We recently spent a week bicycling across Nebraska with the BRAN (Bicycle Ride across Nebraska). It was a wonderful adventure filled with amazing scenery, a diverse topography, the most genial and friendly people, and sunshine! We started in Chadron (west side of the state) and ended in Fremont (east side of the state). Our 400+ miles of travel took us through the Sandhills of Nebraska, fields of corn in the agricultural area, and the rolling hills of the eastern side as we were closer to the rivers. The flooding the state has dealt with this spring was evident as we saw washouts along the Elkhorn River and standing water in so many fields. We are appreciative of the people who welcomed us in their towns and were so generous with their Nebraskan hospitality. To me, a bicycle ride is the perfect way to see and appreciate the landscape, terrain, and people — it’s as upclose an experience as you can get on a journey along highways and biways.
Author: lindastaatsphoto
Lupines and turtles and bears, oh my!
Spring has arrived in the northwoods of Wisconsin. Driving along a county road we saw (and avoided) many turtles in the road and beside it. We also saw the lupine blooming in certain areas. It’s low to the ground and the light needs to be from the right angle to see it’s lovely colors, otherwise it blends in with the grass, dirt and sand. We rounded a corner and I admired a large patch of lupines, noting that I needed to return to photograph it. As I was studying the flowers I looked beyond them and saw something looking back at me. On the edge of the woods, blending in with the shadows, was a black bear. He looked at me and then ambled back into the woods. Needless to say, when I returned the next day to photograph the lovely flowers I was very aware of my surroundings. A slight rustle in the woods and I stopped to see who or what it was. This time it wasn’t my friend the bear, but it was only a squirrel.
End of a spring day
It had been a windy and cloudy day, but as the evening wore on the wind began to die down. We were fishing as the air became still. Eagles were flying overhead and the crappies were biting. The dark clouds were still above but the sun moved below them lighting up the opposite shore. The leaves were full on some of the trees and yet others had only begun to leaf out, filtering the sunlight as it came through the trees. The low light and the calmness created a beautiful reflection of the end of a spring (finally!) day.
Baltimore oriole
It was a cold and wintry day last Sunday that even included a snowfall. We were inside looking out and not enjoying this winter weather in mid-May. But it seemed to invigorate all the birds in the area as they were coming in and out of the yard, looking for food on the ground and in the feeders. We put some orange slices in a hanging feeder and realized they were a magnet for the birds. This Baltimore oriole became very vigilant in guarding what he saw as “his” oranges. There were a number of Rose-breasted grosbeaks that challenged him, and only occasionally won the challenge. All these birds were a welcome colorful sight on the cold drab day, and a delight to watch.
Tree swallows
As we were exploring the Namekagon Wildlife Barrens in northwestern Wisconsin we saw many bluebird houses distributed throughout the area. Numerous agencies and individuals have worked hard to be sure the birds have access to good nesting areas. At one road junction we stopped and watched this tree swallow as it flitted in and out of the house, flying to the trees nearby, then coming back to the house. He was accompanied by a female which came and went many times too. What a delight to let time stand still and watch their activities and absorb this little bit of spring!
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