Although I love photographing birds, there are some other subjects I like to chase with my camera including shunted aside ancient and derelict railroad cars. Sometimes the search for the trains yields a fun birding experiences. Such was the case two nights ago when driving through an old railyard near Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin I noticed a Killdeer immediately in front of my Subaru. The bird would not move. I commented to my wife, Molly: “There must be a nest”! After exiting the car, two Killdeer immediately presented me with the fake broken wing treatment. I quickly took some photos and left them to enjoy the warm summer evening in peace. Killdeer nests are right out in the open and amazingly camouflaged. Take a look!

Nesting Killdeer

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Broken Wing Treatment

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Eggs … well camouflaged right in the open

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Shunted Aside Old Train (my original quarry)

Molly and I are doing a short three day bike tour along the Wisconsin River. It is a scenic byway, and it lived up to its scenic name. Today’s 61 mile ride took us along some beautiful backwaters, and also included a climb up through a scenic small River valley. This area is unique as the glaciers did not scour the land, and thus it is quite hilly … except right next to the river where we were bicycling most of the time.

At one point Molly yelled for me to stop. She had spotted a Trumpeter Swan family in the wetlands right next to the highway. As noted previously, I always bike with my camera and monopod. That preparation was rewarded today!

The long bicycle tour is almost over! Molly and I are actually off the bikes and are now “driving” home. In total we cycled 34 days and 1,500 miles carrying all our own gear. Unlike many people, who tour, I carried lots of camera equipment, my Canon Sx60, my Sony NEX-5t, and a monopod! This amount of photography equipment is actually somewhat amazing if one considers that I only had with me three sets of clothes, one of which was on me at all times! One must just set priorities in life, including bike touring.

On the way home I had the opportunity to photograph these two wood ducks in a small pond. It looks like spring is even working its way up into Minnesota! Very much looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tomorrow night.

The two wood ducks I discovered in a small pond this morning

A photo of me … shows how much gear I carry (or how little!), includes a sleeping bag and tent

One final bird from our trip … a neat Mockingbird photo

Our final bike route …