Happy Earth Day, 2025

It's an overcast day here without much color but I am going outside to enjoy the fresh air and reflect on 12 years since I was abruptly uprooted and redirected onto a new path, as I always do on this day. It was devastating yet liberating, and there is always a lesson...

Meanwhile, I have been out chasing the many moods of spring in Alaska, from late season snowfall to foggy mornings and the sounds of birds.

Have a good day, and I hope you can get out to enjoy a moment of solitude and reflection.

Colin

Mallard in spring snow

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Foggy morning at the Eagle River Nature Center, Chugach State Park

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American dipper

Female Common Merganser

While giving an individual lesson on telephotos and wildlife photography earlier, this female common merganser came in for a landing, presenting the perfect how-to moment.

Spring Breakup, Lake George, Minnesota

Contrary to what Paul Simon might say, all the world is not a sunny day, and not everything looks worse in black and white. Fog creates the mystery while monochrome creates the mood during spring breakup.

Barrow's Goldeneye, May 1, 2015

Apparently the Barrow's goldeneyes have not left the vicinity of the Eagle River Nature Center, as I had previously reported. I went out this morning hoping to photograph a bear and instead happened upon this little guy. He was a bit skittish at first and swam away but I was able to quietly inch my way closer and get down on my belly for an eye-level view, all the while looking back over my shoulder in case the bear should show up while I was sprawled out.

Barrow's Goldeneye - April 25, 2015

There was a pair of these ducks at the Eagle River Nature Center recently, although they seem to have moved on from here. They are difficult birds to photograph and I only had a couple brief sessions with them. Maybe they will stop for a visit on their way south this fall.