On the second day after the only major snow storm to hit the area this winter, I headed to Squaw Creek NWR in northwest Missouri to check out the action. I knew Squaw Creek did not feel the brunt of the storm as we did in Nebraska. In fact, there was only about an inch or so of snow on the ground south of the Missouri state line. However, I encountered a completely different type of “snow” storm once I arrived at Squaw Creek. This one was a blizzard of snow geese who have apparently decided to head north very early this year. Normally, we don’s see geese in these numbers until mid-March. I have no idea how to estimate the numbers, but I am confident there were at least a several hundred thousand out there today. Our winter has been so very mild - I don’t believe the water at Squaw Creek has completely frozen over at all this year – so a few geese and several eagles have wintered over in the area. But now the numbers of both are way up.  The eagles follow the geese as they migrate up and down the Missouri River valley each fall and spring.

In addition to the geese and bald eagles, there were a large number trumpeter swans this morning too. I’ve noticed trumpeter swans several times this winter but their migration is obviously underway too as there must have been 200 or so swans out there this morning.

This “snow storm” was much more fun that the other one Friday night. The video and photo below were both taken with the Canon 7D with Canon EF600mm.

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Snow Geese - a different kind of "snow" storm - click for a larger version

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One week ago today I flew through Denver on my way to Rocky Mountain National Park to photograph bull elk. Boy, what a difference a week makes. Last week I arrived to light snow flurries but it was nothing really. Today Denver and the entire Midwest is getting hammered by a huge winter storm. I heard Denver is expecting 20″ of snow before it ends tomorrow. Here, the weatherman is predicting 7-11″. I’m glad I got in and out before all of this started.  Too bad for the elk, it must be miserable tonight.

Before more time passed, I wanted to post a few more shots of my final morning at Rocky Mountain National Park. Of my four shoots, I was treated to the best light on my last morning. Again on that final morning, the big bulls did not disappoint. I arrived at my favorite spot a good 45 minutes before sunrise and lucky for me, the bulls were right where they had been the previous two days. They continued to graze on exposed grasses for about 90 minutes until, as if on queue, they all turned and slowly walked back into the forest. There was obviously some unspoken (grunted?) signal that was easily communicated between them.

So here are some of the results from my final morning shoot at Rocky Mountain National Park. Shooting large animals is a lot of fun and these elk were patient and tolerant subjects. Again, thanks for looking.

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Canon 7D w/ EF400mm f/5.6 1/320s +0.33 iso 400

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Canon 7D w/ EF600mm f/4.0 1/320s +0.67 iso200

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Canon 7D w/ EF400mm f/5.6 1/320s +0.33 iso 200

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Canon 7D w/ EF400mm f/5.6 1/400s +033 iso200

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I’m spending the weekend in Rocky Mountain National Park. I came specifically to photograph bull elk.  I scored some really cheap Southwest Airlines tickets so I flew to Denver, rented a car, and drove  to RMNP. Although the best time for elk photography is during the fall rut, winter is not a bad time. Although it can be extremely cold, there are fewer people and the snow adds a nice dimension to the scenery. I have been to RMNP enough to know that the bulls, still sporting their huge racks, spend the winter in the low elevation pastures just inside the eastern park entrances. I came here hoping to see a few bulls; I was not disappointed.

I arrived around noon on Friday and scouted the rather small portion of the park that remains open in the winter. My first glimpse of elk came shortly after I arrived. It was a small herd that was hunkered down in a stand of pine trees – mostly cows and a couple of young bulls with small racks – not what I was hoping to see. There were probably 20 in total, all laying among the pine trees which I presume offered some protection from the elements. I tried to compose a decent shot of the group but there was not much to work with. However, an amicable magpie perched on a half-burned branch not more than 30 feet from where I was setup and gave me a few minutes of photo ops. I left the herd soon after the magpie flew away and continued my scouting all the way to Bear Lake where it was snowing and blowing quite hard. I realized this was not elk habitat and and even if it was, there was no way I was going to stand in the snow and wind. I headed back down toward the low elevation pastures hoping for better luck.

I wandered around in Moraine Park where I observed a large herd during the fall rut a few years ago – this time nothing. Now it was beginning to snow at the lower elevations too and I decided to head back toward Horseshoe Park which has been productive in years past. It was getting late and the sun was close to dropping below the western peaks but as I rounded the final curve approaching Horseshoe I could see that the big bulls did in fact make an appearance. Just off to the north, 30 or 40 bulls were feeding in the pasture not more than 50 yards from the road.

It was snowing here too and the light was going fast. I quickly got out of the car with the Canon 7D and Canon EF 400mm. I had to keep one hand on the tripod so the wind would not blow it over. It was freezing cold; 18 degrees, according to my dashboard thermometer, with wind gusts that must have approached 40 miles per hour. I only lasted about 10 minutes before my fingers and face were numb. It’s amazing that elk can survive in these and much worse conditions.  I continued to shoot handheld from the relative warmth of the car until the light was gone. I was quite pleased that my first day ended with a great “bull” experience.

Saturday morning the big boys were still in the same place and continued to feed, seemingly oblivious to the half dozen humans who were watching from the protection of their cars. I too decided the warm car was the best place from which to shoot this morning and fired away hoping for a few handheld keepers. Knowing now that the north end of Horseshoe park was where the big bulls were hanging out, I headed back to the hotel for a nap and some post processing. I planned to return in the afternoon.

After a few hours of PP’ing the morning’s images and a short nap which was interrupted by construction activities just outside my room, I headed back to Horseshoe. I arrived about 3:30 PM and had the place to myself – no bulls yet. But I was patient, confident that they would show up again. After about 45 minutes they eventually emerged from the forest but for some reason stayed far from the road – probably about 200 yards. I watched for awhile but realizing that my shots from this morning and friday afternoon were much better than the ones available now, I headed back for dinner.

Tomorrow morning I plan one more trip to Horseshoe Park before I leave to catch my return flight. I hope the bulls give me one more opportunity with some good light. The forecast looks promising. Here are the best shots so far. Thanks for looking.

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Canon 7D w/ EF400mm f/5.6 1/250s +0.67 iso 400

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Canon 7D w/ EF24-105mm @ 40mm f/5.6 1/400s -.067 iso200

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Canon 7D w/ EF400mm f/5.6 1/500s iso 400

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Canon 7D w/ EF600mm f/4.0 1/2000s iso200

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Photo of the day: Red-tailed hawk near Lake Manawa State Park in Iowa shot with Canon 7D with Canon EF 400mm 1/1600s at f/8.0 iso400

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It’s New Years Eve, time to look back at 2011 and take stock of some favorite images from the past year. These are my favorites, maybe not my best, but the ones that stick in my mind for one reason or another. I chose one image from each month to include in my BEST OF 2011 gallery. You will notice there are only eleven images. For reasons I have now forgotten, my camera did not leave its bag during the month of May.

So except for May, each month of 2011 included interesting photo shoots and many fond memories. So please indulge me while I reminisce for just a moment. It all adds up to a pretty good year and a lot for which to be thankful. Thanks to my friends who visit and leave comments on this blog. Your kind words are appreciated. All the best to you in the New Year.

Cheers!

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Best of 2011

Shiprock - New Mexico
a January Meta DataAperture F 8Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time January 22, 2011 6:06 pmFocal length 200 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/50 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1080Image Height 720 EXIF DataAperture F 8Date/Time January 22, 2011 6:06 pmFocal length 200 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/50 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110122Time Created 180639Brown Pelicans - Florida
b February Meta DataAperture F 5Camera PENTAX K-5Date/Time March 13, 2010 6:33 amFocal length 300 mmISO 400Shutter speed 1/4000 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1080Image Height 720 EXIF DataAperture F 5Date/Time March 13, 2010 6:33 amFocal length 300 mmISO 400Shutter speed 1/4000 secFlash Not firedCamera PENTAX K-5Make PENTAXOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20100313Time Created 063357Author Frank_Comisar XMP DataAuthor Frank_ComisarSandhill Cranes - Nebraska
c March Meta DataAperture F 16Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time March 25, 2011 6:22 amFocal length 60 mmISO 100Shutter speed 8 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1080Image Height 720 EXIF DataAperture F 16Date/Time March 25, 2011 6:22 amFocal length 60 mmISO 100Shutter speed 8 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110325Time Created 062226Dodge County Barn - Nebraska
d May Meta DataAperture F 10Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time May 21, 2011 2:26 pmCopyright Notice Frank_Comisar-2010Focal length 45 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/30 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1080Image Height 720 EXIF DataAperture F 10Date/Time May 21, 2011 2:26 pmFocal length 45 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/30 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110521Time Created 142656+0000Author Frank_ComisarCopyright Notice Frank_Comisar-2010 XMP DataAuthor Frank_ComisarBadger - Nebraska
e June Meta DataAperture F 4Camera PENTAX K-5Date/Time June 18, 2011 6:17 pmFocal length 300 mmISO 400Shutter speed 1/130 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1080Image Height 720 EXIF DataAperture F 4Date/Time June 18, 2011 6:17 pmFocal length 300 mmISO 400Shutter speed 1/130 secFlash Not firedCamera PENTAX K-5Make PENTAXOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110618Time Created 181757+0000Author Frank_Comisar XMP DataAuthor Frank_ComisarClear Lake - Colorado
f July Meta DataAperture F 16Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time July 8, 2011 2:59 pmFocal length 19 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/60 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1389Image Height 927 EXIF DataAperture F 16Date/Time July 8, 2011 2:59 pmFocal length 19 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/60 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110708Time Created 145900+0000Lancaster County Barn - Nebraska
g August Meta DataAperture F 11Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time August 27, 2011 6:44 pmFocal length 70 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/80 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1052Image Height 701 EXIF DataAperture F 11Date/Time August 27, 2011 6:44 pmFocal length 70 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/80 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110827Time Created 184448+0000Double RL Ranch - Colorado
h September Meta DataAperture F 11Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time September 27, 2011 4:02 pmFocal length 155 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/40 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1348Image Height 899 EXIF DataAperture F 11Date/Time September 27, 2011 4:02 pmFocal length 155 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/40 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20110927Time Created 160240+0000Last Dollar Ranch - Colorado
i October Meta DataAperture F 11Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time October 3, 2011 6:37 pmFocal length 85 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/30 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1348Image Height 899 EXIF DataAperture F 11Date/Time October 3, 2011 6:37 pmFocal length 85 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/30 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20111003Time Created 183736+0000BobCAT Devaney - Nebraska
j November Meta DataAperture F 4Camera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIDate/Time November 19, 2011 9:43 pmFocal length 55 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/60 secFlash FiredImage Width 792Image Height 1008 EXIF DataAperture F 4Date/Time November 19, 2011 9:43 pmFocal length 55 mmISO 100Shutter speed 1/60 secFlash FiredCamera Canon EOS 5D Mark IIMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20111119Time Created 214358+0000Foggy Sunrise - Missour
k Decmeber Meta DataAperture F 5.6Camera Canon EOS 7DDate/Time December 11, 2011 8:53 amCopyright Notice All Rights ReservedFocal length 400 mmISO 800Shutter speed 1/5000 secFlash Not firedImage Width 1080Image Height 720 EXIF DataAperture F 5.6Date/Time December 11, 2011 8:53 amFocal length 400 mmISO 800Shutter speed 1/5000 secFlash Not firedCamera Canon EOS 7DMake CanonOrientation 1 IPTC DataDate Created 20111211Time Created 085321+0000Author Frank ComisarCopyright Notice All Rights Reserved XMP DataAuthor Frank Comisar

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Every spring, hundreds of thousands of Sandhill Cranes rest and feed for several weeks on the Platte River between Kearney and Grand Island as they migrate north to their summer nesting sites. Strangely, they usually do not stop in Nebraska on their return flight south – except for a few thousand hardy souls who dropped in before Thanksgiving this year and are still hanging around today.

The folks at Rowe Sanctuary have been quite excited about their presence and so I thought I would take a look for myself. I scoped out the area south of the Platte and east of Highway 10 late yesterday and located a flock of a thousand or so birds. This morning they were still there and the light was pretty sweet . . .

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The fall migration through the Missouri River flyway is wrapping up once again. The lakes and streams are mostly frozen after last week’s snow and cold snap. Once open water is gone, the huge flocks of geese, pelicans, hawks, eagles and other birds that use this flyway must move on to warmer climates.

There are a few stragglers, mostly snow geese, and a lot of bald eagles still hanging around. I enjoy shooting eagles this time of year. They are abundant now (it is amazing how common they are around here compared to just a few years ago) and the cold weather seems to make them a bit more tolerant. I went out before sunrise this morning despite the frigid temperatures, wind, and fog. Surprisingly, there were a lot of other photographers out too. The eagles put on quite a show for us. Too bad the light wasn’t a bit better.

All images shot with Canon 7D and Canon EF400mm f/5.6L:

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1/250s at f/5.6 +1EV ISO200

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1/2500s at f/5.6 +1 EV iso800

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1/2500s at f/5.6 +1 EV iso800

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1/5000s at f/5.6 +1EV iso800

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I must not be the only nature photographer whose wife needs periodic check-ins for peace of mind. I frequently find myself off the grid in places where my iPhone serves only as a mediocre flashlight or paper weight. So when I’m shooting in areas with no cell phone service where I cannot be reached, my wife imagines the worst. Throw in a later-than-expected return home and she is ready to call out the Marines as she is sure I’m freezing to death at the top of a mountain with a broken leg while being stalked by a rabid porcupine.

All kidding aside, as nature photographers we occasionally take some risks to get the shot. Just stepping off the curb is risky. Add the inherent risks of being isolated in remote wilderness areas and a relatively minor accident can quickly become serious or even life threatening. To help mitigate these risks and to help my wife’s peace of mind, I’ve just acquired a new gizmo that will provide a life line when standard technology is useless.

SPOT Connect turns your smart phone into a satellite communicator. This very cool device uses bluetooth and a smart phone app to  send messages to contacts or to emergency response personnel.

From the SPOT web site, “Simply pair your smartphone with SPOT Connect, and get connected to a global satellite network that lets you send messages and GPS coordinates from virtually anywhere on the planet. Update Twitter and Facebook. Send email and text messages. Request non-emergency help from professional service providers. And in the case of a critical emergency, send an SOS message requesting emergency assistance.”

SPOT offers three levels of messaging. Which one to use depends on your circumstances:

• SOS sends your GPS location to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) for emergency assistance in life threatening situations.
• HELP sends either custom Type & Send or Predefined messages to recipients in your contact list for assistance in non-life threatening situations.
• CHECK-IN/OK sends your messages and your location to friends and family for casual updates. These messages can also be simultaneously sent to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.

However, assuming this thing works as advertised – and I have no reason to doubt that it will – it seems like a pretty cheap insurance policy and essential camera accessory for the serious nature photographer. At a minimum, it will provide my wife peace of mind. Worst case (or would that be best case) it might save my life. I hope I never have to use the SOS button.

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I am always looking for new ways to display, promote, and share my photos on-line. I’ve recently discovered an on-line tool, Animoto, to do just that. Animoto automatically produces beautifully orchestrated, completely unique video pieces from your photos, video clips, and music. There are four annual subscription pricing plans including a free option (although you can only make 30 second videos unless you upgrade to a paid level). Of course to get the really cool features you have to upgrade to the Pro version which might be a little expensive for the casual user.

After creating an account, you simply upload your photos, select from several pre-made themes, choose an audio track, and then click “produce your video”. It all happens on-line, including storing your photos. It takes several minutes after you click “produce” for your video to be made. When finished, you are notified by e-mail. Your video is then hosted on Animoto’s web site from which it can be viewed, downloaded, exported to YouTube, shared to social networking sites, or embedded on your website.

It’s definitely worth a look. Check out my first Animoto. . .

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Here is a detail shot of Mineral Creek near the entrance to the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway just south of Ouray, CO. I made this photograph in early October at the peak of autumn color. If you look close you can see a few yellow aspen leaves in the water and on the rocks.  I’m sure it is quite a different scene today. The weekend weather forecast for the Ouray area included 20 inches of snow by midnight tonight.

I made this image with the Canon 5D Mark II and EF24-105mm at 40mm f/4.0L IS USM at f/13.0 0.4s iso100. To control the light a Lightcraft Fader ND adjustable neutral density filter was mounted to the lens and set to reduce the light by about 4 stops. This filter let me precisely control the light to maintain just the right amount of detail in the moving water. The Fader ND is a must-have accessory for shooting waterfalls and cascades.

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Mineral Creek - Alpine Loop Scenic Byway

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