“Ribbit”

While Kathy was at a conference in St. Charles, IL, I went birding. I love the iPad/iPhone app “BirdsEye.” This app shows birding hotspots in whatever area you happen to be in. It even lists those birds that have been seen within the last 30 days. This particular morning I picked the Fermilabs site to go to as there were reports of many bird sightings in the last 30 days.

Yes, the Fermilabs of the Department of Energy. Their mission is focused on High-Energy Physics – the science of matter, space and time. I followed the directions “Birdseye” gave me and all was going well. However, I soon found myself approaching a security gate complete with armed guard (reminded me of my many years in the Air Force). I began to wonder if I had taken a wrong turn.

I rolled up to the guard, and rolled down my window. He asked if he could help me. I said I wasn’t sure, but told him that I found a birding site listed on my iPhone and hoped to do some bird photography. He asked me, “What time is it?” Seemed like a weird question.

I said, “It is 8:03.” He then said, “OK, I can help you. Go to the second stop sign, turn left. Turn right at the first stop sign you come to and park next to the big red barn. The birding area is right there.” I followed his directions and got to a beautiful area with lakes, trees, grasses, etc. (Turns out the site is closed until 8:00. That is why he asked what time it was.)

This guy was the first to allow me to photograph him. You can decide what the origin of the “blue glow” is along the frog’s side. High-energy physics? Early morning sunlight? He wouldn’t comment. During my stay at the site I did make many clicks of a variety of birds too. What a great place right in the heart of the Chicago area. I decided it was best not to roam the grounds photographing any of the facilities at the site.