Author Archives: Dave Tackett

About Dave Tackett

I take Rock River Photos from my boat, all hand held in full manual. I use an R5II and 2 R5 cameras with rf 100-500 and ef 300 II. I also fish some, but spend most of my time drifting. I drift near Sterling Rock Falls and the Mississippi River pool 13 & 14.

Rock River Drift 8/4/26

Posted on August 4, 2026 by Dave Tackett

The sun looked big this morning. Seems a lot has changed since I was out last time. Most of the cormorant moved out along with Killdeer, Sandpipers, and other songbirds. There was hardly any Eagles around, I saw 2 juveniles … Continue reading →

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Rock River Drift 7/30/26

Posted on August 1, 2026 by Dave Tackett

Another slow morning, but I did manage a few photos. Full moon with contrails, scenic Rock River, Great Blue Heron at tree top, Flycatcher, Kingbird, Raccoon family, 8 point buck, whitetail deer, Eagle, Spotted Sandpiper, Killdeer in flight, Grey Squirrel, … Continue reading →

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Rock River Raccoons

Posted on July 31, 2026 by Dave Tackett

It’s been slow this year, much slower than last year and I thought that year was bad. There’s just hardly any ducks, songbirds and other wildlife around. I am drifting and seeing nothing. Last week I was one mile into … Continue reading →

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Rock River Drift 7/29/26

Posted on July 30, 2026 by Dave Tackett

I went out and saw a coyote standing along the river, but it was still too dark to get a photo on the fly. The pup didn’t even look at me, just looked down river as I ran by. Then … Continue reading →

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Kingfisher with Mudcat

Posted on July 26, 2026 by Dave Tackett

Kingfisher caught himself a Mudcat. A female Kingfisher was interested in his catch, possible his mom. She followed, landed by him but he took off with the fish.

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7/23/26 Rock River Drift

Posted on July 24, 2026 by Dave Tackett

It’s barely worth it, but just getting out is fun and wildlife gets used to seeing me and maybe I will see more soon. Scenic Rock River, Great Blue Heron, Juvenile Kingfisher with mudcat, Juvenile Kingbird, Cardinal  

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7/22/26 Rock River Drift

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Dave Tackett

I didn’t see much at all today. Deer, Rock river scenic, Redtail Hawk, Juvenile eagle, Great Blue Heron, juvenile female Kingfisher:

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7/20/26 Rock River Drift

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Dave Tackett

I didn’t get many photos. I had a delay with the clouds and smoke blocking the sun, then see much. I did see a few young Raccoons, 4 adult eagles and a couple juveniles. I also saw a fawn with … Continue reading →

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Rock River Drift 7/7/26

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Dave Tackett

I was excited to get those juvenile Red tail Hawk photos the day before so I went back out. It seems to get slower every trip out. I did see one las Eagle chick at the nest sight, the other … Continue reading →

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No twirlers on my maples this year because of previous temps this spring and winter wiped out the buds. And not just maples were affected – fruit, nut trees, other trees, and plants are also affected. This in turn affects … Continue reading →

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Dave Tackett | Leave a comment