Bill Marchel: Photo favorites from 2021

This is the 10th year in a row I have ended the year with a column featuring my favorite wildlife images.

This year I decided to do things a bit differently than in the past. Instead of choosing my favorite images from the year, I decided to select four of my favorite categories, and pick one image from each. The categories are white-tailed deer, songbirds, waterfowl and game birds — specifically ruffed grouse.

None of the subjects are exotic wildlife, nor were any of the images taken in faraway locations. In fact, all of the photos were shot within a few miles of Brainerd.

The images on this page portray my choices for 2021. I hope these photographs instill in you a new appreciation for the wild critters that inhabit our fields, forests and even our backyards.

BILL MARCHEL is a wildlife and outdoors photographer and writer whose work appears in many regional and national publications as well as the Brainerd Dispatch. He may be reached at bill@billmarchel.com. You also can visit his website at BillMARCHEL.com.

1/3: This mature white-tailed buck has an impressive rack of antlers and a sturdy stature. Contributed / Bill Marchel

2/3: A male Northern cardinal sits among snow-dusted berries. Contributed / Bill Marchel

3/3: This male ruffed grouse is strutting from his drumming log. What a sight to see as he fanned his tail, fluffed his neck ruffs, and lowered his wings. Photo / Bill Marchel