Dick Peschke Photography

     I watched as this Red Fox browsed the buffet that our hosts had set out. I was on the level-2 deck watching this fella search the back yard for a snack. While he was searching he was accompanied by a ground hog and a raccoon. None of these three seemed to care about the others in the yard.
I had hoped for a bear sighting, but that did not happen while we were there. Our hosts sent us a picture of a momma bear and her two cubs who did come by several weeks after we left.
It is so awe inspiring to watch animals and birds as they go about their daily activities. I often wonder what they think about and how they think. It is easy for me to get lost in just watching these amazing creatures.

While Kathy was at a conference in St. Charles, IL, I went birding. I love the iPad/iPhone app “BirdsEye.” This app shows birding hotspots in whatever area you happen to be in. It even lists those birds that have been seen within the last 30 days. This particular morning I picked the Fermilabs site to go to as there were reports of many bird sightings in the last 30 days.

Yes, the Fermilabs of the Department of Energy. Their mission is focused on High-Energy Physics – the science of matter, space and time. I followed the directions “Birdseye” gave me and all was going well. However, I soon found myself approaching a security gate complete with armed guard (reminded me of my many years in the Air Force). I began to wonder if I had taken a wrong turn.

I rolled up to the guard, and rolled down my window. He asked if he could help me. I said I wasn’t sure, but told him that I found a birding site listed on my iPhone and hoped to do some bird photography. He asked me, “What time is it?” Seemed like a weird question.

I said, “It is 8:03.” He then said, “OK, I can help you. Go to the second stop sign, turn left. Turn right at the first stop sign you come to and park next to the big red barn. The birding area is right there.” I followed his directions and got to a beautiful area with lakes, trees, grasses, etc. (Turns out the site is closed until 8:00. That is why he asked what time it was.)

This guy was the first to allow me to photograph him. You can decide what the origin of the “blue glow” is along the frog’s side. High-energy physics? Early morning sunlight? He wouldn’t comment. During my stay at the site I did make many clicks of a variety of birds too. What a great place right in the heart of the Chicago area. I decided it was best not to roam the grounds photographing any of the facilities at the site.

“… I was sure there was a nut up there…”

It’s fun to think about what might be going through this squirrel’s mind (but we can only do it from our mind – they may not be close at all, but it is still fun – for me at least!). I was sitting on our host’s deck in the Smoky Mountains enjoying a Diet Coke and the fabulous view when I noticed some movement near this planter in the corner of the deck.

The squirrel was cleaning up all the bird seed that had fallen out of the feeder above. When the food ran out, he started looking in new places. One of those was up this plant. He had little interest in me and just went about his feeding frenzy!