ShutterWi

2012's first trip on Chequamegon Bay. 8-10" of ice. Fish biting

2012-01-21T19:20:00.002-06:00

Maiden voyage for 2012. As usual more equipment than needed yet still missing some key things. Notice my new high tech Arctic Armor float suit. Not something you want to have to use but safety first. Visit this website to see how it "works".

The day started out perfect. Sunny, cold and clear. It soon turned to cloudy and overcast.

Setup and fishing. This is one of our favorite spots. A GPS is a wonderful thing. We return to this site year after year and it most always produce fish. Today I out fished my nephew that rarely ever happens. GLOAT GLOAT.

A view looking SW toward Xcel Power Plant.

My nephew Skip. Who caught less fish than me. Gloat gloat. Boy I'm going to pay for gloating. But considering the score is probably Skip 1000, Unk 1. I'm enjoying the win.

Supper. Fresh perch and a Coho.

News from across Chequamegon Bay. Mayor's race in Washburn WI.

2012-01-11T22:09:00.010-06:00

Mayor's race in Washburn WI.

Website: http://griffithsformayor.com
Facebook: Griffiths For Mayor
Email: GriffithsForMayor@gmail.com

Click here for:
Scott Griffiths' mining bill testimony in Hurley, WI. January 11, 2012. Testimony starts at 59:30

Ice fishing season. Only there is no ice.

2012-01-10T21:19:00.000-06:00

Chequamegon Bay looking south from the "S-Curve" between Barksdale and Washburn WI.

Notice the lighthouse and the Chequamegon Hotel.

Lighthouse and breakwall from the "S-Curve" between Barksdale and Washburn WI.

Chequamegon Hotel from the "S-Curve" between Barksdale and Washburn WI

The only sign of ice on the "S-Curve" between Barksdale and Washburn WI.

It begins...seasonal decorating.

2011-12-06T19:27:00.001-06:00

We have graduated to this wonderful tree. It is about 7 feet high in a very large clay pot.

The Christmas Village. Church.

The Christmas Village. Bed and Board.

The Christmas Village. Ice Co.

The Making of Ella's First Quilt. Doll Quilt.

2011-11-15T15:01:00.001-06:00

Trick or Treat 2011 on Chapple Ave. Ashland, Wisconsin

2011-10-31T21:13:00.003-05:00

Our first trick-or-treaters 2011

2011-10-30T19:24:00.000-05:00

Halloween Parade 2011

2011-10-30T15:14:00.002-05:00

Ashland Wisconsin Oredock Trestle Demolition.

2011-10-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

This view is from Waters Street.

Site entrance.

Demolition pile of old trestle timbers.

This is the view from the parking lot at the boat landing. Notice the light pole in the picture. It is in fact not a light but rather it is a video surveillance camera. See photo below for a closer view.

This is the camera that is responsible for this view of the Oredock.

Sunset last night at the head of Chequamegon Bay.

2011-10-18T18:28:00.000-05:00

This weekend we joined some of our friends to make apple cider.

2011-10-16T14:45:00.002-05:00

Today it rained. We spent the day inside. I took trips down memory lanes.

2011-10-13T21:56:00.005-05:00

My paternal grandparents were first generation Americans. They were born in England and immigrated to America in the early 1900's. One of my most vivid memories of visiting Gramma & Grampa G. was having tea and crumpets. To this day I do not like tea. On the other hand crumpets with butter and Lyle's Golden Syrup were a treat then and remain so now.

Over the years I have searched for a source for crumpets without any success... until Google. In early September I (thanks Amy) found a source for crumpets. A little additional research led me to this vendor British American Imports. A recommend great source for any crumpet lover amongst my readers.

Once my mail order crumpets arrived I shared them with family and friends. They were good, real good but they were missing the Lyle's Golden Syrup. One of the friends that I had shared the crumpets with arrange to have his mother bring a can from the UK on her recent visit. He gave it to me yesterday. It's a small world moment. What a surprise. Thanks Gary and Gary's mom.

After nearly 55 years of carrying this great memory I finally had all of the pieces. Breakfast this morning was crumpets with butter and Lyle's Golden Syrup. And of course NO tea.

UPDATE: Yesterday at lunch I introduced my nephew Ryan and tonight after a quick supper I introduced our son Scott to part of their Great Grandparent's diet. Crumpets and Lyle's Golden Syrup. Both thought the crumpets were good and they thought they might enjoy one occasionally. The Lyle's Golden Syrup was seen as a sweet treat that they would maybe use less frequently. It was great fun sharing the experience with this young generation. In a very small way it connected them to Great Grandparents they never met.

Up next ..... Lamb's kidneys with bacon and eggs for breakfast. Seriously it is quite good in moderation. Well ..... maybe it is an acquired taste. We'll see.

After breakfast, as the title of this post suggests I took a second trip down yet another memory lane today. This trip was made possible by a generous loan of historical newspaper articles, informational literature and personal recollections of a former camper, staff member, board member and great historian of the former Y.M.C.A. Camp Clark. Thanks Pete M.

For those visitors to this website who might not already know one of my other ongoing projects is to document the history and the personal memories of former campers who spent time at Camp Clark between the early 1940's and 1972. For a more detailed account of this history please visit the Camp Clark website.

I have been told by visitors to the site that even though they never went to Camp Clark the stories and memories found on the website brought back personal memories of the camps that they had attended. Hopefully you will experience similar recollections of your childhood camps. Enjoy!

Sadly they are staging to start tearing down the iconic Oredock. See live webcam site below.

2011-10-04T15:06:00.003-05:00

This staging area is on the east side of the oredock. What is left of the railroad approach trestle that crossed over US 2 will be the first to go this fall.

Rumor has it, that for now, they are only going to finish removing the wooden trestle stopping at the concrete structure seen here just after the wooden trestle.

TO WATCH LIVE WEBCAM VIEW CLICK HERE....WAIT for download.

Things I've seen this week. Hymenoptera (bees, wasps and others) & Asclepias (milkweed).

2011-10-04T14:49:00.002-05:00

Honeybee hive with lots of early fall activity. To learn more about the bees and wasps look here.

Warm fall day with little wind and lots of sun. The comings and goings of worker bees.

This was probably a bald-faced hornets nest. To learn more about bald-faced hornets look here. Although is could also be a Yellowjackets nest. To learn more look here.

Milkweed and Monarch Butterflies. To learn more look here.

Milkweed seed dispersal. To learn more about seed dispersal look here.

Amber's birthday party.

2011-10-02T17:24:00.000-05:00

Happy 3rd birthday Amber.

Mom with the cake.

WOW what a cake.

Present time.

Hayride headed out to find pumpkins.

Headed back with the prize pumpkins.

Pumpkin hunting in the patch.

Returning from the field. Pumpkins on Board!

Unloading the pumpkins.

The pumpkin hunting crew.

Amber always has a critter to show Unk.

One heck of a party. Wake me when it's over.

Fly tying material on the hoof.

Intense colors. The turn around and take a picture kind of early fall colors.

2011-09-28T18:06:00.002-05:00

Along Highway 2 west of Iron River Wisconsin.

This tree in it's setting was so brilliant that I simply had to turn around and go back and photograph it.

The colors along US 2 between Ino WI and Maple WI were fabulous. Although they have not reached peak they are well on their way.

Fall colors are starting.

2011-09-26T19:20:00.001-05:00

Highway 63 north of Mason cut off.

Altamont Rd from the top of 7 mile hill looking NW.

A rafter of Turkeys on Altamont Rd .

The Bibon Swamp.

Humble Be Yoga and Dance Studio. Grand Opening.

2011-09-24T11:15:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Donna

2011-09-21T18:34:00.001-05:00

Jessica came over to wish Donna a Happy Birthday.

An impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday by some local musicians who were playing in the H. Pearson Plaza. This spot is just above the entrance to the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass. The entrance can be seen in the background. Thanks to the talented folks who played for Donna's birthday.

Ed had visitors this weekend.

2011-09-18T23:13:00.002-05:00

This wedding party "visited" the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass on Saturday.

This wedding party "visited" the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass on Saturday. They passed through into the H. Pearson Plaza.

One of the members of the wedding party shared my fascination and respect for honey bees and their importance to crop pollination. She agreed to let me photograph her art and share it. Thank you to M.C.

Any art critics in the house? Be careful with your critiques you maybe be tempting fate.

2011-09-15T16:16:00.002-05:00

Canvas one.

Canvas two.

Canvas three.

Canvas four. Same artist different media.

Sorry..... it is what it is. Sept 15, 2011 28 degrees at 7:15 A.M.
Mother Nature left the artwork on my Toyota pickup truck.

Spent time at Ed's

2011-09-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

Evidence that the end of summer approaches. Fall is just around the corner.

2011-09-11T17:44:00.000-05:00

Fresh sliced and ready to eat. Big Boy.

The grapes are turning and offer individual juicy treats for those passing by.

The plum crop was small this year but better than we had anticipated. This 8 lbs. was shared with friend and made into jam.

Labor Day pig roast. Family, friends, food, cool ones and weather.

2011-09-04T21:40:00.004-05:00

The pig "Labor Day" after 8 hours of slow roasting and smoking.

"Labor Day" ready to carve.

Almost ready to eat.

Thanks to Kaitlyn, Kelsie, Wyatt, Missy and Jeff for raising "Labor Day" the pig.

Having a "cool one" while standing in the rain.

Good to the last drop.

Orange juice or "Moose Drool Brown Ale" your choice.

Smorgasbord ready to eat. You don't go home hungry.

Reagan Hattie W.

Royce Harrison W.

Bigger sister Amber W.

At the top of Seven Mile Hill.

21" Smallmouth Bass caught by friends at an undisclosed location.

2011-08-29T20:16:00.004-05:00

This fish was caught, measured, photographed and returned to the undisclosed location.

"Canoe Manned by Voyageurs"

2011-08-29T16:35:00.002-05:00

Visit this website for more wonderful music from this group and others.

Hanging in the yard.

2011-08-28T16:21:00.000-05:00

Logs to Lumber Open House

2011-08-28T13:33:00.000-05:00

Chirping here. Chirping there. Chirping, chirping everywhere.

2011-08-22T21:13:00.002-05:00

For several years now we have had a male and female Northern Cardinal pair (maybe two pairs) in our neighborhood. We have watched them and listened to them nearly everyday as they spent their days in and around our yard. We have listened to them communicate back and forth from perch to perch.

Today we heard something distinctly different. Chirps. Short sharp chirp, chirp, chirp. Something was different. Following the sound lead me to a lilac bush and eventually the source. The first fledgling Northern Cardinal we have ever seen.

The fledgling was calling out to mom and dad and they were close and answering. After jumping from perch to perch within the lilac the fledgling finally made it to an upper open branch. Several more chirps back and forth one small leap, flapping new wings and a semi controlled flutter to a lower bush and out of sight.

For the rest of the day into the evening we heard chirping between at least three different locations. We look forward to seeing a new adult taking up residences in the neighborhood.

Mom perched over the lilac bush.

Dad... with lunch?..... mac and cheese?

Right... mac and cheese?

Fledgling Northern Cardinal.

Mom watching closely from nearby birch.

Dad still carrying lunch.

It's official. The sign is up. Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass

2011-08-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

The sign over the lakeside entrance to the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass.

The view from the east / west bike trail.

The view from the sidewalk over the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass. The white back of the sign.

We like to think of this view as "Ed's View" of Lake Superior and Chequamegon Bay.

Here is the trail map showing the location of Ed's Pass.

A day at the beach.

2011-08-17T17:08:00.003-05:00

It was a warm day with a southwesterly breeze.

The warm top surface water was moving ashore.

The warm water convinced me to take a dip.

Spent a little time floating just off shore.

We had most of the beach to ourselves.

This seagull was determined to carry this fish off.

It was determined.

Really determined to land the big one. But no luck it finally gave up and flew off.

The view to the north is typical of the Bayfield shoreline.

The view to the south reminded us we had to share the beach. :)

All in a day of fun. Beach, art, music and Corny Days

2011-08-15T09:39:00.001-05:00

Herbster Beach.

Art project.

Live music.

Live music into the evening.

An earlier teaching moment. Mbira from Zimbabwe.

Dating myself... if you don't know... ask a baby boomer.

You move to a farm and ... POOF... the next thing you know .......

2011-08-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

...... your getting your picture taken on a hay bale and in front of a chicken coop.

Dana (Royce), Amber, Ryan (Reagan), Athena and Tia

Amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Critter day.

2011-08-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

Peace

2011-08-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

Dedication of Howard Pearson Plaza.

2011-08-06T18:15:00.000-05:00

Signage of the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass. Donna, Wayne and Aunt Cheryl.

It's been a while. It's not any easier. Nice ride otherwise.

2011-08-02T19:57:00.000-05:00

Prentice Park from the bridge.

It's been awhile since I rode the entire Ashland 5th Street bike route. For me it's north from home to the corridor. East to Walmart. North across US 2. West along the shore to west end beach. Water stop. South across US 2 through Prentice Park. East to Vaughn. South to home. 11.0 miles total.

The old Rock Hopper mountain bike.

It is what it is.

Athena's campfire.

2011-07-31T19:56:00.001-05:00

It was a fun evening at Athena's campfire.

Athena tending her first campfire.

All was going well until this approaching storm broke up the outdoor activity.

Unusually large apiary for this region.

2011-07-31T19:50:00.002-05:00

This apiary is larger than usual for this area.

Apiary complete with electric fence to keep out bears.

Lurking... and waiting for lunch.

2011-07-31T19:43:00.001-05:00

Daddy Long-Legs spider. For additional information see here.

Ashland's newest park and what will soon be the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass

2011-07-29T21:46:00.002-05:00

This sign (when finished) will be centered over the entrance (see below) to the

Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass

On August 6th, 2011 this tunnel will be officially named the Ed Griffiths Pedestrian Pass

Alongside the 5th. street corridor.

2011-07-26T20:21:00.001-05:00

This "guy" sure took the idea of dispersal seriously.

A quick visit with friends E & T. Enjoyed their gardens.

2011-07-25T21:49:00.000-05:00

Ashland WI Air Show. July 23, 2011 12:30 P.M.

2011-07-22T22:45:00.004-05:00

John F. Kennedy Memorial Airport Fly-in and Air Show on Saturday July 23, 2011

Air Show will feature the following aviators. 2010 National Aerobatic Champion Jeff Boerboon's "Extra 330,” Pete Tallarita's Pitts Special, Mike Niccum's Staudacher S-300, Dick Schults's Pitts S2B and Patrick Carter's Pitts Special.

Hollyhocks... Mom's favorites.

2011-07-20T20:11:00.002-05:00

And the grapes are growing.

For Athena.

2011-07-17T19:21:00.000-05:00

Hot HOT summer days.

2011-07-17T19:05:00.000-05:00

The garden(s) continued to grow and bloom while we were away.

2011-07-14T14:39:00.001-05:00

Hibicus.

Clematis.

Three days on Duluth's North Shore.

2011-07-14T13:32:00.008-05:00

Choice campsite at the "D&D Campground". We always enjoy our visit with our Duluth friends. This choice site is their front yard and this is the view(s) they see everyday.

One of the 3-5 ship we saw pass each day.

Great Lake Ship.

Three masted 'four sail' ship.

When seen together the sailing ship seems fairly large. Ok here is a guess. Based on the person on deck being an estimated 6 feet. I make the boat length to be 48 feet. Any photo analysts in the viewing audience?

"Little Miss Daisy"

"Little Miss Daisy Clover"

A teaching moment.

Dragonfly

Dragonfly.

Lightning over NW Wisconsin.

This video is the 100th YouTube video I have posted.

Early evening moon looking toward Wisconsin.

A special thanks to D & D for a fun few days. As always.

A beautiful evening on a favorite lake.

2011-07-06T23:16:00.003-05:00

Relaxing and enjoying the moment.

A trip around the yard. With a small detour to my sister's.

2011-07-06T14:22:00.004-05:00

Iris (Bearded Iris).

Pollinator.

Evening Primrose.

Common Buttercup.

Canada Anemone.

Daisy.

Indian Paint Brush.

Chives.

Wild Geranium.

Wild Rose.

Evening Primrose.

My sister's Clematis.

And my favorite... Dandelion.

July 4th celebration(s). Ashland Wisconsin.

2011-07-05T13:08:00.001-05:00

The start of July 4th celebrations (s). The parade.

The Fire Run. My favorite part of the 4th of July celebrations. By design unedited it only lasts 2 minute.

The annual July 4th fireworks display. This version is the edited "2 minute" version. The full show lasted almost 45 minutes.

Friends of friends of friends supporting friends in uniform overseas.

2011-07-04T09:31:00.002-05:00

UPDATE:
The coffee has arrived at the destination. The troops are happy.

......I've sent 181 POUNDS of coffee -- so it's probably over 250 packages. That will be quite a caffeine buzz for the guys. Thanks to everyone who participated. This has been very heartwarming to see such a great response. Hopefully we'll hear from those on the receiving end soon. Here's a picture we took before the first mailing........

Submitted photo.

Nineteen largemouth bass, nearly a dozen wood ticks, high eighty temps, one very busy cameraman and six hours of fun.

2011-07-01T20:27:00.003-05:00

Yet another reason to spend time on this lake. Fishing, swimming and beautiful wildlife.
Photo by Donna.

I'm sure glad we were off the lake and safely home when this storm passed through. Although the neighborhood damage was minimal regional damage was not. The Marengo Lake area had "hundreds" of trees down are wires across the road. Friends reportly decided to ride this one out in their basement.

Our new grape arbor and shaded spot on the deck.

2011-06-28T16:18:00.004-05:00

I'm reposting these from below. After a little yard work and truck maintenance I sat down in our new shaded corner on the deck. The sun was shining and I leaned back in the chair and looked up..... see the picture below for the peaceful view.

This is the results we hoped we would get. A natural shaded area where we can sit and watch the grapes grow. Now that is a view I could get use to.

Here is what it looks like from above.

Some of the potted flowers growing on the deck. Begonia

Pansy.

Petunia.

Getting back to fun things.

2011-06-27T21:38:00.003-05:00

Although I have not been away (on vacation) I have been at other tasks. Getting the yard and garden ready for summer. Doing some home upkeep projects. Doing some home improvement projects. Spending time with family and friends. The camera was never far away.

Killdeer adult with one of three chicks.

Mom and Dad Killdeer.

Young Killdeer chicks.

Twelve annual Kid Fishing Day at the local visitor's center.

Fish were caught.

Herbster Wisconsin campground. A beautiful day until the fog rolled in from the southwest.

photo taken by Carol "Birthday Girl" Seago.

The birthday girl.

I took this photo in one of my neighbor's yards. Look close see what caught my eye.

A recent gathering of Scott's drumming students and Scott's West African drumming teacher and Kellie's West African dance teacher Fara. Donna far left, Scott (red shirt), Fara kneeling (L) and Kellie kneeling (R)

Dance drummers. Fara (l), Donna (m), Brian(r) and Scott.

Here is one of the home improvement projects. We finally built an arbor for our grapevine. At the same time we are providing a shaded area on our deck.

This is the view from the second floor looking down on the new arbor.

Things you don't see everyday.

2011-06-02T14:25:00.000-05:00

Lay still stop moving.

Feed me mom...no... feed me first.

Don't cry over this.

Is this what the rapture looks like up close?

Missing Dad & Mom

2011-05-31T11:36:00.000-05:00

Wonderment is in the eye of the beholder. In the eye of a child,

2011-05-22T14:47:00.002-05:00

Look close. Nesting behavior.

2011-05-14T21:33:00.001-05:00

Guess what bird?

It's _______ egg blue.

Guess what bird?

It's the "love" Dove.

Indigo Buntings and Goldfinches

2011-05-14T13:00:00.004-05:00

This video was shot through a kitchen window.

A stay at home day. Tree care service. Sunny and warm.

2011-05-06T22:58:00.000-05:00

Sharp-Tailed Grouse. Bayfield County WI.

2011-05-05T20:26:00.012-05:00

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

Sharp-Tailed Grouse Ruffed Grouse

Comparison Sharp-Tailed vs. Ruffed Grouse

This video was shot earlier today from a blind setup by the U.S. Forest Service, Washburn WI office.

Thank You to all for the opportunity to see this great wildlife display. For additional information about Sharp-Tailed Grouse courting rituals visit this website.

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

This photo is notable as it was the first photo I took at about 5:40 A.M. today.

When we received the basic guide for viewing the Sharp-Tailed Grouse from the blind in the Moquah Barrens, Bayfield County WI. The guide suggested early arrival before sunrise... which we did.

I would suggest really early arrival. We had barely got settled in the blind (zipper shut) when the display started.

It was quite the sight and sound in the blind. With little or no light we fumbled around like a couple of beginners with a new camera we had never used before. I would have like to have been a little bird sitting in a tree watching and listening to the ruckus in the black cube sitting at the open site.

After switching several camera settings and locating the grouse mostly by sound... a point and shoot.

The photo above is the photo I got.... well maybe not exactly... actually it was more like the one below.
It was the one below. Look at the red "beady eyes" which were staring back.

PHOTOSHOP it's a wonderful thing.
Suggestions for future visits ... arrive at the blind really really early and be ready.
Thanks to the U.S. Forest Service, Washburn, WI office for providing this great opportunity.

Wildlife photography day. Hawks, Grouse and Elk.

2011-05-03T22:37:00.002-05:00

More photos, video and IDs coming soon.

Clam Lake Wisconsin Route 77

Clam Lake Wisconsin Route 77. With small mouse or vole.

Clam Lake Wisconsin Route 77

Grouse along Old Grade Road Atkins Lake

Old Grade Road Atkins Lake

Bibon Swamp

Mayflower or trailing arbutus (Epigaea repens).

2011-04-25T22:12:00.003-05:00

This is a new early spring flower to me. I photographed it eariler today on the sandy shore of a small Bayfield County WI lake. The plant was in a zone higher than the probable historical high watermark. It was on the edge of a pine and scrub oak forest line. Growing in sandy soil.

More information here.

Mrs. Shutterwi without hesitation IDed it as Mayflower or trailing arbutus, Epigaea repens. She has memories of her mom searching it out on the Cape Cod shoreline in early spring.

If anyone can confirm the ID or has an alternative ID please leave a comment.

Easter offerings. A case of right place right moment in time.

2011-04-24T22:58:00.004-05:00

As I was standing along the roadside photographing the nesting Bald Eagle. Mrs. Shutterwi spotted a large bird approaching from the west. This was one of those right place at the right moments.

Imagine this your watching a nesting eagle on a north - south road when at that very moment an west - east in flight sandhill crane pass directly overhead. Several hundred feet above. And.... your holding your camera with a 100-400 mm zoom lens.

Two bonus offerings below.

The first one is a great opportunity to watch two adult bald eagles nesting and raising three eaglets.

Happy Easter

Outdoor West African Drumming performance at Northland College's fire ring.

2011-04-22T18:05:00.006-05:00

This video (above) is the full performance.

For shorter individual pieces see the videos below.

Northland College West African Drumming Class. Last class day performance. Performance took place in the campus outdoor fire ring and was enjoyed by family and friends.

Smelting 2011. Chequamegon Bay spring tradition.

2011-04-21T12:56:00.000-05:00

The yearly early spring smelting season is on. For a few days each spring hopefully after "ice out" the smelt run will be on. Smelters flock to the Chequamegon Bay shoreline from all over the midwest. Smelting season may last for a few days or if we are lucky over two weekends. On a successful night smelters can "pull" hundreds of pound of the little guys. Service organizations, church groups and families take the opportunity to have "Smelt Fries". Some to raise money some as part of a yearly tradition.

When you can't watch the birds watch the birdwatcher.

2011-04-20T10:41:00.002-05:00

This is what retirement looks like. I've been told this guy has some experience in this area. Notice his "subject" in the lower right corner of the photo. Ross's Goose.

Getting setup. Notice his "subject" in the lower center of the photo. Ross's Goose.

Getting the photo.

Heading back to the car. And down the bay.
How was your day Matt?

The annual first sign of spring. The Croci not the snow.

2011-04-20T10:27:00.002-05:00

Imagine this in it's hay days.

2011-04-20T10:21:00.001-05:00

Ross's Goose

2011-04-19T20:34:00.005-05:00

Ross's Goose on west end beach. This is a good time for me to pass on thanks to the "pro" bird watchers in our community. It is a dedicated group of folks who spend time nearly everyday watching and spotting birds. Now here is a tip to all of my loyal readers. Follow this link and join the local bird watchers group. You will get daily emails (if you choose) telling you what birds are in our area. These photos of the Ross's Goose are possible because of todays emails from the ashlandbirders@yahoogroups.com

Sandhill Cranes. Grandview Wisconsin

2011-04-12T13:11:00.004-05:00

This is the long version of the video. The short version is below.

Ice out on Chequamegon Bay 2011 edition.

2011-04-11T22:08:00.003-05:00

For the most part today was "ice out day" on Chequamegon Bay. Some years the right wind will completely clear the bay. This year although the majority of the bay is clear and open the southern shores of the bay have "cocktail" ice floating along the shore.

This video is a little longer than usual but give us a break... after 5 months of ice it is nice to see open water. Real nice to see open water. So sit back and enjoy. The last couple of minutes of this video are here by special request. For one of my loyal reader. Enjoy the sounds. Enjoy the thoughts.

Hail. A somewhat rare weather occurrence in Ashland.

2011-04-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

We had a quick weather front pass through Ashland yesterday. For less than five minutes we had a hail shower.

Adult female Northern Harrier. Thanks to Ryan Brady's ID

2011-04-10T23:09:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Ryan Brady for IDing this Northern Harrier.

These photo were taken on WI Hwy 63 south of Clayton WI. They were taken yesterday on a quick trip down to the Twin Cities. Saturday night we slept in our Little Guy camper. First trip out this year. Thanks to Joe and Barb for "hosting" our overnight stay. Saturday night we had some thunderstorms pass through. Lots of lightening, thunder and rain. What followed was warm temperatures.

On our trip back this morning we rode with windows open from River Falls to just south of Grand View. Temps drop from mid sixties to mid forties in about a five mile stretch. Fog from 118 and 63 intersection to Ashland.

First camping trip 2011

2011-04-10T21:43:00.004-05:00

We took a quick overnight camping trip to the Twin Cities. Saturday night we slept in our Little Guy camper. First trip out this year. Thanks to Joe and Barb for "hosting" our overnight stay in River Falls WI. Saturday night we had some thunderstorms pass through. Lots of lightening, thunder and rain. What followed was warm temperatures.

Packed and ready.

Animal Farm's "Old Major" heading home to the Twin Cities.

Eastern Meadowlark.

2011-04-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

This and one other Meadowlark were spotted in an open field on Colby Rd and Franzel Rd. West of Ashland.

Somedays the best bird watching is in the backyard.

2011-04-02T16:22:00.003-05:00

First Robin for 2011. One-half a block away.

First Kestrel for 2011. 55 miles away Popular WI.

Kimball Falls spring thaw and runoff.

2011-03-26T12:40:00.000-05:00

Chased and spotted at touch down in Chequamegon Bay area. The Dominator.

2011-03-25T21:59:00.005-05:00

I'm claiming this as a photo scoop. These are the first published photos of The Dominator taken after it's touch down in the Chequamegon Bay area. See the Storm Chasers website.

Here is my question for the experts ... has there ever been a verified touchdown of a tornado in Ashland Wisconsin? Within a 5 mile radius? Within a 10 mile radius?

Interesting vehicle to see up close, stationary and without an approaching vortex.

For tornado video footage vist the TornadoVideos.net website

Checkout the emblem "Mythbusters Tested" 250 MPH. Visit the Mythbusters website.

Behold the Beast at work.

Proof of sighting.

Spring road trip to Herbster Wi. Boys with toys edition.

2011-03-21T23:52:00.010-05:00

BEFORE you watch the video below warning: This video could be and maybe should be titled the "Boy with a Toy(s)" video. The video is longer than I would usually post and is loaded with lots of video editing tricks. Some good, some bad and some poorly executed.

I am trying to dig deeper into my video editing software to learn some of the more advance features. Rather than use the "sample" video suggested I decided to use this real live example.

The "Instant Replay" at 4:38 mark might be a LITTLE over kill although it does offer some nice momentary views of an immature eagle underwing patterns as well as a great few seconds of the same eagle landing on a branch. I hope you enjoy the subject matter and ignore the amateur video editing.

For those of you that have never seen a Blue Jay and a Pileated Woodpecker in the same photo (see at 6:29 mark) watch carefully. There is a brief moment where you can compare the size difference between the two birds.

Oh! the bong, bong, bong sound you here at the 6:29 mark is my "keys in the ignition warning" in slow motion. I like it far better that way it is far less annoying. To all my fasten your seat belt readers, you know who you are. Take That! bong! bong! bong!

Here is the source of the raw footage I used.

A road trip to Herbster Wi today. Along an approximate 100 yards of County Hwy C. We saw and videotaped an adult bald eagle, immature bald eagle, ravens, pileated woodpecker and a blue jay. The eagles and ravens were competing for the carcass of a dead deer.

Nevers Road. Pushing the Canon 7D and the Canon 100-400mm lens to their limits.

2011-03-21T19:21:00.002-05:00

These photos were taken from the top of Nevers Road. I've taken these shots before but this is the first set with the Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm telephoto lens. You will notice that the photos are getting grainy. They could be enlarged a little more but they would be even grainer. The lighthouse notice the open water on both ends.

These photos were taken from the top of Nevers Road. I've taken these shots before but this is the first set with the Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm telephoto lens. The oredock with the KIYI research vessel in it's winter berth. Note the single ice fisherman in the foreground.

These photos were taken from the top of Nevers Road. I've taken these shots before but this is the first set with the Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm telephoto lens. The Hotel Chequamegon, Band Shell, Ashland Marina, Ellis Ave & US 2 intersection and Ellis & Sixth Street intersection.

These photos were taken from the top of Nevers Road. I've taken these shots before but this is the first set with the Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm telephoto lens. The hotpond, new retaining wall, BowFly, Beaser School and the Ashland High School

These photos were taken from the top of Nevers Road. I've taken these shots before but this is the first set with the Canon 7D with the Canon 100-400mm telephoto lens. Westend Beach and the Elks Club Golf Course.

This shot was taken from 100 to 200 yards up Nevers Road.

Boating on the bay. Hard water and the hot pond.

2011-03-19T20:57:00.001-05:00

Great ice but no wind.

Red Rocket pilot

Cement canoe boating. Really!

Yet one more view of the lighthouse.

Wildlife and sanity seem to be returning to my world.

2011-03-17T21:44:00.002-05:00

The days are getting longer. The migratory birds are returning and passing through the Chequamegon Bay area. It's great to have "new subjects" to photograph. Some colors are popping out from under the snow. This time last year ice fishing was just about over. All of the landings were inaccessible. This year seems to be on a similar time line.

I was met by this male Cardinal this morning as I was leaving the yard. I had the camera and the 400mm lens.. but did not have a tripod or a monopod. I found the best rest I could and at least managed to get it's wonderful song. I would suggest closing your eyes and just listening.

For those who suffer with motion sickness you might want to hold on and take a dramamine.... just kidding. Enjoy the song if not the ride.

The ice is moving. Our own little non-destructive version of plate tectonics.

2011-03-16T17:06:00.003-05:00

The ice in Chequamegon Bay is starting to move. Spring is getting near.

These photos were taken at 1st. and 2nd. landing today.

This photo is from the archives. It is one of my favorites from a series I shot northwest of Bayfield WI near the Ice Caves. The "landscape" is large mounds of push ice that have been covered with blowing snow and beach sand from the shoreline. If you look at the right side of the photo at the point where the "land" and sky meet you can see a thin slice of open water of Lake Superior. For additional information about the ice cave see here.

I went back and dug deeper into the archives for this and the two photos below.

Ice cave approach.

Ice Caves.

Walking out to fish.

This photo was taken at the head of the bay between long bridge and short bridge.

Nature.... yes nature. Bromeliad.... almost pineapple. See it.

2011-03-15T15:27:00.003-05:00

Can you see it. It's in the pineapple family. Bromeliaceae

I want to photograph plants, birds and wildlife. Ice out should be soon (30 days). Sanity can't be far behind.

Washburn WI. Gov. Walker protest rally.

2011-03-13T00:42:00.002-06:00

March to Walker caravan route.

Rep Janet Bewley Ashland Wisconsin speech.

Rep Nick Milroy Superior Wisconsin speech.

Part of the music at the rally.

"Top of Wisconsin" says NO to Gov. Walker's budget bill.

2011-03-05T18:59:00.005-06:00

Rep. Janet Bewley. Wisconsin 74th Assembly District. Meets and thanks Gov. Walker protesters at a Saturday March 5th 2011 protest rally. Ashland WI.

For viewers with mobile devices use this version.

We are doing well. Hundreds of cards, notes, calls and Facebook posts tell the story.

2011-02-28T22:02:00.002-06:00

We knew Ed was a friend to all. We knew Ed moved throughout the entire community. We knew Ed brought together individuals from every corner of the city and the Chequamegon Bay Area.

What we did not know was that he influenced change. Profound change. Lasting change. Ed will be remembered.

People will smile when they see a wheelchair in the downtown area. They will for a brief moment think... there goes Ed.

They will see a small orange flag in their minds eye when they push the handicap button to open a door.

They will smile and raise a fist in victory when they pass through the "tunnel to everywhere". When they pass through "Ed's tunnel".

Ed in a quiet and lasting way has become an icon in Ashland WI.

What more can one hope to accomplish in life than to be remembered for having made a difference. For making the world a better place in small and meaningful ways.

Hundreds of cards, notes and Facebook posts have made it clear. It won't just be Mom, Dad, Scott, Kellie, Aunt Cheryl, Skip and other family members that will remember Ed.

Thanks to all who cared for and remember Ed.

"It is Well with My Soul".

2011-02-20T19:16:00.014-06:00

To all of Ed's family and friends who are feeling the sorrow.

Find comfort in knowing that....

Ed would want us to know....When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, with my soul. It is well, with my soul.

This is a longer version of the wonderful life of Ed Griffiths.

Our son Ed planned on attending this rally. Protesting cuts in Disability Funding.

2011-02-19T14:37:00.002-06:00

Ed did not to get to this rally. He past away in his sleep on February 15th. Ed always tried to advocate for the rights of peoples with disabilities.

In memory of Edward A. Griffiths

September 8, 1976 - February 15, 2011

A weekend of family, friends and ice fishing on Chequamegon Bay

2011-02-13T19:28:00.003-06:00

Multiple Sclerosis Sno Rally 2011 ride.

2011-02-11T22:50:00.003-06:00

Donna and I took a road trip today. Short but fun. We met this group at Garmisch's Resort. They were riding to support the Multiple Sclerosis Society. They were prepared. They brought their own on air announcer. Nice job JD. And their own PR material. Andrea not only rides she produce all of the logos and hat embroidery. It was fun meeting you all. Ride safe.

Left to right: JD Ryan, Bill Tutko, Lorie Ryan, Cindy Tutko, Andrea Blosberg, Kevin Pries, Randy Lang, Dean Blosburg (front)

Embroidery work by Andrea Blosberg.

Tim the bartender.

For additional information contact the MS Society 612-335-7992

Green Bay Packers parade Ashland, WI

2011-02-05T16:44:00.004-06:00

Brown Trout and small Northern Pike

2011-01-30T13:21:00.001-06:00

Northern Cardinal

2011-01-28T19:48:00.001-06:00

This male Cardinal was very unhappy about me being out in the yard. I believe it was mad because I got between it and the bird feeder. I've heard this sharp short chirp before. Usually in the summer when we are in the yard around the grapevine. Again between it and the food. This video was shot with a DroidX Smartphone.

Downy Woodpecker vs Hairy Woodpecker

2011-01-28T15:13:00.003-06:00

Downy is smaller in size with a smaller beak. Hairy is larger and has a "tuft" of hair just in front of the eyes. It really helps to see them together for an easier comparison.

Smelt fry ahead. "Film to follow...."

2011-01-26T20:39:00.003-06:00

Well at least the smelt were biting. Checkout the 10" smelt. The first time I saw it under the ice I thought it was a coho.

Checkout the teeth. Imagine if this were a 5 lb. game fish.

Activity at the bird feeder.

2011-01-13T12:52:00.002-06:00