Abandoned grain elevator on the back dike that separates Banner Marsh from the Illinois River. A railroad must have come through here before they constructed the dike to control flooding in the early 1900s.
J G Ward

Swans with the sun behind them.
J G Ward

Swans talking. Photo taken by Mary.
J G Ward

Swan silhouette. Photo taken by Mary.
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Swan reflection.
J G Ward

Swan silhouette. Photo taken by Mary.
J G Ward

Swan in the sun on a warm January afternoon.
J G Ward

Monument in the sun.
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Some little brown lawn mushrooms, popping out on this warm January day (44 degrees).
J G Ward

An old school house or church as seen from the viewing station at Dickson Mounds.
J G Ward

American Bald Eagle, soaring high above Springdale Cemetery.
J G Ward

American Robin.
J G Ward

The path back to the ranger station at forest park. The sudden down pour we had the other day created intersting flow patterns of debris on the trail.
J G Ward

Velvet Stemmed Winter Mushrooms growing on a fallen tree at Forest Park. We found these yesterday and will likely make another soup today.
J G Ward

Winter mushrooms growing on the base of this funny stump at Forest Park. I guess forest rangers do have a sense of humor! :-)
J G Ward

Winter Trees in Black & White.
J G Ward

Velvet Stemmed Winter Mushrooms. A stump off the boardwalk at Cooper's Park was covered in fresh winter mushrooms. I put on my waders and walked across the flowing stream under the boardwalk to pick them. Scott and I made our famous mushroom soup with them!
J G Ward

Oyster Mushrooms. These were in perfect condition, and we collected several pounds of mushrooms which I used last night in Coq au Vin, and they were delicious! I'll have to think of something else for the remainder.
J G Ward

Oyster Mushrooms peeking over the edge of the log.
J G Ward

Orange-gilled Mushrooms.
J G Ward