Ted Engler

Gull on a Post

I found this gull on a fence post overlooking Lake Minocqua. I think he was posing for the tourists or at least was witing for some food to be tossed he way. He did not mind me getting close or moving around. This may be a Caspian Gull, which is rare in this area. ClickContinue reading “Gull on a Post”

Big Boy Engineer

Ed Dickens is the manager of heritage operations and senior engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad’s Big Boy steam locomotive, also known as Locomotive 4014. Dickens is a key figure in the revival of the Big Boy and is considered a rockstar by train fans

Big Boy makes an appearence in Missouri

Big Boy No. 4014 departed on the “Heartland of America Tour” on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024 from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and traveled across nine states: Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas. Here it is pulling into the station in De Soto, Missouri. The Union Pacific Big Boy is a type of simpleContinue reading “Big Boy makes an appearence in Missouri”

Loon

The Loon is one of the joys of te Northwoods. Kind of a duck that is not a duck. They are fun to watch as they paddle around a lake and suddenly dissappear as they dive for fish. In early summer you may find one with its babies on its back and their erie callContinue reading “Loon”

Peregrine Falcon

The Peregrine Falcon is considered the fastest animal on earth. When diving for its prey, it can reach speeds up to 240 mph. Peregrines are crow size, so not very large and live in urban areas where they can hunt pigeons.

Great Horned Owl

Owls are a little more difficult to photograph than other birds. This guy was photographed at the World Bird Sacntury in St. Louis County

Northwoods Eagles

One of the best places to eagle watch is Vilas County, WI. Vilas County is home to hundreds of lakes in this Northwoods area. The eagles sit in dead trees watching the lake surface for unsuspecting fish. Walking paths along the lakes you can spot their large nests in the trees. Chick here for myContinue reading “Northwoods Eagles”

Summer in the Northwoods

A family of geese traverse Fishtrap Lake located in Vilas County, Wisconsin. It’s enjoyable to get up early and watch the wildlife around the lake. Geese, Loons, Eagles, Egrets and more. The fisherman sit out in their boats silently hoping for a walleye or musky to take their bait. Click on the photo doe moreContinue reading “Summer in the Northwoods”

Riverfront Sunset

A nice view of Eads Bridge with downtown St. Louis and the Arch in the background. The Arch signifies St. Louis’ status as Gateway to the West. Many westbound trails came out of the St. Louis area. In addition, many of the supplies, livestock and wagons were purchased here, making it, at one time, theContinue reading “Riverfront Sunset”

Eads Bridge

Needing a railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River at St. Louis, St. Louis bankers hired engineer James Eads to build the world’s first steel-truss bridge. Construction began in 1867 and it was dedicated in 1874. Giant granite piers support three arches and two decks. The top deck is the roadway and the bottom deck wasContinue reading “Eads Bridge”