Sep 24, 2016
Few wildlife events have created more excitement than the well-publicized invasion of wild mountain lions into Iowa. So much so, that the excitement has, at times, bordered on near hysteria. In reality, it isn’t likely that Iowa will ever harbor a viable population of free roaming cougars – even a small one. But it is probable, however, that the...
Sep 22, 2016
Starry Nights, Crisp Mountain Meadows, Bugling Bulls All The Necessary Ingredients For Enjoying A Colorado Rocky Mountain High Participating in a high country, muscle pulling, lung busting public lands do-it-yourself wilderness elk hunt is one of bow hunting’s great challenges. Colorado, the state harboring more elk than any other, is as good a place as...
Sep 17, 2016
Most of the doves left early. The annual flight of blue-winged teal is running late. But the fall migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds is right on schedule. Urged south by shortening photo periods, tens of thousands of hummingbirds are currently passing through Iowa and there’s no better time to enjoy some close up viewing than right...
Sep 3, 2016
Viewing Can Become A Dangerous Obsession The American bison is the largest land animal in the western hemisphere. I’ve never heard of anyone who didn’t find the giant prairie icons fascinating, and some ‘buffalo watchers’ enjoy the creatures to the point of obsession. I fall into the latter category. When it comes to bison, I can...
Sep 2, 2016
CUSTER, SD—-If you drive through the western edge of South Dakota’s Black Hills, you’re likely to see some brightly painted yellow road signs that read: Bighorn Sheep Crossing – Be Prepared To Stop. Unfortunately, the colorful steel billboards are mostly wishful thinking. And if you suddenly do have to slam on your brakes, it will likely be...
Born in North Central Iowa, Lowell Washburn has enjoyed a lifelong interest in the out of doors. He began photographing wild birds at age 10, and outdoor photography soon became his passion and eventually a career. Washburn is best known for images that portray migratory waterfowl and other wetland wildlife in their natural habitats. His best photographs are often obtained after spending hours floating amid natural marshlands, half submerged within the dark confines of a floating muskrat house blind.
Upon completing military service as a sergeant with the Fourth Infantry Division in the central highlands of South Vietnam, Washburn returned to Iowa in 1970. His wildlife photos began appearing in Iowa newspapers in 1971 and he began authoring outdoor news columns in 1978. Today, his photos and writing have appeared in over 50 national and international magazines including Outdoor Life, International Wildlife, Field&Stream, Ducks Unlimited, Pointing Dog Journal, the NAFA Journal, and others.
After working as a naturalist for Iowa’s county conservation board system, Washburn was recruited by the Department of Natural Resources in 1984. His primary duties included statewide communication with Iowa newspaper, television, and radio news agencies with a primary goal of increasing the level of public awareness and appreciation for Iowa's natural resources. During his tenure he also served as staff member for the Iowa Conservationist Magazine and for the DNR’s Iowa Outdoors Magazine. Washburn retired from the DNR in 2010.
In addition to wildlife photography, his ongoing outdoor passions include falconry, traditional bow hunting, waterfowling, spending time with hunting dogs of all types, and herpetology.