Racoon Rescue

These two racoons were in the trash dumpster on Picnic by shelter A. The blonde one is really cute. This is the third time I have found a racoon in that dumpster in the last month or so. If you are walking/driving around and happen to pass a dumpster take a quick look inside, not always pretty. If one of our furry friends is stuck inside get your camera ready and flip the lid back. Find a long stick to put inside and they will climb out. I have a feeling the darker one is the same one I've let out of that same dumpster twice before.
Doug Schurr

Fall is Coming

The deer have started their change over for the Fall.
The fawns are loosing their spots and the bucks their velvet.
They are all starting to grow their browner winter coats.

Only a few spots left.

Just lost his velvet a week ago.

Getting browner.

Wild Rose Photo

American Lotus Painted Photo Composite

American Lotus Duo-tone

Woodland Sunflower Painted Photo

White Water Lily with some Detail Removed

Here are some Ft Snelling wild flowers from this summer.

Jerry Barnett

Tutorial website

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials.htm

Covers use of shutter speed, iso, aperture, depth of field, post processing etc... Think most of this appplies to DSLR and advanced point and shoots...but it gives a clue on what is going on with all cameras.

Just an FYI for those of you that like to enter photo contests.  Friends of Maplewood Nature sponsors an annual photography/calendar contest.  Pictures must be taken in one of the Maplewood preserves or the Maplewood Nature Center.  The deadline for submission isn't until next April, but they need photos from all seasons for the calendar. Although I know this is the Fort Snelling State Park Camera Club, I imagine that some of you take pictures in other locations on rare occasions...  :)  You can find out more information about the contest at the Friends Group blog : www.maplewoodnature.blogspot.com/ and more information about the Maplewood preserves and where they are located at www.ci.maplewood.mn.us/nc. Feel free to spread the word to other photo enthusiasts!

Thanks - Christa R.

Deer, Horse or Mutant Fly

After looking through my reference books and a quick search on the net, I couldn't find anything that resembled this insect.  Doug sent a few more photos with a little better look at the wings.  Finally I sent the photos to Kao asking if anyone down at the visitor center knew what it was.

Here is what Kao said: The insect is a species of Deer Flies.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/young_naturalists/biting_bugs/index.html

One of the things that bothers me is the size, the deer fly is a little larger than a house fly but we'll let Doug comment on that since he's the one that saw it in action.

Lotus at the Beach

Thanks to Endel for mentioning the Lotus' are back. Great to see one blooming.