If I'm posting a picture of the Gateway Arch...

Saint Louis Gateway Arch

If I post a picture of the Saint Louis Gateway Arch, I must be somebody else, according to a certain person. But the Gateway Arch is a famous historical structure photographed by many people other than me and Mike Malone. Search google images by typing in "Gateway Arch." I must say, though, I have really enjoyed photographing it over the years when I've passed through Saint Louis.

This year I was staying in Saint Louis for the epic Shutterfest 2015 Photography Conference when I was able to get this shot (above) with the 5D Mark III and the 16x35 wide angle lens from across the Mississippi River.

I was able to get another shot of it (the one below) from the Missouri side during a rainstorm, which gave it a very ethereal look.

Gateway Arch, Saint Louis, Missouri

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Historic Corron Farm, a wonderful place, important to preserve

The Historic Corron Farm sign from Corron Road

I stumbled across this wonderful place, and once I found out a bit of its history, I needed to share it. This is one of the many hidden jewels that you may not run across unless you know about it, or happen to drive by it. 

Corron Farm became the first of Campton Hills Township's Open Space projects. Campton Hills Township purchased the farm's 220 acres in 2002.

Here is the beautiful Dairy Barn, which is in need of repair. The beautiful blue color on top of the barn is, in fact, a tarp, protecting the leaky roof and the building from more water damage. The foundation also is in need of repair.

This storyboard shows the history of the barn, and how over time it fell into disrepair.

Today was a wonderful event; Winter Wonders at Historic Carron Farm. (See also Winter Wonders event for all ages at Corron Farm.) There was so much that I learned about the farm during this 3-hour visit, that I will break what I learned into several posts and share my photos with you.

Historic Corron Farm is in Campton Hills, and is now owned and managed by Campton Township. Farmland has been restored to open prairie and wetlands, and it is public land, although the house and buildings are not open to the public, they do have events like the Winter Wonders event throughout the year. Here is a link to the Daily Herald's article about Campton Prairie Fest from September, 2013. An article about a pig roast from June 2013. Here, LL Bean Meetup group talks about the Winter Wonders from today, January 24, 2015.

Briefly, in 1835, young 19-year-old Robert Corron came from Virginia and was one of the first settlers in Kane County, Illinois. It was a fully operational farm, which eventually raised hogs, dairy cows, chickens, and horses. At first they used horses to pull plows, and evolved from there. It was managed by his descendants for more than 160 years.

Goats and hog house (to the right) in front of the horse barn, showing 1930's and to the left of that, the 1860's corn crib. January, 2015.

Hired man's house, January, 2015.

Links:

Corron Farm Preservation Society

Campton Township Parks and Open Space

Corron Farm Preservation Society on Facebook

Save The Dairy Barn Go Fund Me by Tom Corron

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Moon and stars over water

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Birds of Prey

It was Mother's Day with Birds of Prey...and the handlers were on the grounds at the Stillman Nature Center, sometimes with the birds in the trees.

This little screech owl was perfect in the hollow of a tree, so well-camouflaged it would have been difficult to see him there if you didn't know.

A handler shows off the Great Horned Owl and answers questions from the onlookers.

I tagged this one incorrectly - it's the Eastern Screech Owl.

A few of the birds, like this Peregrine were noticeably injured. It gave me an appreciation of what the Stillman Nature Center does for the public with these wonderful birds; educates schoolchildren and other groups about birds of prey by allowing people to see them up close, and occasionally outside of their enclosures.

The Barred Owl was a little bit excited and kept flapping its wings.

The Barn Owl--this shot was taken on the side that is not injured. The other wing was noticeably handicapped.

The Broad Winged Hawk is smaller than the Red Tailed Hawk, but similarly in coloration to a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk.

In all, this year Mother's Day with Birds of Prey was quite interesting, and was held on a gorgeous sunny day that I will not soon forget.

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The Coyotes are Near

I was taking the dog out for a walk the other day, and a coyote was nanchalantly trotting across the street, as if he belonged there. I kept exclaiming to myself, "that's a coyote!" Even though it looked like some sort of a dog. It was very aware of its surroundings, chased off some geese, and ended up running across the next street for destinations unknown.

But my dog was very excited and seemed to know what it was - and wanted a confrontation. He pulled me along on the leash, and I must say, I was contemplating letting him go after the thing.

But you never know how these things will end up, and someone told me later that coyotes carry rabies and parasites, and I probably shouldn't encourage the dog to go after it.

Being that Buddy is a hunting type of dog, I've been considering pursuing hunting, just so that he can be off the leash, doing something he seems to have been bred to do.

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Some Pix From Danada Equestrian Center

It wasn't all 'shoot 'em ups' - it was a lot of wholesome family fun. This picture is one of the "Northern Illinois Outlaws" demonstrating his riding prowess while shooting his 45 revolver. After each of them had a turn, they then took turns shooting their 45's and their rifles at strategically placed balloons while evasively maneuvering around some barrels on horseback. It was quite a feat.

There was a demonstration with three mustangs in the ring. Two were being ridden, this one was not. Danada Equestrian Center has a number of mustangs there, and they are an integral part of what goes on at the Center. Some of the horses in the Fall Festival program had amazing rescue stories.

There was a dressage demonstration in the main ring, which included three riders - two women and a gentleman, all decked out in period dress, with their horses prancing like dancers.

This is a draft horse that kicked off the demonstrations in the main ring. He weighs over 2,000 pounds.

There were two young ladies who demonstrated an unusual skill on horseback, while the horse galloped around the ring. It was almost like a circus act.

There were greyhounds there, and children seemed to be drawn to them. The owner of one told me that his dog was a 'retired' racing greyhound, who broke her leg and was forced into retirement because of her injury. They had a table by the concession stands to raise awareness about these wonderful dogs.

There were many opportunities to take pictures of the horses and their riders. Every time I turned around, just about - there was another photo op.

This man told me his horse is better lookin' than him - so that's why he gets all the attention. Funny thing is, they both posed really well for the photographs...

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