then right before the sun set we found the C Pool family near the shore feeding their chick. It is so great to see this family doing so well after their rough start

Seney National Wildlife Refuge Journal July 10, 2016

I was up before the sun to enjoy another awesome morning at Seney National Wildlife Refuge. It was 53 degrees and partly cloudy at 5:45am. There wasn’t a lot a lot of action...but it's about the experience...waking up with nature...in quiet and solitude

A common tern was already out fishing over H Pool. I found a single sandhill crane on the drive along J channel. It flew to the south. I watched at it landed out in the meadow where its mate and growing colt were feeding…with not one but two does. I’m not sure if the does had fawns…the grass was too tall…hopefully.

The beaver were out enjoying the cool early morning. A single hooded merganser was back in the channels at the end of H marsh.

I did find the two G Pool chicks back by the spillway. The parents must have been out taking a break. Hopefully they weren’t too far away…because a bald eagle was sitting in the feeding tree at the west end of E Pool…close to G Pool where the chicks were.

Poor Dumb and Dumber the ospreys in B marsh lost their nest to the severe weather from Friday. Hopefully they didn’t have viable eggs. It was very sad to see Mrs. Dumb flying around crying.

I did find a great blue heron in the marshes along C Pool. Of course it flew before I could get my camera up. The wood ducks were feeding in the same area.

I spent an amazing hour with our C Pool loons. This pair has had a hard time figuring out just how to have a successful nest. Actually...she has had a hard time. He is ABJ's seventeen year old son...she is a newbie. They have only been together three years...since his mate passed away incubating their nest. She has a history of being very skittish...having abandon their first nest this year when there was too many human intrusions. But...finally...they have their first successful chick. Both parents are being very diligent....as you can see here.

While I was watching the loons daddy called from the distance….the reason…a bald eagle fishing over the Pool.

It was a magical time spent just watching as momma C Pool loon stayed with the young while dad went off...two different times...coming back when it was time to feed the chick again. She has become an amazing momma after not having been successful the last two years. It's wonderful to see her overcome her nervous tendencies and finally have her maternal instincts kick in. And I feel so privileged to be allowed to witness this up close and personal. Call me loony...but I truly think we have a rapport. If she starts to move away...I can talk to her and she will make her way back closer to where I am...down in the brush. She was so patient as the little one pulled her feathers...trying to wake her up.

There were lots of wood ducks feeding in the marsh near the end of the drive. It was nice to finally see so many of them.

As I started my second run through the sun was starting to peek out. A single loon landed on H Pool while the trumpeter swan had their one surviving cygnet out feeding. And a noisy kingfisher was out fishing.

While I was looking for our G Pool loons on my second run through...I was excited to find six loons starting a 'party'. They were soon joined by a seventh loon...then an eighth loon. The 'party' went on for over a half an hour. Unfortunately they worked their way to the back of the pool where they bolted and dived. These shots are heavily cropped. One day I hope they party will be a little closer to shore.

The loons are starting to socialize...the females will be leaving in August...the males later in September. The males will tend the chicks...some will actually stay till the chicks are ready to fly south in October. ABJ is one of those daddies that will stay till the chicks are ready to leave.

Well, the C Pool loons were still close to the shore. Another pair of photographers was out with their big lens on tripods…being very quiet and professional I snuck down into the brush to photograph the loons enjoying every moment with them. I finally decided to give them their space and went happily on my way.

We headed back to the black bear research blind…ending up going back a second time. We had an amazing time with them. Check out my Soo Junction Journal.

We didn’t make it back on the Refuge…calling it a day…so we could be rested for the next two days here.