One of the most exciting things about spending time at our place in the Northwoods, are the sunsets! Every single one is different and seemingly better than the last. Capturing as many of these moments as possible is one of my favorite things to do! It makes you appreciate every single day and God’s beauty here in Wisconsin!

I captured this photo of a Blue Jay taking off from the top of a spruce tree in our yard one winter morning. Blue Jays are one of my favorite birds to see and photograph with their incredible feather colors and patterns. I was thrilled to capture this take off shot that shows the Blue Jays full wingspan on display! What I love most about nature in Wisconsin is the abundance and diversity of wildlife. As someone who enjoys being outdoors and seeing wildlife, Wisconsin is a wonderful place to be.

I was fortunate to have received a tip from another birder about a Sandhill Crane pair that was nesting in the Fitchburg, WI area. Because of this person’s selflessness I was able to visit the Crane pair many times through the spring while they sat on their nest and incubated their two eggs. Unfortunately, only one of them hatched, but the result is what you see here. This Sandhill Crane Colt is about 2 weeks old in the photo, and he would alternate between making the most rudimentary attempts at foraging for himself, and taking frequent snacks from his doting parents.

Working with this Crane family really encapsulates what I love most about the natural world in Wisconsin. I could (and did) sit for many hours mostly observing but also documenting the growth of the family. To me, the natural resources we have in Wisconsin are vital, they are what is most real to me in this world. I feel a great sense of gratitude simply being in it, even if I don’t “get the shots.”

It was a very cold, rainy and windy day in late April and the spring migration was barely underway along Lake Michigan. North Beach in Racine County has always been one of my favorite beaches for shorebirds like these American avocets. When I arrived at the beach, I spotted a handful of avocets scurrying along the beach, when all of a sudden, a bigger flock flew in and landed with the others. In total there was 25 of them.

My favorite thing about nature in Wisconsin is there is such a variety of birds that pass through our state, and at times, you never know what’s going to show up. Something completely off course and not expected.