These Canada Geese are taking off from a small pond in Franklin, Wisconsin on their migration journey

Select this link to see panorama photos of migrating Canada Geese

Select this link to see other migrating Canada Geese photos, and then select slideshow

Each year the population of migrating Canada Geese grows in the urban areas of our states-Milwaukee, Wisconsin is no exception. These photos were taken as I passed by and saw the large numbers of Canada Geese resting during their migration journey. One is on a spot of land at Kohl’s Department Store, and the other is on a pond in a Business Park.

One of the field trip stops was at the McKinley Marina near Veterans Park.

Select this link to see panorama photos of the Bird Watching Field Trip

Select this link to see info on the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology

There was a good turnout of Wisconsin Birders for the January Field Trip of the Lake Michigan shoreline from South Shore Yacht Club to Sheboygan harbor. The temperature was a little above freezing and the winds moderate, as periods of sunshine felt great. Highlights for the group were a Snowy Owl perched on the rocky breakwater at South Shore Yacht Club, and a Harlequin Duck at the North Point area. This was my first time for such an experience, as I had only recently started birding. Most of my birding has been for tree perching birds, so the water birds and the birders on this field trip were a refreshing change.

The Polar Bear Plunge started at noon on New Years Day. This shows the massive thrust of people at about 5 minutes after noon.

Select this link to see panorama photos of the Milwaukee New Years Day Polar Bear Plunge

Select this link to see a video of the Milwaukee Polar Bear Plunge

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin Polar Bear Plunge is a tradition that occurs each New Years Day at 12 o’clock noon. This year was no exception as the crowds braved the chilly 30 degrees and wind gusts of 24 mph. There were first timers to make the plunge into Lake Michigan at the Milwaukee Bradford Beach and old timers who were making their 60^th plunge. The night before had brought a light snow, but by noon the sun was trying to shine through. As can be seen by the panorama photos, there was a fairly large crowd braving the waters of Lake Michigan to take the frigid dip.

Wisconsin has some of the most picturesque farm and barn views that are enhansed by the winter snow.

Select this link to see panorama photos of Wisconsin farms in the winter

Wisconsin has many scenic classic farm and barn views, especially as seen during the snow-covered winter. Driving from Milwaukee to Beloit on I-43, over the rolling hills, several views were photographed as the sun was setting on a cold windy day.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin harbor lakefront on the first freezing day of December 2011

Select this link to see panorama photos of the Milwaukee Harbor skyline

Viewing the Milwaukee skyline panorama photos one can see the following sites from left to right:

South Shore Park in Bayview, WI, the Allen Bradley Tower, the Milwaukee Port, WE Energies smokestack, the Hoan Bridge, Chase Building, Faison Building, City Hall, 411 East Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee Pier Lighthouse, US Bank Building, Summer Fest grounds, University Club Tower, Art Museum, Discovery World, Milwaukee Breakwater Lighthouse, Lake Shore Drive Park, McKinley Marina & Park, Columbia St Mary’s Hospital, Old Water Tower, North Point, Bradford Beach, Milwaukee Water Works Linnwood Treatment Plant, and a barge leaving Milwaukee Harbor.

This is a typical Wind farm located on farm land near Paw Paw, Illinois showing turbine towers, a substation, and transmission lines with the surounding farms.

Select this link to see panorama photos of the Mendota Hills Wind Farm  

Select this link to see video information on Mendota Hills Wind farm

Landowners and farmers are compensated by the Wind Farm developer on a constructual basis for each tower.

Select this link to see a 360 degree panorama of a Mendota Hills Wind Farm  

This is the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm as seen off I-65 Interstate in Benton County, Indiana

Select this link to see panorama photos of the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm

Select this link to see information on the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Benton County, Indiana

Select this link to see information on Wind Turbine Generation

I have become interested in the use of wind farms that are springing up for producing electrical power. The two wind farms that are shown here are representative of what is happening across the globe. At the end of 2010 the worldwide capacity of wind farms was 194 GW, or approximately 2.5% of worldwide electricity use. This is 2.5X what it was in 2007, because of the push by governments. The largest producers account for approximately 21% of electricity in Denmark, 18% Portugal, 14% the Republic of Ireland, 10% Spain, and 9% Germany. China now has the highest installed windpower capacity at 44.7 MW, next the US at 40.2 MW, and then Germany at 27.2 MW. The cost per unit of energy produced is now estimated to be about the same for coal, gas, and wind. It appears that wind farms will be a viable source for electrical power as long as it is pushed, given support, and financial incentives.

Belmont Harbor in the foreground and Montrose Harbor in the backgound on north Lakeshore Drive

Select this link to see panorama photos of Belmont and Montrose Harbors of Chicago, Illinois

Chicago Belmont and Montrose Harbors Map and Info

Belmont Harbor is located in Lincoln Park with 730 docks. Montrose Harbor is located on the northern edge of Lincoln Park and has 630 docks. Chicago’s lakefront is almost entirely parks and public access facilities. The view from the two harbors gives a good skyline view of Chicago.

The Galloway Belted cows are a rare breed of Scottish beef cattle-also known as Oreo cow.

Select this link to see panorama photos of the Belted Galloway Cows

Select this link for information on the Belted Galloway Cow

Fearrington Village Map

The Belted Galloway Cows at Fearrington Village Farm are a rare breed of Scottish beef cattle. They were introduced on the farm in 1982 and are there for visitors to view. I have visited the farm several times and am always interested to see the Galloway Belted cows.

Overlooking the historic city of Hermann, Missouri and the Missouri River in the distance.

Select this link to see panorama photos overlooking historic Hermann, Missouri

Select this link to see information on historic Hermann, Missouri

German immigrants founded the city of Hermann, Missouri in the 1830’s. It was an area of vineyards and wineries until Prohibition shut down the industry. In the 1960’s it began to be revived by the wine industry. Today there are seven wineries and tourism that mainly support the community to provide one-third of the states wine. Edward Hermann is one who bought land and is considered by many the founder of the town. The goals of the colony were to preserve German culture built around farming, commerce, and industry. However the name came from a Germanic leader Hermann der Cherusker who defeated the Romans in a battle in the year 9. Today there has been formed a historic district made up of approximately 150 historic buildings arranged with quaint views and charms of the earlier time.

The main street entrance to Southern Village and Market Street business circle

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Select this link for Southern Village Market Street Information

Select this link to see a Southern Village Map

Southern Village is a new southern town with an older town look. Located in a hilly terrain it is a short distance from downtown Chapel Hill and UNC campus. It is a place where you will see bikers and walkers going about with various ethnic backgrounds. Southern Village Market Street is an attractive main street looks for a gathering of peoples in the various house shops, offices, and residences. The village green offers a place for the green market and an evening outdoor theater. Close aligned residences are a new older style look with plenty of shrubs and flowers for a pleasant offering.