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The Belted Kingfisher 
February 2, 2021 2 min read  
Short-Eared Owls 
January 31, 2021 1 min read  
The Great Blue Heron 
January 29, 2021 1 min read  
An American Journey 
November 21, 2020 7 min read  
2021 Nature Calls 
November 11, 2020 2 min read  
Toppling Muir Not Enough 
September 28, 2020 9 min read  
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    Acadia, National Parks

    45 Seconds in Acadia National Park 

    Glenn Nelson, February 20, 2015 1 min read  
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    Tags #Acadia National Park #Bass Harbor Lighthouse #Bubble Rock #Cadillac Mountain #Jordan Pond #Little Hunter's Beach #Maine #Monument Cove #Otter Point #Schooner's Head #Thunder Hole
    Hikes, Mount Rainier, National Parks

    Green Lake (WA)

    Hikes, Mount Rainier, National Parks

    Van Trump Park / Mildred Point (WA)

    Glenn Nelson

    Based in Seattle, Wash., Glenn Nelson is the founder of The Trail Posse, which explores the intersection of race and the outdoors. He also is a founding member of the Next 100 Coalition, a national alliance of civil rights, environmental and community groups advocating for more inclusive management of public lands, and a founding steering committee member of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge, which advises outdoor brands on DEI work. Nelson has won several national awards for his writing, photography and Web publishing, including three first-place honors from the Society of Professional Journalists in 2019 for his column on race for Crosscut and Outstanding Beat Reporting (Race, Inclusion and Environmental Justice) from the Society of Environmental Journalists. A graduate of Seattle University and Columbia University, he was born in Japan and started his career at The Seattle Times. He later founded HoopGurlz (now at ESPN), which covered girl’s basketball and college prospects nationally, and helped found Scout.com, a network of sports websites. Nelson is the primary author of a teen book about the NBA, has been published in numerous magazines and book collections, had his photographic work appear at the Smithsonian, and has been profiled by NPR. He also serves on the boards of Audubon Washington, Seattle Jazz Fellowship, Spectrum Dance Theater, as well as the Washington Governor's advisory committee on outdoor recreation, the advisory committee for the Japanese American Remembrance Trail, and the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Task Force.

    Related posts

    Acadia, Adventures, National Parks

    Loony Jordan Pond 

    Glenn Nelson, February 28, 2015 1 min read  
    Hikes, Mount Rainier, National Parks

    Bench & Snow Lakes (WA) 

    Glenn Nelson, March 1, 2015 4 min read  
    Hikes, Mount Rainier, National Parks

    Green Lake (WA) 

    Glenn Nelson, February 20, 2015 4 min read  
    Hikes, National Parks, North Cascades

    Skagit River Loop (WA) 

    Glenn Nelson, February 15, 2015 3 min read  
    Adventures, National Parks, Olympic

    Olympic Magic 

    Glenn Nelson, March 8, 2015 1 min read  
    Adventures, National Parks, Rocky Mountain

    Mile-High Mammals 

    Glenn Nelson, March 12, 2015 1 min read  

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    thetrailposse

    Love takes many forms. Happy Valentines, y'all! #n Love takes many forms. Happy Valentines, y'all!
#nikonphotography #birdphotography #wildlifephoto #nikonz7ii #birdsofinstagram #birds #bird
    Just like a Seattleite to have not retrieved my sn Just like a Seattleite to have not retrieved my snow shovel, which is in a shed I can barely see in the back yard!
    WHAT'S GOING ON (Part 2): Upon further review ... WHAT'S GOING ON (Part 2): Upon further review ... I had time to edit the whole shoot and found the moment when the vole/small mammal was separated from the top juvenile Bald Eagle. I posted the second part of this sequence yesterday. Which do you think is the most impactful image? (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head at 500mm, 1/4000, f/5.6). #nikonphotography #birdphotography #wildlifephoto #birdsofprey #nikonz7ii #baldeagle #birdsofinstagram #birds #bird #raptors #raptor #skagitbirds
    WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? This is a pair of juvenile B WHAT'S GOING ON HERE? This is a pair of juvenile Bald Eagles. If you look below the lower of the two, you'll see an oblong object. That's a vole, or similar small mammal -- that's been saved from being a meal but may be falling to its end anyway. It was ripped from the higher Eagle. I see raptors playing this "game" all the time: If I can't have it, you can't, either. (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head at 500mm, 1/4000, f/5.6). #nikonphotography #birdphotography #wildlifephoto #birdsofprey #nikonz7ii #baldeagle #birdsofinstagram #birds #bird #raptors #raptor #skagitbirds
    This is a day for a SuperbOwl: Short-Eared Owl, wi This is a day for a SuperbOwl: Short-Eared Owl, with Mount Baker in the background. (Shot with Nikon D750, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Wimberley gimbal head at 500mm, 1/400, f/5.6). #SuperBowlLV #birdphotography #BirdsOfPrey #wildlifephotography #nikon #nikonphotography #skagitbirds #birdsofinstagram #birds #wildlife
    Necessity being the mother of invention, I had to Necessity being the mother of invention, I had to reinvent my website and now it's redesigned, more prettied up with images and all ready for #blackhistorymonth2021 

For fans of my photography, I've even posted galleries of Belted Kingfisher, Short-Eared Owls and Great Blue Herons.

Please check it out and share to those who might be interested in the outdoors and its intersection with race!

https://trailposse.com

Live link in profile.

#diversifyoutdoors #blacklivesmatter #landback #environmentaljustice #wildlifephotography #birdphotography #nikonphotography
    Repost from @braidedriver • Happy first day of B Repost from @braidedriver
•
Happy first day of Black History Month! Everyone deserves to have equal access to the wilderness and outdoors, and historically communities of color have been excluded from many outdoor spaces and recreation opportunities in the United States. This is changing, but in order for the change to happen, we need to support black-led organizations and communities who are making the change possible. 

We encourage you to check out organizations like @outdoorafro @blackgirlstrekkin @blackoutside_inc @outdoors_empowered_network @melaninbasecamp @youthoutside  and the many other others black and POC-led groups who are leading the way to making the outdoors a place for all, and which prioritize black lives, safety, and joy.

Photo by @thetrailposse (Glenn Nelson) from Braided River’s 2019 book “We Are Puget Sound” (more about this book and campaign at @iampugetsound )

#blacklivesmatter #outdoorsforeveryone #blackhistorymonth #blackhistorymonth2021 #wilderness #equityandinclusion
    Diving into our week: A Belted Kingfisher goes aft Diving into our week: A Belted Kingfisher goes after a meal in Skagit Valley, Washington. (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, FTZ adapter, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Nikkor TC14eii teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head, at 700mm, 1/3200, f/8).
#birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #wildlifephotographer #birdphotographer #birdphoto #nikon #nikonphotography #nikonphotographer #nikonz7ii #skagitbirds
    Here's a good look at a Grey Ghost -- aka, male No Here's a good look at a Grey Ghost -- aka, male Northern Harrier -- so called for, well, being grey, as well as fairly rarely seen in the field. They're always a welcomed sight for me! (Shot with Nikon Z6ii, FTZ converter, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Nikkor TC14eii teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head at 700mm, 1/4000, f/6.3.). #birdphotography #birdsofprey #wildlifephotography #nikonphotography #nikonz6ii #skagitbirds #nikon #birds #birdsofinstagram #skagitbirds
    A Great Blue Heron prepares to ingest a frog it ha A Great Blue Heron prepares to ingest a frog it has hunted down in the Samish Flats. By the way, it very likely is NOT "playing" with its prey (see below).

For some related journalism and bird biology thoughts, please read on.

I was motivated to post this image after seeing the latest "Reader's Lens" in Sunday's @seattletimes. It was a beautiful photo of a Great Blue Heron flipping a fish between its beak, ala the frog in this picture. The text describes the Heron as "playing" with the fish, then releasing it (aka, catch-and-release).

Birds, of course, do not have teeth. So Herons flip their prey sometimes to finish the kill (they will shake fish to break or ease the spine) but mainly to position it to swallow down whole. Because of the time, patience and energy required to hunt, it's extremely unlikely the Heron "released" the fish; it's more likely it lost control in the juggling act.

It appears The Times was following the commentary of the photography. But it didn't check the facts, which would have been easy to do. Heck, it didn't even identify the "heron" as a Great Blue, which would have been super-duper easy since the Great Blue Heron is the official bird of the city of Seattle.

I'm not just being cranky about my craft. We are fighting off the accusations of being "fake news," amplified by Trump and the Right. The best way to combat that is to make as certain as possible that we have our facts straight -- even in times like these when media outlets are resource challenged.

(Shot with Nikon Z6ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4 with FTZ adaptor, Nikkor TC14eii teleconverter, on Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head, at 700mm, 1/4000, f/6.3).

#birdphotography #birdsofprey #wildlifephotography #nikonphotography #nikonz6ii #skagitbirds  #nikon #birds #birdsofinstagram
    Here we go, y’all! Here we go, y’all!
    Though a weird part of me will miss Trump (I'm a j Though a weird part of me will miss Trump (I'm a journalist and storyteller, remember), I am cognizant of the massive, unacceptable havoc he wreaked and the need for the earth and its inhabitants to heal. Mostly, this is a day to hope, for Joe and Kamala, and for our country to spread its wings and fly back into the light.

This image: A Short-Eared Owl in the Samish Flats (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4 with FTZ adaptor, Nikkor TC14eii teleconverter, on Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head, at 700mm, 1/4000, f/6.3).

#birdphotography #birdsofprey #wildlifephotography #nikonphotography #nikonz7ii #skagitbirds #owl #owlsofinstagram #owls #nikon #birds #birdsofinstagram
    Back to my erstwhile nemesis bird, the Belted King Back to my erstwhile nemesis bird, the Belted Kingfisher. Here she flies into better light, so the rays catch her wings. Here's hoping some sunshine catches yours this weekend, too! (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Nikon FTZ adaptor, Nikkor TC14eii teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head, at 700mm, 1/4000, f/8). #birdphotography #bird  #birdsofinstagram #birds #nikon #nikonphotography #nikonphotographer #nikonphoto #nikonz7ii
    This is another amazing development on wolverine s This is another amazing development on wolverine sightings. This time, @yellowstonenps
    One of the exciting things about watching Short-Ea One of the exciting things about watching Short-Eared Owls is the constant turf battles -- with each other and, typically, Northern Harriers. I've been trying forever to get a decent shot like this, and it happened on a day listening to another turf battle -- the House debate on impeachment No. 2 -- while driving around, looking. (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4, FTZ adaptor, TC14eii teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head at 700mm, 1/4000, f/8).
#birdphotography #wildlifephotography #raptors #naturelovers #birdsofprey #birdsofinstagram #birds #birdwatching #raptor #raptors #skagitbirds
    Yep, this is a Belted Kingfisher, which I identifi Yep, this is a Belted Kingfisher, which I identified a while ago as my photography "nemesis bird" -- ie., I've failed to get a decent shot of it, despite many tries. Now said nemesis and I have gotten to know each other a little better, and the other day it treated me to a bit of a show. Evidenced by her extra rust-colored belt, this is a female. (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Nikon FTZ, Nikkor TC14eii teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head, at 700mm, 1/4000, f/8).
#birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #wildlifephotographer #birdphotographer #birdphoto #nikon #nikonphotography #nikonphotographer #nikonz7ii
    On the first work day of 2021, here's wishing you On the first work day of 2021, here's wishing you a smooth takeoff! (Taken with Nikon Z6ii, Nikkor 500mm f/4, Nikkor 1.4 teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripodk Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head at 700mm, 1/3200, f/8). #birdphotography #wildlifephotography #nikonphotography #birdsofprey #nikonz6ii #nikon #raptors #raptor #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdsofprey #skagitbirds
    This is the last day of a year all of us would lik This is the last day of a year all of us would like to put behind us. But, for me at least, it wasn't all bad. Oldest daughter Sassia and I had a day earlier this week when we happened across Short-Eared Owls. I'd never seen them in the morning and in Skagit Valley; she'd never seen them before - period. Sassia's take: They have "cute faces." I agree! Goodbye, 2020. I won't forget all of you. (Shot with Nikon Z7ii, Nikkor 500mm f/5.6 PF, Nikkor TC-14e teleconverter, Really Right Stuff TVC-33 tripod, Really Right Stuff FG-02 fluid gimbal head at 700mm, 1/4000, f/8).
#bird #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #birdsofprey #raptor #raptors #shortearedowl #skagitbirds #nikon #nikonphotography #nikonz7ii
    Merry Christmas! Nature will provide everything yo Merry Christmas! Nature will provide everything you were seeking and hoping for.
#christmas #christmas2020 #birdsofinstagram #birds #birdphotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #yellowstonenationalpark #yellowstone #nikon #nikonphotography
    We lost a bright light today. Fr. Joseph McGowan, We lost a bright light today. Fr. Joseph McGowan, known to me and my close friends as OJ, was one of the most influential people of my lifetime. @gmchenryjr 
Gordon McHenry Jr.
and I met him during our very first day at @seattleu and I spent just about every day of my college tenure with him. And a lot of nights at the disco dances we liked to throw, or just hanging out.

If you want to know where I got my beliefs about racial and social justice and sense of outrage, that's OJ. You wouldn't have known it, just by casual acquaintance. He liked to sit in back or on the side, a smile on his cherubic face and in pensive posture. Inside seethed a quiet storm (see the terrible, old picture, but that's the "OJ pose" I remember.

OJ was one of the few Black Jesuits in this country. He loved King and Lincoln, reading, listening to jazz records and something I definitely did not pick up from him: watching television. He also was the hub who brought and kept together a cohort of enduring friends who made up the Rainbow Coalition, the name OJ came up with years before Jesse Jackson did.

I worked with the Jesuits to get word of thanks and love to him from all of us up here in Seattle. OJ passed this morning, December 23, 2020, of advanced-stage prostate cancer, which he had been fighting in recent years, and complications from COVID-19. The Sacred Heart Jesuit Center in Los Gatos, CA, where he had been living, has had a bad COVID outbreak and many Jesuits have been lost.

The more I think about it, the more I realize how much of an impact OJ had, so he will live on through me, certainly, and so many others. Much love to him and the rest of our shared community and family.
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