Paul Baum Photography

Paul Baum Photography Hobbyist creating stories to bring people closer to the amazing things in the outdoors that are all around us.

07/09/2026

This post is a bit different from my usual ones — it's more personal, and honestly, it's probably more for me than anyone else.

If you've noticed I've been quiet lately, it's because I recently lost my Blue Heeler, Chewie. Saying goodbye was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but I take comfort in believing he's in a better place now.

I adopted Chewie when he was four. He came with his share of challenges, but I spent countless hours training him — and honestly, learning from him. The more I understood how he thought, the more we both grew. Over time, he turned into one of the best dogs I could have ever asked for.

He was my sidekick through so much: car rides in the passenger seat like he owned the place, greeting me at the door every single day, camping trips where he'd sit in his own chair like one of us. He helped me remodel my house — my support person on the hard days, reminding me why I was doing it all.

I'm endlessly grateful for the time I had with him. Thanks for letting me share this one.

One of the true highlights of late spring migration is the arrival of the Canada Warbler. Often among the last of the wo...
05/24/2026

One of the true highlights of late spring migration is the arrival of the Canada Warbler. Often among the last of the wood-warblers to pass through southeastern Wisconsin, these striking birds are a treat to find in the dense understory. Photo taken 5/17

Caught this little neighbor peeking out from his porch on my way out of Wehr Nature Center 5/13 🦝👀 Always keep your eyes...
05/20/2026

Caught this little neighbor peeking out from his porch on my way out of Wehr Nature Center 5/13 🦝👀 Always keep your eyes peeled—nature loves to surprise you.

Patience paid off on the boardwalk this week! This Black-throated Blue Warbler was hanging out deep in the scrubby brush...
05/16/2026

Patience paid off on the boardwalk this week! This Black-throated Blue Warbler was hanging out deep in the scrubby brush before stepping right into the open for a perfect view. It was an extra special encounter because it’s a brand-new lifer for me! So grateful for the magic of Wehr Nature Center.

After going through these Broad-winged Hawk shots today. Catching this angle really makes you realize that in the natura...
05/15/2026

After going through these Broad-winged Hawk shots today. Catching this angle really makes you realize that in the natural world, a 'bad day' is a very permanent state of affairs.

05/13/2026

🚨Lights Out Alert! 🚨 Tonight, an estimated 17.6 million birds will fly over Wisconsin!

We’re urging everyone to turn off or dim non-essential outdoor lights and close window shades from 11 p.m.–6 a.m. to help birds safely on their journey.

Most birds migrate at night, and light pollution can disorient them, leading to deadly window collisions. In addition to turning down the lights, you can also help by treating windows. If you’re looking for a quick fix, draw lines on your windows (no more than 2” apart) with a bar of soap or washable window markers.

A few simple steps can save countless birds, conserve energy, and protect our night skies. 🌌🐦

👉 Share this post to spread the word!

Want migration alerts sent straight to your inbox? Sign up for Cornell Lab of Ornithology BirdCast alerts through the link in the comments. BirdCast added 4 Wisconsin cities this year: Appleton, La Crosse, Madison, and Milwaukee. If you don’t live near one, choose the closest city to you.

BirdCast sends alerts only on the biggest migration nights; about 8–10 nights each season that account for roughly half of all migration traffic.

SOS Save Our Songbirds | Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance | Wisconsin Society for Ornithology - WSO | Kickapoo Valley Dark Sky Initiative | Focus on Energy

04/30/2026

A properly birdy morning at Wehr Nature Center! The Baltimore Orioles are back in full force. Make sure to turn the volume up—the morning chorus was great today.

While I was busy admiring the Ruddy Ducks this past Friday, a Great Blue Heron decided to reclaim center stage. It swept...
04/15/2026

While I was busy admiring the Ruddy Ducks this past Friday, a Great Blue Heron decided to reclaim center stage. It swept past in a low-altitude flyby just over the water—a total showstopper.

A rare moment of calm from the Queen of Mallard Lake. 👑The Belted Kingfisher has long been my "nemesis" bird, but this f...
04/13/2026

A rare moment of calm from the Queen of Mallard Lake. 👑

The Belted Kingfisher has long been my "nemesis" bird, but this female was the calmest I’ve encountered to date. After so many high-speed fly-bys, having her perch long enough for a close-up was a real gift.

Fun Fact: While males are usually the flashier ones in the bird world, Kingfishers flip the script. The female is actually the more colorful of the two, sporting a bright "rusty" red band across her belly that the males lack. She was definitely showing it off today!

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