I went to Kickapoo Creek Park, in Lincoln Il, this morning.  Unless there is unusual weather, summer is my least favorite season for nature photography.  I generally try to go early in the morning so at least I can find interesting light.  I had never been to Kickapoo Creek Park before so I thought I'd explore it a bit and see if its worth a visit during a better time of year.  

The park is very easy to find has plenty of parking spaces, at least at 6:30 in the morning.  I drove down from Bloomington along old route 66 so I'd be able to take a few sunrise pictures on the way.  

This photo was taken along the way:

20170819-BX9I4618-Edit

This picture was taken less than a mile away from the park:

20170819-BX9I4623-Edit

I decided to hike with just one camera body (1DX2, and two lenses a 70-200 F2.8 IS, V2, and a 14mm V2.).  One thing I really like about the 14mm is its small size.  I also took two extenders but I didn't end using them.  

The park has several trails and I started with the river trail that leads to a suspension bridge.  

20170819-BX9I4719-Edit I did see a few GBH (Great Blue Heron) along the way, but my view was too blocked to get a picture.  Although there are a few spots where you can get clear access to the river, overall I think this would be a better hike when the leaves drop if your goal is wildlife photography.  As it was the path was interesting and since I was hiking into the sun I was able to get off a few back lit type of pictures.  

20170819-BX9I4678-Edit-Edit

After the river trail I hiked through a wood area and did see one white tail deer running across a path in front of me.  I was switching lens so I didn't get much of a picture.  There were some interesting trees and a few bending paths.  Speaking of paths, this path was not as well travels and I was hiking through tall grass much of the way.

20170819-BX9I4694-Edit-Edit Over all it was an interesting place and worth the drive.  I plan to go back in the fall.

Thanks for reading!

 http://www.toddryburnphotography.com/p677540622

Todd