Journal

Mark’s journal of photographic projects, thoughts, and commentary.

Magnificent Simplicity – Mourning Dove

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So common…the American Mourning Dove…they number in the millions around us. They are not colorful or vibrant. Nor do they do they broadcast a loud and boisterous voice or a demanding demeanor. But like all things in nature, there is nothing really common about them. To the Native Americans, the mourning dove represents spirit and … Read more

Winter Cardinals

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It’s awesome to have the colorful Cardinal in the backyard. On days when it snows they can become particularly numerous and active. Otherwise, it can be a challenge to get a good photograph, in good light, as they tend to feed really early, and really late, just before dark. Of course you’ll catch them from … Read more

The Gift – Christmas Sunset At Cones Marsh

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It’s been a frustrating time photographically over the last few days.  Things just haven’t gone quite right.  You hope to see a few birds but none are quite where you expected them to be.  A sunset looks promising, only to fizzle out at the last minute, with no color or zest to it.  You try … Read more

The Christmas Wreath – Merry Christmas

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  The legend of the Christmas Wreath Long ago an orphan boy sought comfort from the cold in church where all bore gifts… riches of silver and gold. Though the boy had no gift, he would not despair, for his life had been filled in blessed grace and prayer. He took a holly branch and … Read more

The Christmas Miracle – Snowy Owl

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The early winter of 2017 had many reports of Snowy Owl sightings around much of Iowa…and this kind of news would get any midwest birder excited.  We simply don’t see them here very much.  In fact, I had never viewed a Snowy before in my life. I had certainly tried. Countless trips, chasing any lead that seemed reasonable, amounted to nothing for over a month. But with the help of friends, on the eve of Christmas, this almost mythical bird of the arctic tundra would stare back at me, eye to eye, for the first time.