Welcome to My Michigan (The Mitten)
I took a fifteen year break from photography to spend as much time as possible with my family. Now that the kids are out of school and I find myself with more free time I have decided to join the digital age and pick up where I left off.
For me photography is a labor of love. It helps me see everything in a new light and a new way. Everyday events become forever memories. Insects, flowers, animals and birds become magical and mystical. My eyes see a whole new world around me, sometimes alien but always beautiful. This is what I love to do, winter, spring, summer and fall, immersed in the great out of doors with a camera in my hand.
Come and join me on my expeditions. And just maybe, like many others, you will come away "Smitten by the Mitten".
Thank you for stopping by.
Jim
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The clear clean waters of some of the small lakes up north make the colors of painted turtles really stand out.
Painted Turtle 2
There is nothing more relaxing than a quite paddle down an isolated Michigan river.
Black River Kayaking
It's not often that you see Cattle Egret in Michigan. And quite rare to see one in Ingham County. I found this one Monday hanging out with the cattle on the MSU south campus.
Cattle Egret 2
Cattle Egret 1
Cattle Egret 3
The brilliant red makes it hard to get the exposure just right. Here is my best attempt. This photo was taken in Meridian Townships Legg Park
Cardinal Flower 1
You know summer is in full swing when you look around and see Wild Sunflowers everywhere. This photo was taken in Meridian Townships Central Park.
Helianthus, Wild Sunflower
Here is a Tiger Swallowtail feeding on Coneflower in Williamston Community Township Park.
Tiger Swallowtail
When out on a mission
Stop, look and Listen.
Keep an eye out
There are Giants about!
Lucky for me this one was "Knapping".
Giant Swallowtail
This photo of a Giant Swallowtail on Spotted Knopweed was taken in the Southwest Meridian Upland Preserve, Meridian Township.
Believe it or not a Pacific Loon visited Littlefield Lake in Mid Michigan just south west of Clair. It has moved on now but stayed around for a couple of weeks. What a treat!
Pacific Loon 1
Another day in Michigan comes to a beautiful end. This photo was taken at the Hammond Bay State Harbor in Presque Isle County.
Hammond Bay Harbor
This Virginia Rail wasn't sure it wanted to come out of hiding but it was curious enough to take just a wee little peak. The photo was taken in Presque Isle County.
Virginia Rail (painterly)
This warbler is called a Mourning Warbler because its dark hood is thought to resemble a mourning veil. They seem to prefer dense underbrush so it is difficult to get a good photograph of the whole bird. This is by far the best photo that I have been able to get of a Mourning Warbler. It was taken in Presque Isle County along the shores of Ocqueoc Lake.
Mourning Warbler
It took me two plus years to to get a halfway decent photo of a White-eyed Vireo in Michigan. This photo was taken earlier this week when I was in Hillsdale County. It's not hard to imagine how this bird got its name.
White-eyed Vireo 2
This Black-capped Chickadee is busy picking out a bouquet for Mothers Day. The photo was taken in Legg Park.
Chickadee 1
Here is a Blue-winged Warbler that I saw in the Dansville State Game Area yesterday.
Blue-winged Warbler
I have always wondered why a Common Yellowthroat wears a mask? What does he do when no one is watching him? This photo was taken at Lake Lansing Park North.
Common Yellowthroat