McHenry Dam June 30th 2007

I was going to go to Pleasant Valley out in McHenry County this morning but on the way I decided to go to McHenry Dam instead! At least I was in the right county! Before I even parked I heard the Pine Warbler warbling away in the [believe it or not] pine trees near the entrance....

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Glacial Park June 29th 2007

Got out early for my weekly jaunt to Glacial Park for the breeding bird survey. The weather was supposed to be clear but it clouded over pretty early today. Nevertheless I was able to add a new species to the survey....

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Digital Processing

There are two questions I get frequently: "what equipment do you use?" and "what program do you use to edit [process] your images?"

At great risk of offending anyone who has asked, I think people believe that if I have expensive equipment, I will automatically get good photos. I don't believe people have the same views on software but they are keen to know what I use....

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My Bluebirds

Last year I put a bluebird nest box in my back yard hoping that I may be able to create a home for the occasional Eastern Bluebird that I had seen. I wasn't sure there was enough open area for them but like so many things, if you don't try, you don't know....

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Photo of the Week - Week 24

This week's photo comes from Glacial Park in McHenry County - one of my favorite areas. This Red-tailed Hawk rose up over the trees and flew over the field I was in giving me a great opportunity to get a few shots off before drifting off over the trees on the other side of the field.

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North Branch June 17th 2007

I went up to the North Branch for the first time today. Its right up next to Wisconsin and is an area being developed by the McHenry County Conservation District. Access is currently by permit only....

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Birds of Illinois 2008 Calendar

I have finally published my first work! A calendar of Birds of Illinois for 2008. I've been thinking about publishing something for a long while now but it wasn't until yesterday that I finally got around to it. Click on the calendar image above or here to see more information or to buy the Birds of Illinois 2008 Calendar.

Here's a preview of the images I used in the calendar. The images for each month were taken in Illinois in that month so represent what birds are present at that time of year. The photos were taken over the last three years and reflect hundreds of hours in the field in all sorts of weather.


I have absolutely no plans to make photography my vocation - I've always believed that would take a lot of the fun and spontaneity out of what I do. I will use the small proceeds [if any] from any sales to help pay for my website, www.birdsillinois.com.