Wetlands

Wetlands are disappearing all over the world at an alarming speed.  Why?  Well I've seen it first hand and I can tell you that big corporations are taking over rivers and creating dams to regulate water etc.  We saw this last year in Panama.  It went on in Costa Rica.  Peru is using the water for electricity, etc etc etc.  Some places are doing a better job than others at maintaining and protecting wetland areas and I'd like to show you a few in my hometown.  The above pic is taken near the Manitowoc Zoo. 

This is the other wild zoo that is free of charge.  It was also the first time I could get some nice Great Blue Heron shots while this bird was in flight!  This area has been around for years and has attracted a lot of wonderful waterbirds.  There are more birds coming to Wisconsin than ever before as the winters warm up.  And they say Global Warming isn't real:)  What a treat to see these magnificent birds fly around the landscape!

There is a place in Two Rivers known as the Woodland Dunes.  I'll be taking you there in a few days to catch some amazing Tree Swallow fun.

Wetlands are home to all sorts of critters like ducks, insects, geese, deer, rodents.....and even a swan or two!!  The duck below reminds me of an older man's face who has experienced a rough life. The top of the ducks head looks like "hair" greased back.  This duck comes from the Central American and Mexican corridor but has now established itself in many parts of North America.  It can handle temps as low as 10 degrees F or –12°C

So keep your eyes open for all kinds of critters walking around!  You'll never know what you'll find:)

Muscovy Duck

And of course, what would a water area be without geese?

White Chinese Goose

There are other things beyond birds that hang out in the grasses and along the water areas.  We saw plenty of trout wiggling in the waters.  But there were deer!!!  What fun to capture one running!

If we don't protect these important areas, we threaten the wildlife that live in these places.  The cranes around the world are feeling the pinch right now.  As our world population increases so does the demand for water.

It was a beautiful day full of wonderful captures.  The highlights being the deer and Great Blue Heron, but it's all amazing. 

For more information on wetlands, click here.  More tomorrow.....