Máistir Nádúraí: February 2009

2.25.2009

4 Years

I've been so preoccupied with illness and despair that I forgot this blog recently turned 4 years old. Will I continue writing it? Right now my motivation is pretty darn low, but I'm sure as spring rolls around I'll get out in the field and there will likely be new stories and photographs to share.

Wild Geese - Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.

You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.

Meanwhile the world goes on.

Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain

are moving across the landscapes,

over the prairies and the deep trees,

the mountains and the rivers.

Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,

are heading home again.

Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,

the world offers itself to your imagination,

calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting

over and over announcing your place

in the family of things.

2.23.2009

Bolz Conservancy

Problem: 8 inches of fresh snow and subzero temperatures.
Solution: Bolz Conservancy at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.

2.19.2009

Super Scope Deal!

Whether it's your first spotting scope or a backup, here's a super deal on a "non-brand" 20-60x80mm scope sold exclusively through Eagle Optics for $199.99. Available in angled or straight body designs, the scope is also supported by the Eagle Optics Platinum Protection Lifetime Warranty!

2.16.2009

What is a natural photograph?

A worthwhile read...

"Sometimes as nature photographers, our minds focus too much on getting a good photograph, instead of just enjoying nature and being there to capture some of the light we come across. It's important to keep nature natural, and I'll tell you a story to help illustrate what I mean. It's about the ethics of attracting animals by "baiting" them - feeding them in an effort to get them to come closer to you, so you can get a photograph."

Link: Read the rest!

Peregrine Falcon © 2009 Mike McDowell

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. While he is most prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations extend to other natural gems like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has graced numerous publications, including newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. Since 2005, Mike has been journaling his nature observations on his blog. He is the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest. Mike’s interests span insect macro-photography—focusing on tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, he has rekindled his passion for collecting Fender Stratocasters, with his prized possession being a 1957 Vintage Custom Shop 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. After a 15-year career in IT, Mike has spent the past 25 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the author's employer, organization, committee, or any other group or individual with whom the author may be associated. Furthermore, any assumptions, conclusions, or inferences drawn from the content herein are the sole responsibility of the reader. The author disclaims any and all liability for misunderstandings, misinterpretations, hurt feelings, eye-rolling, second-hand embarrassment, or spontaneous combustion resulting from exposure to the contents of this blog. For the avoidance of doubt, this blog is written for entertainment, education, and/or catharsis and should not be mistaken for professional advice, legal counsel, or the inner workings of a well-adjusted mind.