Yesterday I walked a few miles along the river, examining the receding ice. My goal was to document the changes and, more specifically, take a close look under the ice bridges, most of which have collapsed by now. I found this bridge intact with rushing water directly below and a nice view of the valley in the background, the only issue being that the water was too deep for my Xtra Tough rubber boots. Determined to get the shot and set up just above the surface of the water, I removed my boots, pants, and thermal layer and waded into the icy water barefooted, repeatedly telling myself that it really isn’t that cold. In the end, it really wasn’t too bad and I came away with a unique perspective of the river and the valley.
Trending Trumpeter Swan
It's always reassuring when I have an image trending on National Geographic's website. This swan photo from yesterday evening is currently one of the most popular on the Your Shot page.
Sleeping Beauties
Sleeping Beauties - I can only imagine that migrating across the continent is physically exhausting. Last night I watched this pair of trumpeter swans preen and then curl up and go to sleep on the water. This is likely just a stop on their journey to summer nesting grounds.
Return of the Trumpeters
A sure sign of spring - the trumpeter swans have returned! They've arrived a few days earlier this year. Last spring I spent countless hours with this pair and captured some beautiful moments; I plan to celebrate their elegance and grace once again.
Changing River Ice
There are lots of interesting forms taking shape on the river right now. I took this on Saturday, while leading my winter photo class at the Friends of Eagle River Nature Center. I look forward to exploring the receding ice more this week…
Winter Photo Class
This valley has been pretty brown all winter, but that changed yesterday. We got a foot of fresh powder - more than we've gotten over the past 3 months - just in time for my winter photography class! This is the hearty bunch of photogs who spent the day trekking through the snow with me. We covered more than six miles in a beautiful winter wonderland, capturing photos along the way. Thank you to all who attended!
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.
March Sunrise on Eagle River
Good morning from Eagle River Valley. I woke early today to catch the sunrise, hiked out a couple miles to the river and set up on this nice spot with open water and ice shelves. With spring approaching, the river ice is opening up and changing dramatically every day.
Spring Breakup
Between the rainy weather and spending some time in Anchorage recently, I haven't been out on the trails or the river much the past couple of weeks. Today, I found myself back home at the Nature Center and the weather was spectacular so I went out for a good hike. The river is ever changing in all times of year; perhaps the most dramatic is the ice breakup in springtime.
Aurora Photography Class
Attention aurora chasers, this class has just been added to the schedule here at the Nature Center, cost is $75 and limited to 10 people. If you or anyone you know is interested in learning to photograph the aurora borealis, give us a call at 907-694-2108 to register. The last aurora class filled up quickly so if you are considering attending, don't delay! Feel free to share.
Cheers,
Colin
2017 Aurora Borealis Calendar
Just got a nice surprise in the mail - one of my photos from last April out here at the Nature Center made it into the 2017 Aurora Borealis Calendar that is produced annually by Todd Communications of Anchorage. Last year was my first time submitting to this calendar, so it was great to have a photo selected the first time around. Hopefully I will have more images to submit again this year, providing the solar activity picks up and the weather cooperates!
Cheers,
Colin
2016 Icy River Rampage
It never ceases to amaze me what lengths Alaskans will go to find recreation – climb it, ski it, bike it, or find whatever means necessary, people in this state are rarely deterred by adverse conditions when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. Despite the “winter storm” that delivered copious amounts of rain followed by a few inches of snow, then topped off with more continuous rain and some of the worst driving conditions I’ve ever experienced, we had nearly 50 hearty souls take part in the Eagle River Nature Center’s Icy River Rampage fat bike race today. It was a wet, slushy mess out on the river with several inches of overflow on top of the ice, but it wasn’t the least bit mundane.
Extreme conditions also make for extreme photography, long as you can keep your gear relatively dry. The most challenging aspect of shooting the race today, aside from the flat light, was keeping my camera lenses clear of water drops and fog, which ended up costing me a few shots.
Seasons at the Eagle River Nature Center
Friends,
Mark your calendars! Next Saturday, February 27, I will be holding a reception and print sale followed by a presentation of images I've taken at the Eagle River Nature Center since taking up residence here more than a year ago. The reception begins at 6:30 pm and the slide show will start around 7:30. There will be snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic); all prints, including photographs on canvas as well as matted and framed prints, will be marked down 20%. I hope to see you there and please share to help spread the word.
Thank you,
Colin
The American Dipper
If there's one species you can count on seeing in the waters near the Eagle River Nature Center just about any day of the year, it's the dipper, or water ouzel. They are quick moving, jittery little birds that bob up and down when they stand in one place and dive into ice cold water in search of fish eggs, salmon fry or aquatic insects to feed on. I photographed this dipper earlier today while tracking a pair of river otters, the muted colors reflected in the water created a nice background.
Changes...
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes (Turn and face the strange)
Turn and face the seasonal
Ch-ch-Changes!
If you've followed along with the photos of this moose that I've been posting recently, here is a collage of the changes that took place over the past week. Hopefully I will be able to photograph him throughout the spring and summer as he grows a new set of antlers.
The Moose Formerly Known as "Moosicorn"
Say hello the moose formerly known as " Moosicorn" (aka Arctis Unicornus). I caught up with him this evening and apparently he shed his right antler since I saw him last, which was three days ago. Fortunately, I was able to capture the stages of his antler shedding over the past week, from having a full rack to the one-antlered “unicorn” stage and finally, a complete lack of headgear. Not to fret, he will start growing a new set of antlers in a couple of months.
Icy Trails
In case you were wondering what the trail conditions are like out here at the Nature Center, I took this earlier today at Four Corners. The trails aren't just icy; they are solid ice. Cleats are necessary, or skates, definitely not skis.
Unicorned Moose
Today may have been the closest I ever come to fulfilling my dream of witnessing a unicorn in the wild. This is the bull moose that I photographed last week, though he was still carrying a full rack when I previously saw him. It seemed unusual to have his antlers this late in the winter season, so I reasoned that it wouldn’t be long before they were shed. Voila - five days later, you might say he is half the man he used to be.
Winter Photography Class
2016 Winter Photography Class - If you or anyone you know might be interested, I am offering a winter photography course at the Eagle River Nature Center on Saturday, March 19, starting at 9 am until approximately 5 pm. We will spend the first couple hours inside covering the basics of manual photography - ISO, shutter speed, aperture - then go outside for the remainder of the time and put this newfound knowledge to use! Students must provide their own camera gear and tripod, dress for the conditions and be prepared to hike up to 5 miles throughout the day. We will be working with digital SLR's only, no smart phones or "point & shoot" cameras. Cost is $95, limited to 10 people. Please call (907) 694-2108 to register or message me if you have any questions. Feel free to share!
Cheers,
Colin
February Bull Moose
This is the first moose I’ve seen near the Nature Center since last October; they aren’t as prevalent in this part of the valley during the winter months. I'm pretty certain this was one of the bulls I photographed out here last year. I imagine he will shed his antlers in the near future, only to be replaced by a new set in the spring.
