AldenM.Outdoors

AldenM.Outdoors I am Alden Marske, and I specialize in Nature Photography! Based in Northwestern Illinois

Two Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) argue for the top spot on the branch. Eastern Kingbirds are quite aggressive, ...
06/12/2026

Two Eastern Kingbirds (Tyrannus tyrannus) argue for the top spot on the branch.

Eastern Kingbirds are quite aggressive, and notoriously territorial birds. It is not uncommon to see the birds chasing off hawks and crows that are too close to their nests.

When I noticed some bickering chirps between the two, I snapped these pictures.

Today is a beautiful sunny day, and I hope you all can spend some time outside this weekend!

“Chugging through the moss”If you spend time walking along any considerable sized waterway, chances are that you’ve spot...
06/11/2026

“Chugging through the moss”

If you spend time walking along any considerable sized waterway, chances are that you’ve spotted a muskrat swimming up and down the mossy water.

Muskrats are excellent swimmers, spending a large portion of their day swimming and gathering aquatic plants.

The Muskrat has become one of my favorite animals to observe on the Hennepin Canal, and each one has a personality of its own!

My view of the powerful storm coming through Downtown Geneseo, Illinois. This storm was definitely not something to mess...
06/11/2026

My view of the powerful storm coming through Downtown Geneseo, Illinois. This storm was definitely not something to mess around about!

American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea) Native to Illinois and various regions of the midwest/eastern United States, the American...
06/10/2026

American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea)

Native to Illinois and various regions of the midwest/eastern United States, the American Lotus is a staple of marshes, backwaters, and any waterway with slow moving water.

After heavy rains, the Lotus plants are seen to have large beads of water on top of the plant. This water is held up by a natural waxy-like substance that repels water, and allows it to slide off so that the plant is not weighed down.

I have always enjoyed looking at the Lotus plant and watching the animal life that revolves around them.

“Raccoon along the shore”As common as Raccoons are in heavily populated urban areas, they are also quite common around w...
06/09/2026

“Raccoon along the shore”

As common as Raccoons are in heavily populated urban areas, they are also quite common around waterways and shorelines. They have an amazing sense of touch on their paws, allowing them to feel just what they are looking for underwater.

Here are some pictures of a raccoon exploring the shoreline at the Hennepin Canal.

Here are some more Wood Ducklings seen on the Canal this weekend 😄
06/08/2026

Here are some more Wood Ducklings seen on the Canal this weekend 😄

A Mother Wood Duck with her 6 ducklings as they swim along a shallow bank. These Wood Ducks can be quite elusive, and to...
06/08/2026

A Mother Wood Duck with her 6 ducklings as they swim along a shallow bank.

These Wood Ducks can be quite elusive, and to get a close picture has proven to be a challenge. It is a blast watching the little ducklings following so closely to their Mom and begin to learn how to swim fast and fly!

Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)A familiar sight in Illinois waterways, the Red-Eared Sliders have become a ...
06/05/2026

Red-Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

A familiar sight in Illinois waterways, the Red-Eared Sliders have become a common sight on logs, or any place that they can soak up some Sun ☀️

These turtles are particularly difficult to photograph, because they dive in the water at the slightest noise or sight of humans. It was fun to be able to get close and get a detailed picture of the Turtle!

It looks like we are going to be getting some heavy rain this weekend, and we definitely need the rain! 🌧️

Have a great weekend everyone!

Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly (Erythemis simplicicollis) Blending in with the bright green foliage, this female Eastern Pon...
06/04/2026

Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly (Erythemis simplicicollis)

Blending in with the bright green foliage, this female Eastern Pondhawk Dragonfly camouflaged greatly while waiting for mosquitoes and any other unsuspecting insects to pass by.

This species of Dragonfly is exceptionally aggressive, and even known to attack prey the same size as itself!

A beautiful day at the Mines of Spain, located in Dubuque Iowa. It’s hard to imagine a view like this could come from Io...
06/03/2026

A beautiful day at the Mines of Spain, located in Dubuque Iowa. It’s hard to imagine a view like this could come from Iowa! Definitely a hidden Gem 💎

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