K&M Photos: Blog

Painted

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 00:46:18 GMT

The clear clean waters of some of the small lakes up north make the colors of painted turtles really stand out.
Painted Turtle 2

Kayaking the Black River

Tue, 29 Aug 2017 12:24:37 GMT

There is nothing more relaxing than a quite paddle down an isolated Michigan river.
Black River Kayaking

Cattle Egret

Wed, 09 Aug 2017 20:37:42 GMT

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

Cardinal Flower

Sun, 06 Aug 2017 13:13:34 GMT

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

Summer Sunflower

Sat, 05 Aug 2017 12:24:27 GMT

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

Hunting Tigers

Fri, 04 Aug 2017 00:42:01 GMT

Here is a Tiger Swallowtail feeding on Coneflower in Williamston Community Township Park.

Tiger Swallowtail

Invasion of the Giants!

Sun, 30 Jul 2017 23:50:21 GMT

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.

I Can't Believe I Saw a Pacific Loon

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 02:12:40 GMT

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

Days End

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 01:58:18 GMT

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

Shy Rail

Sun, 04 Jun 2017 01:22:26 GMT

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)

Mourning Warbler

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 01:59:15 GMT

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

White-eyed Vireo

Fri, 19 May 2017 20:25:38 GMT

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

Bouquet for Mom

Fri, 12 May 2017 01:49:47 GMT

This Black-capped Chickadee is busy picking out a bouquet for Mothers Day. The photo was taken in Legg Park.

Chickadee 1

Blue Wings

Thu, 11 May 2017 01:23:43 GMT

Here is a Blue-winged Warbler that I saw in the Dansville State Game Area yesterday.

Blue-winged Warbler

Vigilante?

Tue, 09 May 2017 11:42:31 GMT

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

Special Guest

Sun, 07 May 2017 12:03:39 GMT

Last week we had a special guest visit out backyard. This is the first time a Red-Headed Woodpecker has stopped by to say hello and brighten up our days. He hung around for four days and then moved on. Wouldn't it be nice if he visits us every year as he travels to his home up north!

Red-headed Woodpecker 1

Red-headed Woodpecker 3

Here Come the Warblers

Fri, 05 May 2017 11:34:51 GMT

As a group, warblers are the most colorful birds to migrate through our area every spring and fall. They are also the most difficult to photograph since they are constantly moving in search of an insect meal. This is a Yellow-rumped Warbler, one of the first Warblers to arrive in the Spring. Many more, just as beautiful are close behind. Get out and about this weekend with your binoculars and try to get a look at some of the tiny birds moving in the treetops. Maybe you will get a glimpse of a Warbler "Gem". This photo was taken in Legg Park.

Yellow-rumped Warbler 2

Out of the Fog

Mon, 01 May 2017 12:43:21 GMT

I was at Lake Lansing last night wishing for something exciting to appear when seven Caspian Terns flew out of the fog and drizzle. Sometimes wishes do come true.

Caspian Tern

American White Pelican

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 02:20:47 GMT

It was 8:30 when a birding friend called to say there were five American White Pelicans at Lake Lansing. I was already in the Jeep heading back from a walk in one of the Meridian Township Preserves so I just kept driving to Lake Lansing. It was almost dark by the time I got to the Lake and found the birds. Here are the best pics I could come up with. I imagine they will still be at the lake tomorrow morning so get up early, go see a really rare bird at Lake Lansing and then treat yourself to breakfast. What a great end to a very good day!

American White Pelican

I Can See You ...

Tue, 25 Apr 2017 01:44:48 GMT

... but you can't see me. This Sandhill Crane is on a nest trying its best to blend into the marsh as I walk by. The photo was taken in the Meridian Township Foster-Crouse Preserve.

Sandhill Crane on Nest

Rare Visitor

Sat, 22 Apr 2017 01:44:01 GMT

It's not often that a bird like this drops by mid Michigan for a visit. Another birder discovered this Yellow-headed Blackbird at Maple River State Game Area today. As soon as I found out about it I jumped in the Jeep and headed out. This was my reward!

Yellow-headed Blackbird 2

Yellow-headed Blackbird 3

Red-winged Blackbird

Sat, 22 Apr 2017 01:32:06 GMT

You just can't think of wetlands and marshes, vernal ponds or fluddles without thinking about Red-winged Blackbirds. This photo was taken at Lake Lansing Park North.

Red-winged Blackbird 2

Trumpeter Swans

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 01:00:31 GMT

In 1933 the Trumpeter Swan was thought to be headed for extinction with only 70 known to exist. But a large Pacific population was discovered in the Coper River area of Alaska. Swans from this population were used to carefully reintroduce the Trumpeter Swan across North America and in 2010 the population was estimated to be 46,000. This is a truly spectacular bird and a spectacular comeback story. The Trumpeter Swan is our largest waterfowl with a wingspan that may exceed 8 feet. These swans are still pretty rare in Ingham County. Most of the swans we see are large flocks of migrating Tundra Swans and the introduced and aggressive Mute Swan. In March we were lucky to have a pair visit us for a few days and hang out in the wetlands on the north west corner of Jolly and Hagadorn Roads. I was crossing my fingers and hoping they would stick around and nest, but they flew away. Here is a photo of them starting a sort of mating dance. I almost got the "classic" heart photo. Here us a DNR website where you can read more about Trumpeter Swans in Michigan.

Trumpeter Swans

Sandhill Cranes

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 01:38:52 GMT

It's lways great to see these beautiful birds flying overhead headed north, a sure sign that spring is here!

Sandhill Cranes

Spring Beauty

Sun, 02 Apr 2017 01:47:57 GMT

Today I found my first wildflower of 2017, a Spring Beauty. Maybe spring has finally sprung. This photo was taken in Legg Park, Meridian Township.

Spring Beauty

Gray Jay

Thu, 09 Mar 2017 12:51:51 GMT

Here is another bird from my weekend adventure. It is a Gray Jay. The Gray Jay is more closely related to Magpies that it is to Jays. It lives in the far north and rears its chicks in the dark of winter. In the summer months this bird hoards food in trees so they have plenty to eat when winter comes knocking. This photo was taken in Chippewa County.

Gray Jay
Gray Jay

Norther Shrike

Tue, 07 Mar 2017 02:58:29 GMT

The Northern Shrike is a small predatory songbird that feeds on small birds, mammals and Insects. It is a bird that isn't seen very often and once found usually flies off into the bushes and hides. I found this one in Chippewa County on my recent UP birding adventure.

Northern Shrike
Northern Shrike

Michigan UP Birding

Sat, 04 Mar 2017 02:11:46 GMT

We are up North in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to find some winter and some winter birds. We stopped by Rudyard to look for Snowy Owls and were not disappointed. Here are two of the six Snowy Owls that we saw today. What an awesome way to start a trip!

Snowy Owl
Snowy Owl

Tiny Little Toes

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 01:22:53 GMT

They call them pussy willows,
But there's no cat to see,
Except the tiny little toes
That stick out on the trees.

Now every spring it worries me,
That I can never find
Those willow cats that ran away
And left their toes behind.
--Author Unknown--
Pussy Willow

This photo was taken at North Meridian Road Park.

Up On The Hill

Tue, 21 Feb 2017 01:53:52 GMT

Atop the sledding hill at Williamston Township Community Park. This is my home away from home during raptor migration. And the warm weather has migration starting a bit early this year. If you visit the park you may see me and a Corgi named Dexter scanning the sky for migrating birds and soaking up the late winter sunshine (and playing fetch).

Atop the Hill

Looks Like Lunch

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:30:54 GMT

Yesterday I came across this Coopers Hawk in the Red Cedar Glen Preserve. I think it was looking at something tasty for lunch and not paying a bit of attention to me.

Coopers Hawk

Golden Crown

Mon, 20 Feb 2017 01:21:24 GMT

I never realized that a Golden-crowned Kinglet had this many rubies in its' crown. This photo was taken at Central Park.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Valentines Day

Tue, 14 Feb 2017 12:08:43 GMT

Happy Valentines Day!

Rose with a heart 1

Muddled Image

Mon, 13 Feb 2017 02:47:14 GMT

I'm trying hard to find some beauty in this brown winter. This is the reflection of a tree in the muddy trail at Lake Lansing Park North.

Beauty in Mud

This Land is My Land

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 01:25:10 GMT

I just love the way this tiny Winter Wren was standing on its front porch surveying his riverfront property and singing to the world.

"When the sun came shining, and I was strolling,
And the wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling,
As the fog was lifting and a voice was chanting:
This land was made for you and me."
Woody Guthrie
Winter Wren

Beautiful Swan

Sun, 05 Feb 2017 01:21:51 GMT

Beautiful Swan
Warmed by sun's rays
Dreaming of summer
And warmer days.
Trumpeter Swan 1b .
This Trumpeter Swan photo was taken at Bird Lake in Hillsdale County.

Too Cute

Fri, 03 Feb 2017 03:06:21 GMT

This Saw-whet Owl is too cute for words. Not much else to say about this tiny gem.

Saw-whet Owl 1

Mirror Image

Thu, 26 Jan 2017 13:13:01 GMT

Sometimes it doesn't matter what you mumble, what incantation you invoke or how much you beg and plead, the birds just won't do what you want. They seem to have an agenda all their own. Hmm, imagine that. Anyway, I just could not convince this Pileated Woodpecker to sit still while I moved to the other side of the pond to get a photo without all of the branches in the way. As soon as I moved it flew high up into another tree laughing loudly as it flew away. Oh well, maybe a better photo another day. This photo was taken at Lake Lansing Park North.

Pileated Woodpecker

Sassy Nuthatch

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 15:08:22 GMT

This tiny Red-breasted Nuthatch chewed me out big time for having the nerve to take it's photograph. This is one of my favorite "tiny* birds. The photo was taken at Harris Nature Center, Meridian Township, Ingham County.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Hide-and-Seek

Sun, 22 Jan 2017 14:10:01 GMT

When looking for owls you are always playing a game of hide-and-seek. They hide and you spend hours seeking. This tiny Saw-whet Owl shows that the odds of staying hidden are in their favor. The photograph was taken in the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area.

Saw-whet Owl
Saw-whet Owl

Gray Ghost

Wed, 18 Jan 2017 15:05:00 GMT

The male Northern Harrier is sometimes referred to as the Gray Ghost. This is most likely do to them being seen less often the the brown females and immatures. It is always a great treat to see a Gray Ghost hunting over a grassland in search of mice and voles. This photo was taken at Maple River SGA in Gratiot County.

Northern Harrier

Evening Air Show

Sat, 14 Jan 2017 14:02:53 GMT

I took a short trip up to Maple River SGA in Gratiot County to see the Short-eared Owls that have been putting on a wonderful early evening air show. I was lucky enough to see 7 of them. Here is a photo of one that flew close by and another that landed to take a look at all the funny humans standing around looking at him. What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl
Short-eared Owl

Tiny Dancer

Sat, 31 Dec 2016 02:32:03 GMT

I took a long walk at Central Park North today with my birding buddy Dexter, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. I think this Golden-crowned Kinglet took a liking to Dexter because it followed us around for quite some time flitting from bush to bush. And Dexter actually seemed quite interested in watching the tiny bird perform for us. I wonder why this Kinglet seemed so intrigued with a Corgi?

Golden-crowned Kinglet Golden-crowned Kinglet

Afternoon Siesta

Thu, 29 Dec 2016 02:58:34 GMT

This Screetch Owl is taking a mid afternoon siesta while catching a little bit of sunshine on a pleasant winter day. Makes me yawn just to look at him so cozy in his tidy home. This photo was taken today in Dannsville SGA.

Screech Owl

Beautiful Bird, Big Threat

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 13:47:00 GMT

Here is a beautiful bird that "poses a significant threat to our native Trumpeter Swan".
The photo was taken at Moores Park in Lansing.

Mute Swan

Slip Slidin' Away

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 13:41:07 GMT

I took a walk on the slippery sidewalks at Moores Park Yesterday and found this American Black Duck. The Lakes are frozen over so the waterfowl are moving to open water on the local rivers where they can find food.

American Black Duck

Ring-billed Gulls

Fri, 09 Dec 2016 12:59:04 GMT

There have been no new gulls or ducks at Lake Lansing this week so I photographed a couple of Ring-billed Gulls. Ring-billed Gull
Ring-billed Gull

Snow Birds

Tue, 06 Dec 2016 15:39:31 GMT

The colder weather and first snowfall has brought my first snow birds to Ingham County. This photo of a Snow Bunting was taken yesterday on the south campus of MSU along Jolly Road.

Snow Bunting

Grey Skies, Blue Bird

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 12:55:10 GMT

A small flock of Bluebirds passed through Meridian North Park Sunday morning. Here are a few photos of them.

Male Bluebird
Male Bluebirds
Bluebirds

Where Are All of the Birds?

Sat, 03 Dec 2016 12:46:29 GMT

There are no birds at my feeders today. I wonder why...?

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Here are a couple of close up photos of the culprit, a Sharp-shinned Hawk.

Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawk

White-winged Gull

Thu, 01 Dec 2016 01:24:11 GMT

All gulls are not created equal, they are not all Ring-billed Gulls in the Meijer parking lot or Herring Gulls at the beach. Every once in a while a special one shows up at Lake Lansing and last evening it was a beautiful Iceland Gull (Kumlieni). What a treat!

Iceland Gull (Kumlieni)
Underneath the wings appear white. This why Iceland Gulls are called white winged gulls.
Iceland Gull (Kumlieni)
Notice that the primaries have very little black in them.
Iceland Gull (Kumlieni)
Here the Iceland Gull is behind a Ring-billed Gull. Notice that it is larger,
has a rounder head and has very little black in the wing tips (primaries)

The Supermoon

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 02:40:48 GMT

I forgot my tripod so this was the best photo I could come up with.

Supermoon

Who, Who, Who Looks For Me

Sun, 13 Nov 2016 00:33:15 GMT

I love owls and raptors and songbirds and owls. Ahh there is such a special thrill when seeing an owl. I spent this morning in Dansville SGA busting through brush and brambles looking for owls. Most times I get skunked and don't find anything, but today I was rewarded with this Long-eared Owl who was kind enough to sit still and let me marvel at its beauty. Did I mention that I love owls?

Long-eared Owl

Another Golden Day

Sun, 30 Oct 2016 01:50:49 GMT

I spent the day with a friend at Williamston Township Community Park scanning the sky for migrating Raptors.
The highlight of the day was seeing not one but two Immature Golden Eagles! Here is a photo of one of them.
Golden Eagle
In this photo one of the Golden Eagles is soaring with a Red-tailed Hawk. Look at the size difference.
A Golden eagle can have a wingspan of up to 7 ft. 8 in.! What a magnificent bird!
Golden Eagle & Red-tailed Hawk

Winter Wren

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 01:57:37 GMT

I never tire of these little bundles of high energy. They don't stand still for long and hang out low to the ground moving in and around branches and grass. Here is one I found in Legg Park that stood still for 10 seconds to long ... lucky me.

Winter Wren

Turkey Vulture

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 02:23:10 GMT

We have all seen them on a warm summer day circling overhead, riding the thermals, gliding through the air without flapping their wings. They appear completely black when soaring high in the sky, but actually their flight feathers are a silver gray underneath. Here is one in Legg Park that is getting ready to take flight on wings that can span up to 6 feet. It may not seem as majestic as an Eagle but it is beautiful in its own way.

Turkey Vulture

Mid Morning Moon

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 11:51:11 GMT

The day was so beautiful and the sky so blue that I just couldn't resist a shot of the last quarter moon.
Hey diddle diddle
The cat and the fiddle
The cow jumped over the moon ...
Quarter Moon

Summer Blue & Autumn Orange.

Sun, 23 Oct 2016 11:27:38 GMT

The bright blues and greens of summer are giving way to the orange, reds and yellows of autumn.

Eastern Bluebird 1

Time To Leave

Sun, 23 Oct 2016 00:48:26 GMT

We can't stay forever dear. The leaves are changing and frost is on the ground. Time to close up the summer house and head south.

Eastern Bluebirds

This Is Fall

Sat, 22 Oct 2016 01:56:40 GMT

No mater how cold and dreary the day my heart is full of happiness when I see the wonderful colors that surround me.

Michigan Fall 1
Michigan Fall 3

Lost In Transit

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:52:46 GMT

Last Sunday was a big day for mid Michigan and other places across the state. Several large flocks of Greater White-fronted Goose (GWFG) were blown off course and ended up flying over and landing in our state instead of further west. Here is part of a group of nearly 150 GWFG that stopped to feed in a corn field in south western Ingham County. There was a report of a flock of 300 GWFG in Ludington. Generally we only see groups of two to four scattered in places around the state. Migration is a great time of year for big surprises in the birding world.

Greater White-fronted Goose
Greater White-fronted Goose

The Hunter

Wed, 12 Oct 2016 02:30:19 GMT

This Red-tailed Hawk is kiting (hovering) trying to get a better look at something, most likely a small rodent, that caught its eye. American Kestrels are most notorious for kiting, hovering in one place for several seconds before pouncing on their prey. But the big guys do it too, only they might not appear to be quite as graceful at it. This photo was taken at Hartrick Park in Okemos.

Red-tailed Hawk

Hide and Seek

Tue, 11 Oct 2016 01:51:11 GMT

I found this Great Blue Heron hiding along Sycamore Creek in Scott Woods. I'm pretty sure he thought he was invisible.

Great Blue Heron

Forest Sunbeams

Sun, 09 Oct 2016 21:06:00 GMT

I'm glad I decided to take a walk in Scott Woods Park the other morning. I have always wanted a photo like this.

Forest Sun Beams

Early Fall Colors

Sat, 08 Oct 2016 12:16:41 GMT

The trees are slow to change this year but some of the ivy and vines are well on their way to brightening up our Fall landscape.

Fall Vines 1
Fall Vines 2

Foggy Day Wood Duck

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 00:04:32 GMT

The fog was pretty thick so I leaned up against a tree and waited for something to get close enough for a photo. I didn't have to wait long before this female Wood Duck flew in and perched low in a dead tree. I love their white "spectacles.

Female Wood Duck

Fall Migration

Tue, 04 Oct 2016 01:32:11 GMT

Walk and wait, walk some more, enjoy the colors and sounds, mist and sun, fall is here. And with it comes the birds that are flying south to escape the frigid northern winter. If you are out and about long enough and patient an unusual bird may come your way to brighten the day. Just like this Lincoln's Sparrow brightened my day today. It is the first time I have seen one in Ingham County. This photo was taken at Williamstown Township Community Park.

Lincoln's Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow

Glossy Ibis

Sat, 01 Oct 2016 01:28:24 GMT

Two weeks ago a birder found a Glossy Ibis at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. I procrastinated driving up to look for it because either the weather was bad or no one had reported seeing it the day before. So today was the last day that the wildlife drive was open and my last chance to see this bird. The weather could not have been much worse. It rained for the entire drive to the refuge and continued to rain on and off while I was there. But I was lucky and the Ibis was still hanging around in the same general area where it had been found two weeks ago. If you have never been to the wildlife drive tour at Shiawassee I highly recommend a trip there when it opens next year.

Glossy Ibis

Red Fox

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 15:17:36 GMT

I was eating lunch on Tuesday watching the squirrels under the bird feeders when a fox dashed out of the woods and grabbed one, walked back to the edge of the woods and began its own lunch break. I have never been this close to a fox before.

Red Fox Red Fox
Red Fox

Busy Bluejay

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 11:54:37 GMT

On Tuesday I was at Williamston Township Community Park watching for migrating hawks to fly overhead. I didn't have much luck with hawks but did notice a Bluejay continuously flying from one side of the park to the other. I decided to try for a photo and discovered that it was hoarding acorns for the winter. All about birds has this to say, "Their fondness of acorns is credited with helping spread oak trees after the last glacial period". You can read more about the Bluejays love of acorns by clicking on this link.

Busy Bluejay

Waiting For Lunch

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 01:27:10 GMT

This young Red-tailed Hawk was in Legg Park patiently waiting for some chipmunks to wander out into the open.

Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

Early Morning Reflections

Mon, 19 Sep 2016 23:54:29 GMT

I took this photo last week at Fenner Nature Center.

Fenner Reflection

Spider Dew

Sun, 18 Sep 2016 14:05:40 GMT

I found this dewy spider web at Fenner last week. It sure is amazing how precisely they spin their webs.

Spider Dew

My Assistant

Sun, 18 Sep 2016 00:38:16 GMT

This little Corgi hangs out with me on my travels around town. What a good dog!

Dexter

Cattail

Sat, 17 Sep 2016 12:42:46 GMT

Every day the world around us is looking more and more like fall. This cattail stands tall as it ages and is about to burst and spread it's seeds. The photo was taken at North Meridian Road Park.

Cattail

September

Thu, 15 Sep 2016 00:41:47 GMT

Yellow fields of goldenrod are everywhere.

Goldenrod

Reflections

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 19:52:31 GMT

Another pic from my hike on the Ledges Trail.

The Ledges

A Walk at the Ledges

Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:14:00 GMT

The Ledges in Grand Ledge is a great place to spend an afternoon. There are so many interesting things to see, so many nooks and crannies to take pictures of. Take an afternoon off and see what you might discover. Here is a photo of the trail that follows the Grand River from Island Park to the Fitzgerald Park.

The Ledges

Winding Down

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 00:03:21 GMT

Flowers are looking ragged and butterflies appear worn around the edges. Kids are heading back to school and summer is winding down. Time to get out and enjoy the rainbow of summer colors before they fade away. Here is a photograph of a Silver Spotted Skipper feeding on a cone flower in Williamston Township Community Park.

Silver Spotted Skipper

Another Day at BULA

Wed, 24 Aug 2016 01:49:15 GMT

It's absolutely stunning to see birds so close when you are used to seeing them for only seconds through a pair of binoculars.

Canada Warbler
Canada Warbler

Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warbler

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Burke Lake Banding Station

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 12:01:55 GMT

Yesterday I visited Burke Lake Banding Station (BULA) in Rose Lake SGA. BULA is open to the public and I highly recommend a family visit for a great educational experience.

American Goldfinch in mist net
The birds are captured in mist nets and tenderly removed.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Ruby-throated Hummingbird ready for release
The bander then identifies and takes several measurements of each bird.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on the scale
They jump up on the scale to be weighed. Note that all of the birds are not as cooperative as this Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

American Redstart ready for release.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird ready for release
When all of the data has been collected BULA assistants will place the bird on a volunteers hand to release it back into the wild. Sometimes they fly off immediately but often they stick around for a minute and you have to blow on the tail to get them to fly away, like the American Redstart and Ruby-throated Hummingbird in these photos.

You won't find a better way to spend the morning with your family. Here is a link to the BULA Facebook site.

All the Birds Flew Away?

Fri, 19 Aug 2016 01:17:44 GMT

I was watching a bunch of shorebirds through the binoculars when they all scattered. Hmm, wonder why they all flew away? Maybe it had something to do with this juvenile Peregrine Falcon flying overhead.

Peregrine Falcon

Sora

Fri, 12 Aug 2016 01:55:43 GMT

The hot weather has dried up the ponds making it easier to see birds that are normally hidden in the cattails. As the water recedes they are forced to dart out of hiding in a search for food. Here is a photo of a Sora, a rail that is normally content to feed "undercover" and is rarely seen. But the pond at Hartrick Park is almost dry and tonight I caught it darting in and out of the cattails in search of food. Take some time to visit a neighborhood park pond in the early morning or late evening and see if you can catch a glimpse of wildlife that isn't usually so easy to see.

Sora (rail)

One More Lighthouse Pic

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 00:46:33 GMT

Here is another view of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse taken on the same day as the previous photo.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Another Barred Owl

Tue, 09 Aug 2016 17:33:45 GMT

Here is one of my favorite birds, maybe because I tend to see so many of them. This is the first Barred Owl that I have had a good look at in Presque Isle County. This is a young one that gave itself away with its screechy begging for food call.

Barred Owl

Water Lily

Sun, 07 Aug 2016 02:23:44 GMT

On the last day of vacation I went kayaking on my favorite Michigan lake. It was very windy and the water was rough so I had to work hard to find a small protected bay where I could get a photo of a water lily and it's reflection. It just wouldn't be summer without a water lily photo.

Water Lily

Hammond Bay Sunset

Sat, 06 Aug 2016 02:02:10 GMT

When you vacation on the sunrise side of the state it can be challenging to get a good sunset photo. Every once in a while the sunset colors spill over into the north east sky. Here is what you get when that happens.

Hammond Bay Sunset

Alarm Clock is Still Working

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 22:13:27 GMT

Earlier this year I was up north on vacation and posted a blog about a Bald Eagle that would perch in the top of a pine tree just outside my bedroom window and wake me up with it's lovely voice. Well I'm up north again and the Eagle was there in the top of that pine tree at sunrise to welcome me back . As long as I was awake I stepped outside to watch the sunrise and try for a photograph of my friend. I wish I had an alarm clock like this at home.

Bald Eagle

Lake Huron Sunrise

Mackinac Bridge

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:41:47 GMT

Here is a photo of a frozen Mackinac Bridge taken the same day I photographed the lighthouse.

Mackinac Bridge

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Wed, 27 Jul 2016 01:07:38 GMT

When I got the IR camera out of the bag last week I discovered some photographs that I had forgotten about. This IR photo was taken on a trip to the upper peninsula on March 05, 2015 in the middle of a horrific cold snap. The straits were frozen solid, there was an active ice bridge from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the Tahquamenon Falls were close to being frozen solid. I sure am glad that I rediscovered these. This is an infrared photograph converted to black and white.

Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Fern Frond

Tue, 26 Jul 2016 11:53:23 GMT

I'm sticking with the black and white theme today and posting a photo of a sun bathed fern frond. The photo was taken at Bay City State Recreation area along the path to Tobico Marsh.

B&W Fern

Kinawa Woods IR

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 14:22:35 GMT

Here is another example of infrared photography showing the interesting detail and contrast clouds add to the photo.

Kinawa Woods IR 2

Kinawa Trail Bridge - Take 2

Sun, 24 Jul 2016 12:56:13 GMT

I thought I would go ahead and post three pics of the IR photo from yesterday. Here are the original, soft and hard versions.

IR Kinawa Woods 1

IR Kinawa Woods 2

IR Kinawa Woods 3

Kinawa Trail Bridge

Sat, 23 Jul 2016 13:34:58 GMT

Here is an Infrared photograph that has been converted to black and white. It is a small bridge on one of the trails in Kinawa Woods. If you are interested in finding out more about infrared photography check out this Wikipedia site.

IR Kinawa Woods 2

Summer Butterflies

Fri, 22 Jul 2016 12:49:47 GMT

Summer is the time for butterflies, all sizes and colors, common and rare. Grab a butterfly book and go for a walk to see how many you can find in one day. Here is a Mitchell's Satyr that I photographed in Legg Park this week.

Mitchell's Satyr

Teasel

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:05:21 GMT

Sometimes even weeds can be beautiful when viewed up close.

Teasle Teasle

Tall Ship

Tue, 19 Jul 2016 19:02:52 GMT

While on vacation up north my wife and I were at Cheboygan State Park hiking the trial along Lake Huron when one of the tall ships, the Schooner Denis Sullivan, sailed by Bois Blanc Island headed south. It was out in the lake at quite a distance but none the less very exciting to see. Here is one of the pics I was able to capture just to the south of Bois Blanc.

Schooner Denis Sulivan

Mourning Warbler

Sun, 12 Jun 2016 00:59:52 GMT

I was up north in Presque Isle County for a couple of days visiting with family and was lucky to find this Mourning Warbler along the Bicentennial Pathway at Ocqueoc Falls. Mourning Warblers don't seem to be as plentiful as some of the other warblers so I consider it to be one of my favorite birds.

Mourning Warbler

Grassland Sparrows

Sun, 05 Jun 2016 01:34:38 GMT

The Henslow's and Grasshopper Sparrows make their home in large grassland fields. Their voices sound like chirping or buzzing insects and they tend to "run" along the ground hiding among the grasses. Every once in a while they fly up to a perch and throw their heads back to sing their songs and tell the world what a wonderful day it is. You have to be patient to see one of these secretive birds but it is time well spent.

Henslow's Sparrow

Grasshopper Sparrow

Dickcissel

Mon, 30 May 2016 02:27:06 GMT

I grew up on a farm in southern Michigan. On the south east corner of our property there was a small crab apple tree. Year after year I would listen to a Dickcissel sing its song from the top of that tree. Every year it would return and brighten my day with it's song. I have always wondered how many years that Dickcissel returned after I moved away.

Last Friday as I was driving down a country road in southern Ingham County I heard a familiar bird song outside my window. I stopped the car and listened for a while. There in the top of a small pine tree was a tiny bird with it's head thrown back singing as loudly as it possibly could, dick, dick, cis, cis, cis.. I knew that this was not the same bird that I used to listen to years ago but it thrilled my heart to hear it sing. It brightened my day with it's song.

Dickcissel

Black, White and Yellow Flash

Sun, 29 May 2016 01:11:11 GMT

Years ago I would thumb through the pages of my "A Field Guide to the Birds" and dream about all the birds I would see someday. I would linger forever on the page of the Yellow-headed Blackbird and imagine wading through the swamps along the Saginaw Bay to glimpse a black, white and yellow flash and capture that moment with my little Kodak Instamatic 100.

It took many years to realize this childhood dream but now every year in May I take a trip to Nayanquing Point SWA and snap a picture of this "legendary" bird. It pays to be patient!

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Imagination

Sat, 28 May 2016 01:10:36 GMT

Once upon a time there were three billy goats, who were to go up to the hillside to make themselves fat ...

B&W Culvert

Stay Still...

Fri, 27 May 2016 00:32:51 GMT

Mama said "stay still and don't move, I'll be back shortly".
This photo was taken yesterday in Tacoma Hills Park.

Fawn

Prothonotary Warbler

Tue, 24 May 2016 02:14:11 GMT

This is the bird that got me hooked. When I was 12 years old my aunt and uncle invited me to go birding with them at Point Pelee. I had the time of my life and saw somewhere around 100 birds for the weekend. But the highlight was seeing a Prothonotary Warbler with a perfect reflection in the water it was perched above. I will never forget that image.

So every year around the 5th of May I go to Baldwin Park in southern Ingham County to see the Prothonotary Warblers that nest along the Grand River. As usual I was rewarded with some great looks at one of Mid Michigan's most beautiful birds.

Prothonotary Warbler

Barred Owl

Sun, 22 May 2016 02:48:09 GMT

I never tire of this good friend stopping by to ask "who-who-who, who cooks for you?"

Barred Owl

Splash of Red

Tue, 17 May 2016 11:31:15 GMT

Here is a Rose-breasted Grosbeak that was visiting Legg Park over the weekend. It's nice when the name of a bird describes exactly how it looks.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Hello World

Mon, 16 May 2016 02:42:51 GMT

One wonders what mischievous adventures these two will be up to in the weeks to come.

Baby Raccoon's

Golden-winged Warbler

Thu, 12 May 2016 12:09:07 GMT

A birding friend found this little gem in Tacoma Hills Park in Okemos Michigan. A Golden-winged warbler is a rare treat for us Mid-Michigan birders! The migrants are pouring in and "May madness" has taken the birding community by storm. Dust off the binoculars and get out to observe this wonderful treat that Mother Nature has provided.

Golden Winged Warbler

Golden-winged Warbler

Dressed for Spring

Mon, 18 Apr 2016 11:57:02 GMT

Tree Swallows always look like they are dressed for some gala event. Got to love a bird in a tux!

Tree Swallow

Unlikely Visitor

Sun, 17 Apr 2016 02:23:26 GMT

Lucky, lucky me, today I saw my first Whooping Crane! Two of them made a stop in the Mid Michigan area on their migration back home, presumably to Wisconsin. They may have been blown off course by the nasty weather we had last weekend. This majestic bird is a sight to behold. It is our largest crane standing almost 5 feet tall with a wingspan of 7.5 feet.

The Whooping Crane is an endangered species. It is one of the rarest birds in North America. Before the Europeans settled on this continent there were 10,000+ Whooping Cranes. By 1941 there were only 21 wild and 2 captive Whooping Cranes alive as a result of unregulated hunting and loss of habitat. Conservation efforts have led to a limited recovery. As of 2011, there are an estimated 437 birds in the wild and more than 165 in captivity.

Learn more about the effort to save the Whooping Crane at Operation Migration.

Whooping Crane
Whooping Crane

Sunny Day

Sat, 16 Apr 2016 11:48:25 GMT

A pair of Bluebird's enjoying the sunshine after many days of dreary weather.

Bluebird Pair

Magnificent Seven

Sat, 09 Apr 2016 21:16:58 GMT

One of the things on my bucket list was to see all seven of Mid Michigan's Woodpeckers in one day in one county or better yet in one township. Yesterday morning I took a hike on the trails in Lake Lansing North and saw all seven of them in one Park! I saw a Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Red-headed Woodpecker in that order. And to top it off I also saw both of the area's nuthatches, a White-breasted and Red-breasted Nuthatch! Here are photos of most of the birds. Unfortunately I did not get photos of the Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers at Lake Lansing North but did get them at my backyard feeder.

Red-bellied and Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch

Cooper's Hawk

Tue, 29 Mar 2016 12:13:16 GMT

On Sunday I found this Cooper's Hawk in Legg Park taking a lunch break.

Cooper's Hawk

Eastern Bluebird

Sun, 20 Mar 2016 01:57:20 GMT

It's hard to pass up a photo opportunity with an Eastern Bluebird. Looks like this one may be helping out with some nest building.

Bluebird

Fox Sparrow

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 20:52:46 GMT

I found this Fox Sparrow in Legg Park today. This bird gets his name from the red color of it's feathers and the fact that it prefers to stay out of sight hidden amongst the bushes and tall grass. When I see this bird it tells me that spring migration is just around the corner. Let the fun begin!

Fox Sparrow

Mandarin Duck

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 12:33:38 GMT

The Mandarin Duck is an introduced species and there is concern about competition with some of our native species. This photo was taken yesterday at Harris Nature Center in the flooded area immediately north of the nature center. I saw it there two times last summer, looks like it has returned with its mate for another season. Take a trip to Harris and see if you can get a look at this stunningly beautiful duck.

Mandarin Duck

Soaking up the Sun

Sat, 27 Feb 2016 03:28:29 GMT

This Barred Owl is enjoying an afternoon siesta in the sun. I don't know about you but it makes me yawn just to look at him. The photo was taken today at Harris Nature Center.

Barred Owl

Hoary Redpoll

Wed, 24 Feb 2016 12:42:44 GMT

Here is the last photo from my winter trip to the Upper Peninsula, Sualt St. Marie. This is a Hoary Redpoll,a small hardy bird from the Arctic islands of northern Canada. It is a rare visitor to the northern United States during winter months. There has been a lot of discussion over the past few years of combining the Hoary Redpoll and Common Redpoll into one species.

Hoary Redpoll

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Tue, 23 Feb 2016 02:02:30 GMT

Here is another photo from the UP trip. This is a Sharp-tailed Grouse. There were six of them in this pine tree.

Sharp-tailed Grouse

Hooded Merganser

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 22:02:41 GMT

I just keep running into some of the most beautiful birds lately. This pair of Hooded Mergansers were hanging out on Sycamore Creek at the Sycamore Creek Driving Range today. They are rare for this time of year.

Hooded Merganser

Short-eared Owl

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:38:54 GMT

There is something mysterious and magical about owls. Maybe it's their face, calm and wise. This evening I traveled to Maple River State Game Area and saw one of my favorite owls, a Short-eared Owl. It was the perfect end to a very nice February day.

Short-eared Owl

Bohemian Waxwing

Sat, 20 Feb 2016 00:23:42 GMT

We went on a trip to the UP last weekend to find some of the winter birds. I will start with one of my favorites, a Bohemian Waxwing. There were at least 130 birds in this flock. Say ya to da UP, Eh.

Bohemian Waxwing

Bohemian Waxwing Bohemian Waxwing

Red-headed Woodpecker

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 03:31:03 GMT

Wow! What more can you say about a Red-headed Woodpecker. It almost takes your breath away. These photos were taken today in Livingston and Genesee Counties. How lucky to see five in one day. (These photos are just different poses of two of them.)

Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-headed Woodpecker Red-headed Woodpecker

Red-headed Woodpecker

Harbinger of Spring

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 00:49:50 GMT

It most certainly doesn't look or feel like spring but I saw a Red-winged Blackbird yesterday. Hopefully he knows something that we don't and spring is just around the corner.

Red-winged Blackbird

Pass the Buck

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 16:19:32 GMT

This guy was so well hidden that I almost "Passed the Buck". It's amazing how well they can blend in. The photo was taken at Fennner Nature Center.

White-tailed Deer

Merlin

Mon, 08 Feb 2016 02:06:25 GMT

Merlins are small falcons that feed on small birds and sometimes dragonflies. Merlins's spend long periods perched looking for prey. They migrate through mid Michigan and nest in the upper peninsula and Canada. I found this one in Legg Park Sunday afternoon.

Merlin Merlin

Cold Shower (Bath)

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 13:12:04 GMT

As the days turn warmer and puddles form, birds are taking time to bath after the long winter. I watched this female Cardinal splash in the cold water for a few minutes before it flew off to dry in the sunshine. This photo was taken at Fenner Nature Center.

Cardinal taking a bath

Stare Down With a Red-tailed Hawk

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 03:12:19 GMT

Usually it is really hard to get close to a hawk. As long as you don't look at it you're ok, but take just a glance and off it flies. It is even harder to get one that will let you point a great big telephoto lens at it. Well for some reason this one just didn't care. The closer I got the more it dared me to get closer. Here is the result, a stare down with a raptor. Who won? Click to find out. I wish all birds were this cooperative.

Red-tailed Hawk

Purple Finch

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 02:27:20 GMT

Finally a Male Purple Finch at the feeder. Such a beautiful bird!

Purple Finch - Male

Battle of the Giants

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 14:16:19 GMT

Last week I was at Maple River SGA and saw the Golden Eagle for the third time this year. This time an Immature Bald Eagle was trying to chase it away from a dead dear carcass. The Golden was full so he didn't pay much attention to the young eagle. I watched this "battle" for 15 minutes and then they flew off in different directions. The Golden Eagle is on the left in the photo.

Golden Eagle and Immature Bald Eagle

Winter Wren

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 13:41:20 GMT

For it's size the Winter Wren sings louder than any other song bird. Pound for pound it's song is ten times louder than a crowing rooster. It is unusual to see one at any time of the year because of their secretive nature, blending in to the brush and weeds that they inhabit. It is especially exciting to see one in mid Michigan in the Winter when most of them are vacationing in the southern states. I found this one in Legg Park yesterday. Here are all the pics from last week.

Winter Wren

Ross's Goose

Fri, 05 Feb 2016 01:44:53 GMT

I've been having problems with my blog site so I have not posted much lately. Hopefully everything is fixed now.

Today there was a Ross's Goose in the Lansing area at the Sycamore Creek Driving Range. Ross's geese breed in the Arctic Tundra. They are smaller than a Snow Goose. It is quite rare to have a Ross's Goose in Michigan during the winter months as they generally overwinter in central California, southern states and the north-central highlands of Mexico.

Ross's Goose

White-tailed Deer

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 13:03:13 GMT

It seems like White-tailed Deer are everywhere. Here are a couple that posed for me yesterday. They are keeping their eye on my walking companion, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Dexter.

White-tailed Deer

Ducks on the Grand River

Thu, 28 Jan 2016 01:09:55 GMT

I was surprised to find a Black Duck on the Grand River today and even more surprised that a Green-winged Teal was hanging out with it. My lucky day!

Green-winged Teal, Mallard and American Black Duck

Green-winged Teal

Potter Park Eagles

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 15:00:21 GMT

The Bald Eagle pair were putting on quite a show at Potter Park yesterday.

Bald Eagle 1 Bald Eagle 2 Bald Eagle 1 Bald Eagle2

Bald Eagle 2

Brown Creeper

Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:03:01 GMT

I found this Brown Creeper in Legg Park Yesterday. It is so well camouflaged that it is hard to spot. Here are more pics from last week.

Brown Creeper

Another Bluebird

Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:35:12 GMT

There are so many Bluebirds around this winter that it is hard to resist taking a photo of them. Here is a female Bluebird that I found at Fenner Nature Center yesterday. She was right by the parking lot feeding on the edge of the prairie with seven other Bluebirds.

Bluebird

Target Acquired

Thu, 21 Jan 2016 01:13:19 GMT

As I was taking photos of pheasants in flight I quickly learned just why all of the pheasants were in flight. This juvenile Red-tailed Hawk was thinking a pheasant sure would make a nice snack.

Red-tailed Hawk

Frozen in Time

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 03:37:08 GMT

Ring-necked Pheasant

To capture this moment frozen in time
One must freely open their mind
Rely on what's not there for all to see
The moment you do this, the moment you're free.
by John Anderson

(See extra pic here)

Maple River SGA Raptors

Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:36:37 GMT

Raptor numbers are high at Maple River State Game area right now. So far this year there have been Merlins, Northern Shrikes, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, Kestrels, Northern Harriers, Coopers and Sharp-shined Hawks, Bald Eagles and now a Golden Eagle. What a great place to visit if you like raptors.

Golden Eagle Coopers Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk Red-tailed Hawk

Winter Bluebird

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 02:12:49 GMT

Bluebird

I know the song that the bluebird is singing,
Out in the apple tree where he is swinging;
Brave little fellow, the skies may look dreary;
Nothing cares he while his heart is so cheery...
Emily Huntington Miller

R.I.P.

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 01:07:25 GMT

Far Above the Moon

This is Major Tom to Ground Control
I'm stepping through the door
And I'm floating in a most peculiar way
And the stars look different today
For here am I sitting in my tin can
Far above the moon
Planet Earth is blue
And there's nothing I can do.
David Bowie

Harris Nature Center

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 01:22:51 GMT

When the weather is blustery and I don't want to go very far away from home I head over to Harris Nature Center and Legg Park to see what birds are hanging out there. If it is too cold outside you can go inside and get a good view of birds that are visiting the feeders.

White-breasted Nuthatch Hairy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker Winter Wren

Cardinal House Finch

Shiawassee NWR

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 13:09:18 GMT

Yesterday seemed like an early spring day at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, not the middle of winter. It was 42 degrees with light to medium fog, a lovely day for a walk on the Ferguson Bayou Trail. There were not as many birds as there would be on a spring day but the views across the wetlands was quite lovely. More pics from the day can be seen here.

Shiawassee NWR

Tundra Swan

Sun, 10 Jan 2016 02:52:20 GMT

A friend and I drove up to Shiawassee NWR today to look for owls. We didn't find any owls but did see several groups of lingering Tundra Swans. Tundra Swans are such a beautiful bird with a lovely quiet voice. It was a real treat to see and hear them flying overhead.

Tundra Swan

Cold Duck

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 03:13:16 GMT

A little bit of cold duck on a cold day on a frozen lake in northern Michigan. Warms the soul!

Cold Duck

Maple River Raptor

Sat, 09 Jan 2016 02:52:52 GMT

This has to be one of my most favorite raptors, a Rough-legged Hawk. Usually Maple River is home to several of these beautiful birds, but they are late in arriving this year. Maybe because of the warm fall weather? Good news is they are finally starting to show up. Last Wednesday I saw three of them. Here is one that has just taken flight while keeping a close eye on me. Welcome back!

Rough-legged Hawk

Sparrows

Sun, 03 Jan 2016 02:40:12 GMT

I traveled to Wayne County with a friend today to look for two rare sparrows that were visiting a backyard bird feeder. We waited for several hours with a small group of patient birders and were eventually rewarded with a Harris's Sparrow and a Golden-crowned Sparrow. It was a good day to be out in the cold. A big thank you for the family that shared their yard with us!

Harris's Sparrow Golden-crowned Sparrow

Smitten With The Mitten

Fri, 01 Jan 2016 14:37:52 GMT

Here are a couple of birds that you don't normally see in Mid Michigan at this time of the year. Yesterday we found six White-throated Sparrows and one Hermit Thrush at Fenner Nature Center. It was a nice way to end a very good year of birding. Apparently these birds are as "Smitten With The Mitten" as I am!

White-throated Sparrow

Hermit Thrush

Thank you!

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 01:08:42 GMT

A Downy Woodpecker and Carolina Wren enjoy a seed cake that I received for Christmas. Thank you KT!

Downy Woodpecker and Carolina Wren

Old Friend

Sat, 19 Dec 2015 01:38:53 GMT

One thing I miss about the cool weather is not being able to have the windows open at night to hear the Barred Owl calling "Who,who, who, who cooks for you?". But a few days ago I awoke in the night to hear one calling loudly just outside my window. I listened to it for a while as I slowly drifted back to sleep. The next day I was on a early morning walk with my wife in the woods behind our house when we heard a bunch of chickadees raising a ruckus in a pine tree next to the path. I was busy counting the chickadees when my wife whispered "there is an owl in that tree". Sure enough, a Barred Owl was peering at us through the pine branches, seemingly oblivious to the chickadees that were pestering it. I smiled to myself as I took it's picture and said "so nice to see you again old friend".

Barred Owl

American Kestrel

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 12:38:00 GMT

The American Kestrel is our smallest falcon and the only Kestrel found in North America. It is frequently seen sitting on electrical wires or hovering over a field searching for grasshoppers, its' favorite prey. They seem to be migrating through our area right now. I saw six of them in the Maple River State Game Area on Wednesday. They are quite "shy" and rarely allow you to approach very close.

American Kestrel

Once in a Blue Moon

Sat, 12 Dec 2015 02:25:38 GMT

Well maybe not as rare as a blue moon but this is the first Blue Phase (Dark Morph) Snow Goose that I have seen. Sure do wish I could have been a little closer to this one!

Snow Goose and Blue Morph Snow Goose

Snowy Owl

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 15:27:17 GMT

Here is a photo of a Snowy Owl sleeping in the only shade it could find on a hot December day. Somehow it just doesn't seem right to see these owls without snow.

Snowy Owl

Northern Harrier

Tue, 08 Dec 2015 13:16:52 GMT

It is always a pleasure to see a male Northern Harrier. They seem to be quite secretive and reclusive compared to the females and immatures. Or maybe there just aren't as many of them around. Harriers very rarely fly close enough to get a really good photograph. Here is a pic of one of the two males my friend and I discovered on our quest to find a Snowy Owl. What a beautiful graceful bird!

Northern Harrier

Long-eared Owl

Mon, 07 Dec 2015 15:51:58 GMT

Yesterday a friend and I were on our way back from looking for Snowy Owls in the Shiawassee NWR and we decided to make a drive through the Maple River SGA. Just can not pass by Maple River SGA without taking a look around. Especially this time of year when all of the different raptors are showing up. Typically there are Kestrels, Northern Shrike, and occasional Merlin, Northern Harriers, Red tailed Hawks and maybe if your lucky a Golden Eagle or uncommon Owl. Well today we were lucky. There is a group of pine trees that we go by time after time and my friend always says "someday I'm going to find an owl in there". Today when we went by the pines there were about a dozen Bluejays raising a raucous. Quite often when Bluejays or Crows or even Chickadees are being very loud it means that they have found a raptor and are dive bombing it to try and chase it away. We stopped the car and began to search the pines to see what the Bluejays were bothering. It wasn't long before I herd my friend say in a low excited voice "Jim I've got a Long-eared Owl". Here is a pic of the very unusual Long-eared Owl. What a great ending to a very good day outside!

Long-eared Owl

Lunch at Fenner

Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:08:06 GMT

When I was hiking the trails at Fenner Nature Center this week I came across this Red Squirrel chowing down on a Black Walnut. Black Walnuts are really hard but it didn't take him long to get to the good part. Watching him eat made me hungry so I headed for home and a lunch of my own.

Red Squirrel

Jack Frost

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 02:38:04 GMT

Frost

Come out, come out!
October is here;
Come out, come look!
The weather is clear.
Jack Frost has brought something 
for you and for me; his frosty white paintings --
A wonder to see! ...

Alice C. D. Riley

Hawk Watch

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 02:02:05 GMT

Late this afternoon I was at Lake Lansing with Bruce Cohen watching the evening gulls fly in for the night hoping to find something rare. Our gull watch was suddenly interrupted when an immature Bald Eagle flew over the lake scattering the gulls. We were quite disappointed to see the gulls settle down much further out in the lake making it harder to see them through the scope. But our disappointment changed to excitement when this Merlin flew in with a House Sparrow in it's talons and landed in the Cottonwood Tree just above us. Needless to say our gull watch quickly turned into a hawk watch or should I say watching a hawk eat dinner.

Merlin

The Trees Have Eyes

Tue, 01 Dec 2015 01:36:27 GMT

Often when I am quietly sneaking through the woods, being oh so careful not to step on a twig and make it snap, I get the feeling that I'm not as stealthy as I think I am. I feel like the trees and the bushes have eyes and I am always being watched. Do you ever get that feeling too?

Raccoon

Thankful

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 14:22:38 GMT

I forgot about this photo I took at Fenner Nature Center last spring. So I will post one more today. So much to be thankful for!

Wild Turkey

In Flight

Thu, 26 Nov 2015 13:46:36 GMT

Today I thought I would post a couple of Ducks in Flight pics from my trip to Thorn Lake earlier this week. It is hard to appreciate the beauty of birds in flight when looking at them through binoculars. But slow things down a bit with a fast shutter speed and you enter a new world. Here are a Northern Shoveler and a Hooded Merganser. Happy Thanksgiving!

Northern Shoveler

Hooded Merganser

Snug as a Bug ...

Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:06:26 GMT

I was out for a walk yesterday and found this deer all snuggled up in it's warm cozy bed for the day. It picked it's head up to check me out just as I was getting ready to take a photo of it sleeping.

White-tailed Deer

Harlequin Duck

Tue, 24 Nov 2015 13:18:24 GMT

A local Michigan birder found a first year male Harlequin Duck last Saturday in Michigan Center, Jackson County. I drove down with a friend on Sunday to find it but as it turns out we were looking at Center Lake and the duck had moved below the dam where it was feeding with some Mallard Ducks in the shallow rapids. We did not find the duck on Sunday so my sister asked if I would meet up with her yesterday and look for the little guy one more time. We pulled in to the Party Store parking lot and walked behind it where the river was and he was right there less than 30 ft away. Here are a couple of pics. More photographs from the trip to Center Lake and close by Thorn Lake can be seen here.
Thanks to R Green for finding the Harlequin Duck and posting directions on where to find it.

Harlequin Duck

North Pole Express

Sun, 22 Nov 2015 01:45:54 GMT

I decided to brave the snowy conditions and drive north of Owosso to try for some pics of the first 2015 daytime running of the Michigan North Pole Express. I arrived just in time to hear the whistle blowing in the distance. It was very eerie to hear the whistle of the Pere Marquette echoing through the heavily falling snow. It wasn't long before I could see the lone headlamp appear about a quarter of a mile down the track. Soon I could make out the front of the engine and it was then that I realized that I had set up on the wrong side of the track! The smoke an steam were going to block my view of the train. Next time I will remember. Here are a few of the photographs from todays adventure.

Pere Marquette North Pole Express Pere Marquette North Pole Express

Winter Wren

Thu, 05 Nov 2015 12:57:10 GMT

Here is a pic of a Winter Wren that my wife found when we were birding at Herman Vogler Conservation area in Presque Isle County early in October. This little one is famous for foraging low to the ground in dense vegetation. They very rarely stands still so it is always a thrill when one comes out into the open to shows off. This is a delightful bird and another one of my favorites.

Winter Wren

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 12:40:58 GMT

Not much to say except that this is one of my favorite birds. He kept trying to land on my camera lens so I was able to get some close up shots.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Roost Tree

Mon, 02 Nov 2015 20:49:19 GMT

The Pileated Woodpeckers continue to roost in a Beech Tree less than 75 ft from my back door. Here are some pics of the female answering the "doorbell".

Pileated Woodpecker

Check the front door...

Pileated Woodpecker

Check the back door...

First Fall

Thu, 29 Oct 2015 12:27:22 GMT

Last Sunday morning I was up and out early to walk some of the local parks before I had to start the annual ritual of raking the leaves. Hartwick Park had large numbers of Dark-eyed Juncos, Tree Sparrows, Robins and Red-winged Blackbirds migrating through. This first year Red-winged Blackbird was kind enough to pose for me with some bright orange/yellow Maple trees in the background. It appears that he is enjoying his first fall. Soon he will be enjoying the warm southern weather.

Red-wing Blackbird

Morning Stroll

Tue, 04 Aug 2015 12:19:31 GMT

I was visiting Maple River SGA last Sunday and caught this deer family taking a shortcut. It was really hot so even though the fawns were a little reluctant to follow mom I think the cool water probably felt pretty good.

Deer Family

My Vacation Alarm Clock

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 03:02:45 GMT

Every morning around 6 o'clock, this Eagle perches in the top of a pine tree just outside my bedroom window and calls for about 30 seconds. It is quite often joined by its mate and together they raise quite a raucous. It's a very nice way to wake.

Bald Eagle

Look What I Found in the Park

Thu, 16 Jul 2015 12:16:33 GMT

Contrary to popular belief, mosquitoes are not the only critters out and about in the area parks. On Sunday I put on my mosquito warfare outfit and spent a few hours walking about in some of the area parks. Did I see any mosquitoes, you bet I did. But there are a host of other critters out there also. Here is a sampling of what I found.

Common Yellowthroat Pileated Woodpecker

Aphrodite Fritillary Clay-colored Sparrow

Brown Thrasher Eastern Towhee

Lake Michigan Lighthouse

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:09:36 GMT

It was a lovely day to be at the beach. This is the lighthouse that is at the mouth of the St. Joe River.

Here are the rest of the pics from the weekend.

St. Joseph Lighthouse

Mythical Creature?

Tue, 14 Jul 2015 11:50:08 GMT

This insect has the wings of a lacewing, looks like a wasp and has grasping forelegs like a Praying Mantis. It is a neuropteran called a Mantispid. I have only seen a handful of these in my many walks over hills and dales. It is hard to find because it likes to hide on the underside of leaves and is only a half inch long. Some of them are green or brown so they are well camouflaged and even harder to spot. I found this one on the underside of a Milkweed in the Williamstown Township Community Park. I like to think of the Matispid as the Platypus of the Insect world.

Mantispid

Magnificent Frigatebird

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 12:07:19 GMT

Over the weekend a Magnificent Frigatebird showed up on Lake Michigan at the mouth of the St. Joe River. Not sure how or why she is all the way up here from the tropics but the thought is that she got caught up in tropical storm Bill and deposited at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. The first reports of a Frigatebird were from the Chicago area. The Magnificent Frigatebird has a wingspan of 7 to 8 feet, built for gliding above the ocean waves.. We watched it soar in the sky above us for 15 plus minutes without a wing beat. It was great to see this beautiful bird, I hope it finds it's way back home. More pics of the bird are here.

Magnificent Frigatebird

Flight of the Bumble Bee

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 11:48:23 GMT

I could hear the tune playing in my head as I watched this Bumble Bee dancing from flower to flower in search of nectar.

Spiderwort & Bumble Bee

Eastern Box Turtle

Sat, 04 Jul 2015 15:50:26 GMT

I drove over to Allegan County today to look for some birds that I had never seen before. I didn't find the birds but was very lucky to stumble on this Eastern Box Turtle. It has been a very long time since I have seen one of these. When I was young I would see them every once in a while. But since then they have become quite scarce. I have heard that their decline is in part due to people taking them home because they want another pet..... sad isn't it?
I also saw my first ever Hognose Snake and a beautiful three foot long Blue Racer.
Click here to see all of the pics from the day.

Eastern Box Turtle

Nayanguing Point SWA

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 12:08:40 GMT

I would love to be able to get up every morning, brew a cup of coffee and sit on my back porch looking at a this. I am very fond of marshes, swamps and bogs. Which of the two photos do you prefer, #1 (soft) or #2 (more detail)?
More pics from the weekend can be seen here.

Great Egret

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 15:24:40 GMT

This was my first really good look at a Yellow-headed Blackbird. Last year I took a day trip to Nayanguing Point SWA and had a fleeting look at an immature Yellow-headed Blackbird. So yesterday, even though it was raining nonstop in Mid Michigan I decided to take a chance and drive with a friend to Nayanquing Point and see if my luck might change. Well lucky for me there was no rain and the Yellow-headed Blackbirds were out and about, I presume feeding young chicks, and we saw a total of eight. Other neat birds for the day were an American Bittern, Least Bittern, Black-crowned Night Heron, two Piping Plovers and a rare Tricolored Heron. The last two birds were seen at east Tawas Point State Park. It was a very good day.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Singing in the rain.

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 02:07:01 GMT

I had a great day today birding with my sister in Hillsdale County. We saw 65 different birds while dodging the downpours and getting soaked by the wet grass and shrubs. The highlight would be this Hooded Warbler singing in the rain. Or maybe it was my first ever Orchard Oriole.

Hooded Warbler

Orchard Oriole

Red-headed Woodpecker

Mon, 15 Jun 2015 01:36:44 GMT

I never tire of seeing this awesome bird. I saw this one at the entrance to Harris Nature Center yesterday. And I was lucky enough to see another one in Hillsdale County today. I wish I could have been a tad bit closer.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Bird's-foot Violet

Fri, 12 Jun 2015 13:38:57 GMT

When I was a young lad I saw a photograph of a Bird's-foot Violet. Right then and there I vowed to photograph one someday. Over the years I have checked out many Violets but never was in the right place at the right time until last weekend. While looking for the Kirtland's Warbler near Grayling I noticed these small blue flowers along the trail. All of a sudden it dawned on me that I was looking at a flower that had eluded me for many years. Here are two photographs of Bird's-foot Violets.

They are called Bird's-foot Violet because someone with a good imagination thought the leaves looked like a bird's foot.

Bird's-foot Violet

Legg Park Flowers

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 14:28:05 GMT

There are still wildflowers to see in Legg Park. Here are a few from last weekend. Wild Iris (LP)

Goat's Beard (LP)

Wild Columbine (LP)

Kirtland"s and More

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:32:51 GMT

A friend and I drove to Grayling last Saturday to go on the Kirkland's Audubon tour which starts off at Hartwick Pines State Park. We were successful in finding seven Kirtland's Warblers, three seen and 4 others heard singing. On the way there we stopped at the Houghton Lake Nellsville Boardwalk and captured a Common Yellowthroat. After the tour we drove three miles and hiked around Wakeley Lake where I photographed this Black and White Warbler. It was a long but very relaxing day! All of my weekend pics can be seen here.

Kirtland's Warbler Kirtland's Warbler

Common Yellowthroat Black and White Warbler

Liriodendron tulipifera

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 17:42:43 GMT

I don't think very many people realize that Michigan has a native tree with such a beautiful bloom. This is the Tulip Tree, Liriodendron tulipifera, also known as Whitewood, Fiddle-tree and White Poplar. Not only does it have a beautiful flower but I believe it is one of our most majestic Hardwoods. It can grow to heights of more than 165 ft which explains why many of use have never seen it's wonderful blooms. Click here to see all of the facts on Wikipedia.

Tulip Tree Blossom

May Apple

Fri, 05 Jun 2015 13:53:19 GMT

You know it's Spring when the May Apple is in bloom. Every year I try to get an awesome photo of one and every year I am not quite satisfied. Here is my best attempt for this year. The photo was taken in Legg Park.

May Apple (LP)

"Under Cover" Snapper

Thu, 04 Jun 2015 12:56:49 GMT

I was walking the trails at Maple River and almost stepped on this "Under Cover" Snapping Turtle. The scowl on it's face suggests that it was not too happy to be discovered.

Snaping Turtle (MR)

Ovenbird

Wed, 03 Jun 2015 12:53:34 GMT

Last week I was up north in Presque Isle County. I went there to rest, relax and enjoy the spring bird migration. The woods were alive with warblers, flycatchers, vireos and many other birds. Their joyful songs could be heard nonstop. There was one bird in particular that made it's presence known with a beautiful and vibrant staccato song, the Ovenbird. They must have been very happy to be back home! I saw 105 species of birds for the week. I was very happy to be up north!

Ovenbird

Shorebirds (Peeps)

Tue, 02 Jun 2015 12:45:40 GMT

When I was up north last week a storm blew through and these Peeps showed up on the beach. I usually see Spotted Sandpipers every year at this beach but this is the first time I have seen Semipalmated Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers and Dunlins mixed in with the Spotted Sandpipers. It is so much fun to watch them scurry about in the sand and waves searching for food.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Spotted Sandpiper

Dunlin Semipalmated Plover

Just a Baby

Mon, 01 Jun 2015 19:12:02 GMT

When I first saw this little one in the distance I thought it was a Golden Eagle! But alas it is a baby Bald Eagle. It sat in this dead tree for almost 30 minutes ignoring all the pointing fingers and the curios people in cars that stopped to get a look. What a thrill to get so close to such a magnificent bird. This photo was taken last week in Turner Park, Cheboygan Michigan.

Immature Bald Eagle (1st year)

Peek-A-Boo

Sun, 31 May 2015 19:42:23 GMT

It's hard to sneak up on a Barred Owl.

Barred Owl

North Country

Mon, 25 May 2015 15:55:26 GMT

I'm up north for the memorial day week enjoying spring migration for the second time this year. So far it is looking pretty good with lots of Warblers and even some shore birds which is unusual for this area. Here is a pic of one of my Favorite warblers, a Blackburnian Warbler. More pics can be seen by clicking here.

Blackburnian Warbler

Home Sweet Home

Fri, 22 May 2015 02:12:13 GMT

I took the day off to drive down to Hillsdale County to go birding with my sister and a good friend. I enjoy going back to my roots and spending time on the old childhood walking trails. Here are two of the birds we saw today. What a great day!

Louisiana Waterthrush

Canada Warbler (Female)

Wild Geranium

Fri, 22 May 2015 02:02:29 GMT

This week I spent a few hours at Legg Park photographing some wild flowers. I like the way these turned out.

Wild Geranium

Indigo Bunting

Fri, 08 May 2015 18:20:37 GMT

I have been visiting Legg Park since the early eighties. I go there at least twice a week. Spring, summer, fall and winter are all special. Every time I visit I wonder "what special memory will I take home with me today?" Here is one from yesterday that I will not soon forget.

Indigo Bunting

Sunset in the Forest

Fri, 08 May 2015 18:07:22 GMT

I was finishing up my walk the other night as the sun was setting...

Forest Sunset (Legg Park)

Spring Beauties

Fri, 01 May 2015 11:43:37 GMT

The Puritan Spring Beauties stood freshly clad for church:
A Thrush, white-breasted, o're them sat singing on his perch.
'Happy be! for fair are ye!' the gentle singer told them ... Helen Gray Cone

Spring Beauty

Photo taken at Harris Nature Center.

The Man In The Moon Stayed Up Too Late.

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 11:49:23 GMT

...With a ping and a pong the fiddle strings broke!
the cow jumped over the Moon,
And the little dog laughed to see such fun,
And the Saturday dish went off at a run
With the Sunday silver spoon ... Bilbo Baggins

Evening Moon

Woodland Trail

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 19:06:03 GMT

When I get on a trail like this I just can't stop because I always want to see what is around the next bend. Kind of like "the bear went over the mountain to see what he could see"....

Photo taken at Legg Park.

Woodland Trail

On Track

Tue, 28 Apr 2015 12:04:00 GMT

Last night I was returning from my evening walk when I noticed the sun was breaking through the clouds and starting to paint the sky with wonderful yellows and reds. As I crossed the RR tracks the suns reflection off the rails caught my eye so I took a couple of pics and this is what I ended up with, Spring is on track.

On Track Sunset

Spring Flowers

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 11:55:55 GMT

Finally, spring flowers are starting to bloom! Photos were taken at Harris Nature Center.
Click here for some more weekend pics.

Dutchman's Breeches Spring Beauty Trilium

Ring-necked Pheasant

Mon, 27 Apr 2015 11:36:54 GMT

I have seen more Ring-necked Pheasants this year than I have seen in the past 5 years total. When I was young growing up in Hillsdale Co. seems like I saw one almost every day. Maybe they are making a come back. There isn't anything much prettier than this.

Ring-necked Pheasant

Sunset Owl

Tue, 14 Apr 2015 01:01:59 GMT

Owls are one of my favorites and there is just something special about Barred Owls. Maybe it's the dark eyes? The Barred Owl goes by many other names, Eight Hooter, Rain Owl, Wood Owl and Striped Owl. This one spends a lot of time in our neighborhood. We have seen it off and on for the past several years and have enjoyed watching it raise its young. I was very lucky tonight to catch it "hidden" in a pine tree with the setting sun warming it up. Who-who-who-who, who cooks for you?

Barred Owl

Another Winter Wren

Sun, 12 Apr 2015 02:05:46 GMT

Today I saw four Winter Wrens, three at Fenner Nature Center and this one at Harris Nature Center. I do believe that spring migration is finally here!

Winter Wren

Country Road

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 13:28:02 GMT

I guess my feet know where they want me to go ... walkin down a country road - James Taylor

Country Road IRInfrared photograph.

Hills and Dales

Fri, 03 Apr 2015 11:48:27 GMT

Wednesday I spent the day birding and kayaking with my sister in Hillsdale and Branch Counties (kayaking in Ohio at Lake La Su An). I grew up in Hillsdale County and going back to visit is always just like going home. I started birding there when I was around 10 years old, and feel like I lived half of my childhood on the "back forty" or outdoors in "Lost Nations" SGA ... lots of very good memories and dozens of really good birds. Someday I should get out my old checklist to see just how many birds I have seen there. Enough digressing, here are a couple of the birds that we saw on Wednesday.

Osprey

Bonapart's Gull

BIF - Birds In Flight

Tue, 24 Mar 2015 12:04:26 GMT

I love how a photograph can stop the motion of a birds wings so you can see just how beautiful the gift of flight is.

Canada Goose

Sandhill Crane

Tundra Swans

Immature Bald Eagles

Frozen in Time

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:47:05 GMT

February was brutal with temperatures in the teens during the day and negative numbers at night. Michigan lived up to it's name of Winter Wonderland as the rivers and lakes froze solid and the snow piled up in the snow belts. Here is a photo of Tahquamenon Falls nearly frozen solid... awesome sight!

Tahquamenon Falls

Giant Icicle

Close up of icicle on left side of top photo to show how large it is.

Winter Highway

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 00:29:20 GMT

On the way back from Sault Ste. Marie we stopped by St. Ignace to see the "Ice bridge" to Mackinac Island. It was a bustle of activity as snowmobiles pulling sleds were constantly coming and going. Christmas trees mark the shoulder of the highway.

Ice bridge to Mackinac Island

Blowing snow obscures the Island 3 miles away.

Ice bridge to Mackinac Island

Three snowmobilers start their journey across the "Ice Bridge"

Say ya to da UP, eh?

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 11:58:41 GMT

This was my first winter birding adventure in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. My wife, sister and brother-in-law went along to keep me company. We had a great time traveling around the countryside and saw many birds that I would not have seen this year had I stayed at home. The highlight would have to be the many Snowy Owls that we saw in the Pickford area, the awesome meals and the great company. Other highlights would be the Common and Hoary Redpolls, Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, Red Crossbill and a trip to the almost totally frozen solid Tahquamenon Falls. Oh, and I almost forgot, the "lifer" dances that my sister kept doing! I am thinking that this will become a yearly adventure. Here is a pic of one on the Snowy Owls that we saw. More photos will be added here when I have a chance to go through them. (Next year I would like to spend a week or two in the area).

Snowy Owl

Common Redpoll Pine Grosbeak

Ruffed Grouse

Ingham Co. Snowy Owl

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 14:06:51 GMT

I believe this is the first Snowy Owl for Mid Michigan in 2015. It was seen earlier in the week south of Williamston. This is the first pure white (90%) Snowy Owl that I have seen. That would mean it is most likely an older male. It is always a treat to see a Snowy!

Snowy Owl

Old Squaw

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 13:03:40 GMT

When I was a kid we called this duck an Old Squaw. Somewhere between now and then the name was changed to Long-tailed Duck. I'm not sure which duck is the most beautiful but this one must be high up on that list. This photo was taken on the St. Claire River by the Blue Water Bridge.

Long-tailed Duck

Blue

Wed, 04 Mar 2015 01:14:16 GMT

On Saturday we took a trip over to Port Huron to see the ducks and gulls congregated in open water at the start of the St. Claire River. I love to watch the gulls effortlessly glide through the air. These Herring Gulls were just downstream from the Blue Water Bridge.

Herring Gull

Listen to the Mockingbird

Sun, 01 Mar 2015 18:32:58 GMT

A local birder found this Northern Mockingbird yesterday south of town on Plains Road. Lucky for me it was still hanging out in the same area this morning. I think it is quite rare to see a Mockingbird in Michigan, especially this time of year.

Northern Mockingbird

Maple River Hawks

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:04:49 GMT

We took another trip up to Maple River SGA on Saturday. On the way up we stopped by Potter Park and saw the Merlin. Then on to Moores River Park and saw the first Canvasbacks of the year. At Maple river we saw 11 Rough-legged Hawks and 13 Red-tailed Hawks along with another Merlin. Last year I struggled to find one Merlin and this year I have already seen four of them! Other pics from the day can be seen here.

Canvasback

Merlin

Who, Who Am I

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 02:11:16 GMT

My friend and I have been trying to catch this little guy sunning himself on his front stoop for 3 weeks. Third time's the charm! It worked today. This Screech Owl is a red morph which isn't seen as often as the more common grey morph.

Screech Owl (Red Morph)

Snug As a Bug...

Wed, 18 Feb 2015 14:01:19 GMT

... In a Rug. This mourning dove is all fluffed up ready for another cold night!

Mourning Dove

Carolina Wren

Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:35:03 GMT

Off and on this Winter I have heard the "cheer - cheer - cheer" call of the Carolina Wren when walking in the neighborhood. Last Friday it showed up at our feeder for the first time and I missed it. Today I came home for lunch and look who was there to greet me. I hope it continues to visit us now that it has found a nice place for food and water.

Carolina Wren

Red-headed Woodpecker

Mon, 16 Feb 2015 01:50:36 GMT

Since it was so cold today I decided to drive around the countryside with Dexter to see what I could see. I was rewarded with one of my favorite birds, a Red-headed Woodpecker. A rare treat for this time of year.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Woodpeckers

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 14:06:53 GMT

This is the second time in the past week that we have had five different Woodpeckers in out back yard. Here is photo of a Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted) that has just started to visit our feeders. All the pics can be seen here.

Norther Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Legg Park Kinglet

Sun, 15 Feb 2015 13:16:43 GMT

Yesterday I decided to brave the cold and take a hike in Legg Park. The birds must have been snuggled up in warmer places because I did not see many. There were Pileated, Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers' and a few Chickadees'. I was almost back to the car when I saw these two Golden-crowned Kinglets'. It is so hard to get good pics with frozen fingers and the fact that they never stop moving. Here they are all puffed up like little cotton balls with wings. There are a few more pics here.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Country Drive

Tue, 10 Feb 2015 12:46:59 GMT

On Saturday Dexter and I went over to Legg Park to see if the Winter Wren was still there and I found it in the same area where it was two weeks ago. After that we went south of Okemos and found a Merlin on Willoughby Road. I took a couple of nice front on shots before he took off after a Coopers Hawk. I stayed where I was thinking he would return after the chase and was rewarded with some nice pics of him landing. We continued our drive south (always thinking I might see a Snowy Owl) and was rewarded with a Red-shouldered hawk on the corner of Harper and Wolverine Roads. This was the first time I have seen a Red-shouldered Hawk (lifer)! All in all it was a very good day for a drive in the Ingham County countryside.
The whole series of Merlin pics and other birds from the day can be seen here.

Merlin

Merlin before it took off after the Coopers Hawk.

Merlin 5

Merlin returns after the chase.

Red-shouldered Hawk

Red-Shouldered Hawk

Gadwall In Flight

Sun, 08 Feb 2015 20:48:12 GMT

It was a nasty cold drizzly morning but my friend and I decided to drive over to Moores River Park and look for a Gadwall that had been seen there yesterday. The Peregrine Falcon was present sitting atop the Eckert Power Plant but no Gadwall. We were almost back to the car when my friend pointed at a single duck in the river. Sure enough it was a female Gadwall. As I was setting up for a shot she took off up river, made a u-turn and headed back toward us. Sometimes you just get lucky.

Gadwall

Standing Tall

Sat, 07 Feb 2015 02:39:14 GMT

Here is another common bird that is quite beautiful when seen up close. This one was stretched out to his full height as if to say "look at me, I am very handsome".

House Finch

Male House Finch

I'm a Tree

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 12:46:24 GMT

Sunday during the snow storm I noticed this Hairy Woodpecker on the side of a tree in our back yard, quite as a church mouse. I watched for several minutes and he didn't move a feather. Hmm must be playing possum I thought to myself. Shortly after our resident Coopers Hawk swooped down from the treetops and chased a Mourning Dove off into the woods. The Hairy Woodpecker continued his "I'm just a part of this tree" routine for a few minutes more and then flew down to the suet feeder for a bite to eat.

Hairy Woodpecker 2

Snow Storm Birds

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 21:01:54 GMT

Here are a couple of everyday (common) visitors that were at our backyard feeders during the snow storm yesterday.

Northern Cardinal

Female Northern Cardinal

Mourning Dove

Merlin

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:52:13 GMT

It was nice to finally get a look at the Merlin that has been hanging around the Potter Park Zoo parking lot. This is a beautiful Raptor that I don't get a chance to see very often. Go here to see more pics, including the Merlin being harassed by 4 Crows.

Merlin @ Potter Park

Winter Robin

Mon, 02 Feb 2015 01:19:47 GMT

Robins seem to be showing up everywhere lately. Here is one that is drying off after taking a cold bath.

American Robin

Mallard

Sat, 31 Jan 2015 01:42:49 GMT

Sometimes it's nice to see a common bird up close. This male Mallard Duck seemed to be enjoying the sunshine and water even though the wind chill was in the teens.

Mallard Duck

Rare Bird Alert

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 03:10:32 GMT

Today I found a Winter Wren in Legg Park. It is rare for this time of year in Ingham County even though it has Winter in its name. This tiny wren is just a little over 3 inches long, hyper active and very shy. I consider myself very lucky to get a couple of good pics. See some more Winter Wren pics here.

Winter Wren

You looking at me?

Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:47:52 GMT

I was hiding under a big Oak tree along the Red Cedar River trying to get a better look at some ducks when they all scattered and this Red-tailed Hawk came in low above the river and landed in a tree about 40 ft away. When I pointed the lens at him this is what I saw through the viewfinder. Pretty intense stare, I'm glad that I'm too big for him to carry away. It could be that he was looking at my little friend Dexter and wondering if he would make a good snack. ;) More pics from yesterday here.

Red-tailed Hawk

FOY Snowy Owl

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 01:31:57 GMT

Sunday afternoon I drove up to Saginaw County to the area where I saw my First Of Year Snowy Owl for last year (2014). I couldn't believe it when I found this one sitting atop the same electric pole. This is # nine for me this season.

Snowy Owl

More Harris Nature Center

Tue, 20 Jan 2015 03:10:42 GMT

On cold windy days or slushy sloppy days I enjoy driving over to Harris Nature Center and watching all the different birds come to the feeders. Someday I hope to see a Common Redpoll, a Red-breasted Nuthatch or an Evening Grosbeak! Here is one of my favorite feeder birds, a male Red-bellied Woodpecker. The rest of the pictures that I took on Sunday afternoon an be seen here.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

More Maple River

Mon, 19 Jan 2015 02:34:38 GMT

Northern Harriers (4), Rough-legged Hawks (20) and Red-tailed Hawks (5) were very abundant at Maple River SGA on Saturday. We also saw 41 Pheasants and 57 Turkeys. I have never seen that many Pheasants in one place before. Here is a close up of a Rough-legged Hawk. The rest of the pics can be seen here.

Rough-legged Hawk

Snow Buntings

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 00:58:07 GMT

Last Sunday my friend and I took a drive up to Maple River SGA and I saw my first Snow Buntings of the the new year. There were over 100 birds in this flock. In my opinion this is one of our most beautiful winter visitors.

Snow Buntings

Unusual Winter Visitors

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 17:49:03 GMT

Fenner Arboretum had a couple of late season visitors on New Years Day. A Chipping Sparrow and a Clay-colored Sparrow were hanging out together in the Prairie Grassland area. I also took pics of a Cardinal and a Red-tailed Hawk.

Chipping Sparrow

Clay-colored Sparrow

Winter Bluebirds

Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:14:05 GMT

I went on a long hike in Meridian Townships Legg Park yesterday. I saw a lot of birds feeding along the trails. It was especially nice to see five Bluebirds feeding on some wild grapes. See all of the pics here.

Bluebird

Dance of the Owls

Sun, 04 Jan 2015 12:53:53 GMT

On Saturday I decided to take another trip to Shiawassee NWR and see what I could see. Lucky for me the Long-eared Owls were still roosting in their usual spot. I was able to find 7 of them. Others there said that they counted 10. As the moon was rising in the east (Canada Geese below the moon) the Short-eared Owls (5 of them) decided to come out and put on an aerial show. It was spectacular! I think that I may have found a new favorite bird. All of the pics can be seen here.

Moon & Canada Geese

Short-eared Owls

We three Owls

Tue, 23 Dec 2014 01:53:23 GMT

Yesterday I went on an afternoon safari with my friend to the Shiawassee NWR to look for owls. We were not disappointed. These owls were all within a quarter mile of each other.

Long-eared Owl

Long-eared Owl (There were 10 of them!)

Short -eared Owl

Short-eared Owl

Snowy Owl

Lift Off!

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 02:23:10 GMT

Here is a Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk Getting ready to take flight. When it comes to photographing birds it's not often that I say "darn it I'm too close". The rest of the weekend pics can be seen here.

Red-tailed Hawk

Morning Gems

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:48:36 GMT

Here are three pics from a frosty early morning walk with Dexter. These pics were taken in the Kinawa Woods.

Northern Cardinal American Goldfinch

Frost

Pere Marquette 1225

Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:23:55 GMT

The Michigan Polar Express yesterday north of Ovid-Elsie. Unfortunately it was too late in the day for good detail.

Pere Marquette 1225

Feeling Better

Tue, 02 Dec 2014 02:08:43 GMT

Recovery from knee surgery is going well. Over the weekend I was able to capture a Golden Eagle and a big buck despite the dark, dreary weather.

Golden Eagle

Golden Eagle in Gratiot County (Maple River SGA)

Big Buck

Big Buck in Ingham County.

Day 5 Black & White Challenge

Sat, 22 Nov 2014 02:22:49 GMT

I took this pic yesterday (too cold and blustery) but had not had a chance to look at it until today. So here is my pic for day 5 from one of my favorite places to take photographs, the MSU 4H Children's Garden. This is another IR shot converted to black & white.

4H Children's Garden

Day 4 Black & White Challenge

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 01:18:38 GMT

Here is my pic for day 4. It was too cold and blustery at lunch to go outside for the IR photo that I wanted so I reworked this one instead. The photo was taken in natural lighting coming from a high window, no flash. The conversion was done in Lightroom.

YOung Girl

Day 3 Black & White Challenge

Thu, 20 Nov 2014 01:30:26 GMT

I was too busy to get out and take a pic today so I'm going with this IR photograph converted to B & W. This was taken early in the morning while kayaking on Ocqueoc Lake in Northern Michigan. You are looking at a boat landing with a sun dog in the sky above it.

Day 2 Black & White Challenge

Wed, 19 Nov 2014 02:39:25 GMT

Here is my pic for Day 2 of the challenge. I only had a little time over the lunch hour to get out and about, unfortunately the sky was not cooperative. This is my rendering of Beaumont Tower on the campus of MSU.

Beaumont Tower

Day 1 Black & White Challenge

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 02:18:18 GMT

I was picked by my Nephew to the 5 day Black & White challenge. This is my entry for Day 1, a Red-tailed Hawk in our back yard. I wonder why there are no chipmunks under the feeders today?

Red-tailed Hawk

Another Snowy Weekend

Sun, 16 Nov 2014 19:53:18 GMT

My friend asked me to go on an early season Snowy Owl expedition yesterday. We were not disappointed and found this beautiful bird in Northern Gratiot County. It looks like it may be another Snowy Owl irruption this winter! There are more Owl pics available here.

Snowy Owl

Snow is Here

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 01:35:06 GMT

Snow Geese that is. I'm finally finished "collecting leaves", so I got in the car and drove several miles to see my first Snow Geese of the year. I wish that I could have gone earlier last week when my sister was there.

Snow Geese

Campus Hawk

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 03:02:27 GMT

I met this very friendly juvenile Red-tailed Hawk when I was on my lunch walk one day last week. He just seemed to really like his picture taken and I was more than happy to oblige.There are a few more pics here.

Red-tailed Hawk

Saw-whet Owl

Mon, 03 Nov 2014 01:55:52 GMT

An area birder found this Saw-whet Owl at Fenner Arboretum this morning. Lucky for me it was still in the same area later in the afternoon when I finished raking the leaves in the lawn and had time to go "chase" it. This is a first time bird for me (lifer). I have wanted to see one for a very long time. Lucky, lucky me.

Saw-whet Owl

Rehab and Scruffy

Thu, 23 Oct 2014 11:49:15 GMT

On my lunch walk yesterday I saw some Veterinary students rehabbing an injured owl and a Red-tailed hawk with a very scruffy tail. Click here to see some more bird pics from around the MSU campus.

Great-horned Owl

Red-tailed Hawk

Hanging Around

Tue, 21 Oct 2014 01:56:32 GMT

Finally got a chance to take a couple of photos. I've been busy with other things. Here are a couple of Sandhill Cranes that are postponing there trip south for a few more days. These pics were taken on my lunch hour walk around the MSU campus.

Sandhill Cranes

Winter Coat

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 18:32:13 GMT

Fall is here, the temperature is dropping and the male American Goldfinches are slowly putting on their winter coats.

Fall Male Goldfinch

More Sunrise

Sun, 05 Oct 2014 00:17:04 GMT

Here are two photos that show how much a sunrise can change in just a few minutes. The second photo was taken 5 minutes after the first one. It almost looks like different sunrise!

Lake Huron Sunrise

Beal Pics

Sat, 04 Oct 2014 01:32:41 GMT

Several times a week I walk through the Beal Botanical Gardens on my lunch break. Today I decided to stop, take my time and enjoy the flowers that are still in bloom.

_MG_7645

Apple of Peru

_MG_7700 _MG_7693

Pokeweed and Achira

_MG_7648

Thorn Apple

Happy Birthday

Thu, 02 Oct 2014 00:27:02 GMT

I just couldn't have asked for a better birthday present than this.

Birthday Sunrise

Birthday Sunrise.

Lake Huron Sunrise

Sunrise the day before.

Northern Goshawk

Tue, 30 Sep 2014 02:01:30 GMT

I was finally able to take time to visit the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory on Sunday. It was quite the learning experience. I would like to thank the crew of two for allowing me to observe the migrating birds and helping me with ID's. I saw hundreds of waterfowl, my first Dark-eyed Juncos of the fall, Pipits, Horned Larks, Savannah, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, a Paregrine Falcon, Sharp-shined hawk, Black-bellied Plovers, first of year Red-throated Loons and Eared Grebe, but by far my favorite was this Juvenile Northern Goshawk. What a very good great first visit to WPBO.

Juvenile Northern Goshawk

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:50:01 GMT

I found this tiny backlit spider and web blocking a trail that I was walking down today. It looked kind of neat there in the sunshine so I decided to take a few shots from different angles and here is what I came up with.

Spider and Web

Garden Beauties

Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:02:10 GMT

Fall is here and it won't be long now until these will be a thing of the past. Oh well, next year....

Zinna

Zinnia

Zinna Lucifer plant

Zinnia and Crocosmia Lucifer

Dewdrops

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 14:06:57 GMT

Here is a spider web bedecked with glistening beads of dew.

Fog drops Spider Web.

Diamond in the Rough

Sun, 21 Sep 2014 18:31:32 GMT

Today I was driving by a pond when I noticed that there were dozens of swallows flying around the surface and perched in nearby trees. I stopped to get a closer look and discovered that they were Northern Rough-winged Swallows that must have stopped in to refuel on their way south for the winter. I decided to try my luck at getting a photograph or two of them in flight. Such beautiful graceful flyers!

Rough-winged Swallow

More Flowers From Fenner

Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:10:50 GMT

Yesterday my friend and I spent the morning at Fenner Arboretum. The wind was from the south which must have slowed down the fall bird migration so I spent some time photographing some more flowers in prairie section.

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed.

Coreopsis

Coreopsis.

Butterfly Weed

Butterfly Weed and Bumblebee.

Another Sunflower

Thu, 18 Sep 2014 15:42:41 GMT

Not long now and the fields will be brown and the ground will be covered with snow. So enjoy the flowers while you can. Go for a walk in the great outdoors and soak up the beauty that nature gives to us for free.

Tall Sunflower

Burke Lake Revisited

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 02:03:12 GMT

Last Saturday I dropped in to visit the group at the Burke Lake Banding Station. This Lincoln''s Sparrow was the highlight of the day. More pics can be seen here.

Lincoln's Sparrow

Vireo

Tue, 16 Sep 2014 11:44:31 GMT

Here is a bird that I missed in Spring migration. I didn't think I would see one this year. But on Sunday my wife joined me on a walk at North Meridian Park and she picked out this Philadelphia Vireo flitting around in some bushes along the trail.

Philadelphia Vireo

Purple-stemmed Aster

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 01:12:24 GMT

I decided my weekend assignment would be to photograph the purple Asters that are so prevalent at this time of year. I have always struggled with how to photograph these flowers. These turned out better than anything I have captured so far.

Purple Stemmed Aster

Legg Park in Okemos.

Purple Stemmed Aster

Harris Nature Center in Okemos.

Purple Stemmed Aster

Abbott Road Park, East Lansing.

After the Storm

Sat, 13 Sep 2014 01:37:17 GMT

Last Friday evening we had some severe weather pass through mid Michigan. Toward the end of the storm I decided to go out and capture some Infrared photographs. This was a first attempt and I am very satisfied with the results.

IR Storm Clouds

Harris Nature Center Monarch

Thu, 11 Sep 2014 01:13:43 GMT

Last Saturday afternoon I found this newly emerged male Monarch Butterfly in the Tall Sunflowers next to the Nature Center at Harris. He is just finishing the process of "pumping up" his wings in preparation for his first flight. It is amazing to think that this butterfly that may have traveled less than ten feet as a caterpillar will fly more than 2000 miles to Mexico and spend the winter there.

Monarch and Tall Sunflower

Monarch and Tall Sunflower Monarch and Tall Sunflower

Butterfly Painting

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 01:28:00 GMT

Here are three more photos taken yesterday at Fenner. This is a Cabbage Butterfly on a Flat-topped Goldenrod.

This photo is uncropped with very little post processing.

Cabbage Butterfly Cabbage Butterfly

Here are two cropped photos. The one on the right was shot in full sunshine and the one on the left was shot when the sun was under a cloud.

Breakfast at Fenner

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:02:55 GMT

Yesterday while walking the paths at Fenner we caught this Ruby-throated hummingbird eating a late breakfast of Butter-n-Eggs. Yum Yum ... Three more pics here.

Ruby-throated hummingbird

Dragon Head

Mon, 08 Sep 2014 00:42:23 GMT

A friend and I went for a hike at Fenner Arboretum today. We hadn't gone far when we saw this deflated balloon falling from the sky. I really like the way it turned out.

Dragon's Head

Saugatuck Shore-Birds

Sat, 06 Sep 2014 02:13:38 GMT

Here is a pic of my favorite bird of the day, a Semipalmated Plover. Click here to see all of the shore-bird pics from the Kalamazoo River Trip.

Semipalmated Plover

Kalamazoo River Kayaking

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 01:51:02 GMT

What a beautiful day relaxing in the kayaks on the Kalamazoo River. Click here to see more Infrared pics.

Kalamazoo River IR

A New One!

Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:06:44 GMT

Yesterday I went kayaking on the Kalamazoo River with my wife, sister, niece and brother-in-law. We put in at the New Richmond Bridge Park Access and took out at Wades Bayou. It was a perfect day for a paddle with the perfect company. I thoroughly enjoyed the almost 4 hour paddle. Afterward we had a lovely Lunch at the Hickory Pit in Saugatuck. Last stop was the Mouth of the Kalamazoo River to look for shore birds. We were not disappointed, and saw Sanderlings, Semipalmated Sandpipers, a Semipalmated Plover, Herring, Bonapart and Ring-billed Gulls, Caspian, Common, and a Forster's Tern. The highlight was this Great Black-backed Gull. All in all we saw 44 species of birds for the day. It was a very good/excellent day!

Great Black-backed Gull

Look at the size of this gull next to a Semipalmated Sandpiper and Ring-billed Gull!

Cattle Egrets

Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:05:01 GMT

On Saturday someone reported two Cattle Egret at Maple River SGA. So Sunday afternoon Greg and I headed that way to see if we could find them. I was quite happy to see that they were still there hanging out on the causeway between cell C and cell D. Here are the best pics I could come up with.

Cattle Egret

More Burke Lake Banding

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 11:43:28 GMT

We went to the Burke Lake Banding Station again yesterday. Here is my bird of the day, a Canada Warbler. Click here to see the rest of the pics.

Canada Warbler

Wild Sunflower

Sun, 31 Aug 2014 02:13:03 GMT

I stopped by Harris Nature Center in between rain showers today and was captivated by the Tall Sunflowers. Here is a closeup photo that I especially liked. I think this may be a Schweinitz's Sunflower.

Tall Sunflower

Snowy Egret

Fri, 29 Aug 2014 01:45:23 GMT

This morning I was finally able to get a look at the Snowy Egret that has been hanging out in the holding pond on the NE corner of Hulett and Jolly Roads in Okemos Michigan. It is nice to have one of these beautiful birds in the Mid Michigan area.

Snowy Egret Snowy Egret and Great Egret

Left photo is the Snowy Egret. Right Photo shows the size difference between the Snowy Egret and the Great Egret.

More Beach Flowers

Tue, 26 Aug 2014 13:59:29 GMT

Here are pics of two more Lake Huron Beach Bog flowers. The first is in the orchid family, Nodding Ladies' Tresses. It stands about 4 inches tall. The second is a Grass of Parnassus (Bog-star) flower. It is about 1 in in diameter. Click here to see some more photos of the Lake Huron Beach Flora and Fauna.

Nodding Ladies Tress. Nodding Ladies Tress.

Grass of Parnasis

Fringed Gentian

Mon, 25 Aug 2014 14:25:28 GMT

Thirty years ago, when I first started visiting the Northeast Lake Huron shoreline, these flowers were not hard to find around the boggy beach areas (Marl Bogs) so prevalent in this part of the state. This past week I looked in places where Fringed Gentians were once quite abundant and was able to find only two plants. Problem is too many people find these flowers more attractive in a vase on their table top than in their natural setting. Also as more houses are built along the shore the bogs are drained or filled in so there is a nice sandy beach to play on. It makes me sad to think that future generations may never see one of these flowers in their natural setting. Click here to see all of the Fringed Gentian pics.

Fringed Gentian Fringed Gentian

Fringed Gentian

Take Off!

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:23:50 GMT

The eagle was back in its usual early morning roost looking out over Lake Huron. I hung around for a bit and was able to get these photos off him lifting off and flying away.

Bald Eagle

Lighthouses

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:07:56 GMT

Yesterday afternoon we finally had a peak at bright blue skies and warm sunshine. We decided to drive up to Cheboygan State Park and hike the green trail along the lakeshore. We saw several warblers and had good looks at Poe Reef and 14 Foot Shoal Lighthouses. It was a gorgeous day and a beautiful walk.

Poe Reef Lighthoust

Poe Reef Lighthouse.

14 Foot Shoal Lighthoust

14 Foot Shoal Lighthouse and Big Mac.

The Eagle is Back

Thu, 21 Aug 2014 14:46:35 GMT

The Eagle is back in its' usual spot serenading us in the early morning.

Bald Eagle

Hazy, Lazy Days of Summer

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 21:14:53 GMT

Yesterday a rainbow, today fog and clouds. Ya gotta love Michigan weather. Fog

Beautiful Ending

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 02:29:53 GMT

It rained on and off all day today but we were still able to get in plenty of outdoor time. It ended perfectly with this beautiful rainbow. There was just a tad bit of a double which shows better in the second pic.

Rainbow

Ranbow

A New Look at the World

Tue, 19 Aug 2014 14:11:18 GMT

Earlier this year I developed a fast growing cataract in my right eye. Two weeks ago I had the lens (cataract) removed and replaced with a new intraocular lens implant. I had not realized how much the cataract had affected my vision. Just a few days after the surgery I was looking at a new world. Suddenly I was immersed in bright, crisp, saturated images. In celebration I made a visit to the MSU Children's Garden to take some macro photographs of the flowers and insects. Here are a couple of my favorites. Click here to see more photos from the day. Oh Happy Day!

FLower Flower and Bee

Burke Lake Banding Station

Mon, 18 Aug 2014 02:28:26 GMT

Saturday morning we drove to the Burke Lake Banding Station to learn first hand what banding birds is all about. Here is a Canada Warbler that was caught in the nets during our visit. Here are more pics that I took on Saturday.
Here is a link to the Burke Lake Banding Station Facebook page

Canada Warbler

Afternoon Hummer

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 21:37:55 GMT

I took a short break today and drove over to Harris Nature Center. The hummers at the trumpet vine caught my attention. Of coarse as soon as I got close they all decided to go some place else. Here is best I could come up with.

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Blue Grosbeak

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 16:14:43 GMT

Last Sunday a friend and I took a drive over to Kalamazoo to look for a Blue Grosbeak that had been seen along the river walk. We spent a good share of the day there and was lucky to come away with a photograph of the male and female. The last time a Blue Grosbeak was seen in Kalamazoo was 57 years ago!

Blue Grosebeak

Female Blue Grosbeak

Piping Plover

Thu, 07 Aug 2014 01:26:07 GMT

All summer I have been trying to get up to Tawas Point to see the Piping Plover and Nayanquing Point to see the Yellow-headed Blackbird. Well last Saturday I finally made the trip and was not disappointed. I saw a juvenile Yellow-headed Blackbird but did not get a pic. Here is a pic of the Piping Plover and here are some more pics from the trip. Every week there is a new place to explore.

Piping Plover

Harris NC Hawk

Wed, 30 Jul 2014 01:15:12 GMT

I stopped by the Harris Nature Center on Sunday before the storms rolled through and took this photo of one of the resident Red-tailed Hawks. I believe this is Aztec.

Aztec

Home Sweet Home

Wed, 23 Jul 2014 13:28:57 GMT

Every time I see an old worn down house I can't help but think that this used to be someones home. And I think of all the memories, happy and sad, that are held within the crumbling walls. Just imagine the stories it could tell!

Old House

Morning Stretches

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 12:11:45 GMT

I had to laugh when I saw this Marsh Wren. It must be frustrating living in a cattail marsh and trying to perch on the moving, bendable leaves.

Least Bitern

Marsh Wren

Least Bitterns

Tue, 22 Jul 2014 01:15:51 GMT

Yesterday I stopped by Maple River SGA and was lucky to see and photograph two Least Bitterns in the East end of Unit C. I wasn't sure that was what they were until I got home and looked at the pics. I had some help ID'ing them from birders on the Michigan Birders Facebook site.

Marsh Wren

Female and Juvenile Bobolinks

Mon, 21 Jul 2014 01:59:49 GMT

I took a short trip up to Mount Pleasant to look for some Clay-colored Sparrows. I did not get a photo of them but there were several Female and Juvenile Bobolink's that were just begging to have their photo taken.

Bobolink

Something Different

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 13:54:46 GMT

I saw this Dragonfly at Rose Lake while looking for a Sedge Wren and Hooded Warbler. I believe it is a Widow Skimmer.

Widow Spinner

Hooded Warbler

Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:01:47 GMT

A friend and I went to Rose Lake SGA early Saturday morning in search of Hooded Warblers. We had some help from another birder that had seen a couple of them the previous weekend. We walked about four miles searching for Sedge Wrens in a bog along the way. No Sedge Wrens but we did find the Hooded. It was a lifer for him and a first of year for me. What a great way to spend a warm summer morning in July.

Hooded Warbler

Doe and Fawn

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 18:06:54 GMT

Quite often when I drive places I take the back roads in hopes of finding a new bird or something interesting to photograph. Last Sunday I was lucky enough to see three deer families feeding in the fields along the edge of a woods. The mothers are always on the guard looking out for danger. This mother was about an eighth of a mile away but still kept her eye on my every move.

Doe and Fawn

Summer Lupine

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:51:38 GMT

I couldn't resist taking a picture of these Lupine.

Lupine Lupine

Prothonotary Farewell

Thu, 10 Jul 2014 01:30:57 GMT

Last Sunday I went kayaking on the Grand River to say goodbye to the Prothonotary Warblers for this year. The little ones have fledged in all but one nesting cavity. After they fledge the families seem to just disappear into thin air. I will miss not seeing them on my river trips. Farewell to a most beautiful bird. More photos can be seen here.

Prothonotary Warbler

Dickcissel

Wed, 09 Jul 2014 02:07:45 GMT

The last time I saw a a Dickcissel I was a teenager. I was riding my bicycle down Burt Road in Hillsdale County when I heard a new bird song. The lovely song was coming from a small bird perched atop a tiny apple tree. I knew immediately that it was my first Dickcissel. I have been wanting to see another one for some time now. So when I heard the reports that birders were seeing one along Damman Road just south of Fowlerville I grabbed my binoculars and camera and was on my way down the road. It wasn't long before I was rewarded with some great views of this singing male. A great big Thank you to those that passed on the location of this beautiful bird.

Dickcissel

Bald Eagle

Tue, 08 Jul 2014 01:37:21 GMT

Last week on my vacation, at 5:30 every morning, this magnificent bird would perch in the top of a Spruce Tree less than 50 feet from my bedroom window and wake me up with it's good morning calls.

Eagle In Flight

Eagle Perched

Number 200 for 2014

Mon, 07 Jul 2014 01:59:41 GMT

When I started my "Big Year" I figured that 175 birds would be a fantastic number. Two weeks ago, to my amazement, I found myself approaching 200. So I started to plan a way to make number 200 something special. It was going to be a bird that I had seen with my Aunt Mary, Uncle Clifford, Aunt Thera and Uncle Paul. These were the special people in my life that got me started in birding and why I am a "Bird Nerd" to this day. So here is number 200, a Kirtland's Warbler. It was a very good day! Now to see how far I can go beyond 200.

Kirtland's Warbler

Shiawassee IR

Wed, 25 Jun 2014 01:52:52 GMT

Last weekend when I went kayaking at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge I took time to capture some Infra red photos. This is one that I liked a lot. You can see the rest of the Shiawassee IR photos here.

Shiawassee NWR

Finally Found One

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 00:54:37 GMT

For some reason I have had a very hard time finding a Swamp Sparrow this year, until this weekend. This little guy flew right out into my path where I couldn't miss him. Here are some more pics from the weekend.

Swamp Sparrow (MR)

Osprey

Mon, 23 Jun 2014 02:16:21 GMT

Yesterday I visited Maple River SGA and Shiawasee NWR. I saw four new birds for the year and a couple of Osprey. This one was intent on fishing and wasn't paying a bit of attention to me. I was hoping to see it catch a fish but no such luck. It was a great day to be outside in my kayak.

Osprey

Cerulean Day

Sun, 15 Jun 2014 01:35:45 GMT

A friend and I decided to visit Barry County today and see if we could find a Cerulean Warbler. Long story short, we found three of them. This is one beautiful bird, and we are two lucky birders. This was the best shot I could come up with.

Cerulean Warbler

Lunch Time

Sun, 01 Jun 2014 01:41:28 GMT

I found this Pileated Woodpecker nest several weeks ago. I have been waiting to take pics when the lighting was soft. Alas I fear the babies are getting big and my time for the perfect lighting is running out. So I braved the mosquitoes, sat in the woods for a while and was rewarded with some excellent views of both parents feeding the young ones. This is the first time that I have seen baby Pileated Woodpeckers and they are just as cute as I imagined they would be.

Pileated Woodpecker

Grasshopper Sparrow

Sat, 31 May 2014 21:23:00 GMT

I finally found the time to go to the Van Atta Road Nature Preserve and look for the Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrows that others have been seeing this spring. Another group of birders showed up and I joined them in the hunt. Luckily one of them had brought his scope along and we were able to get good looks at both of the birds. We were also able to clearly hear them singing. The Henslow's Sparrow is a lifer. It was a very good day. Here are some pics of the Grasshopper, the Henslow's was too far away for pics.

Grasshopper Sparrow

_MG_3305

Eye on the Dog

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:58:27 GMT

This little chipper was very interested in my walking companion, a Corgi named Dexter.

Red Squirell

Leucistic Robin

Thu, 29 May 2014 17:23:45 GMT

Earlier in the year someone reported seeing a leucistic Robin at the MSU Clarence E Lewis Landscape Arboretum. So I have been walking through there almost every day to see if I could find it. Well today was my lucky day. At 12:30 I saw the Robin at the west end of the Arboretum, specifically in the Yvonne Wilson Native Plant Garden. All I had was my iPhone to take pics so this is the best I could do.

Leucistic Robin

Blue-headed Vireo

Thu, 29 May 2014 01:27:47 GMT

Here is a tiny bird with a beautiful song and nice white spectacles. I love how birds always know you are watching them, and sometimes they take the time to scrutinize you.

Blue-headed Vireo

Prairie Warbler

Wed, 28 May 2014 01:32:23 GMT

On my way home from a weekend up north I receive an email that a local birder had found a Prairie Warbler in North Meridian Park. When I got home I unpacked the car, grabbed the camera and binoculars and headed over to the Park to see if the little guy was still hanging around. As I approached the Savannah loop I could hear his lovely song and it didn't take long to find him. Here are pics of the Prairie Warbler. I believe this is only the 2nd time a Prairie Warbler has been found in Ingham County.

Prarie Warbler

Dwarf Lake Iris

Tue, 27 May 2014 02:28:12 GMT

I visited Thompson"s Harbor State Park today and was surprised to see Dwarf Lake Iris in the hundreds. I did not know that it was the Michigan State wildflower. "The Dwarf Lake Iris only grows in the Great Lakes area and most of the world's population of this Iris is found within the borders of Michigan". This is certainly one of the most unique and beautiful spring wildflowers.

Dwarf Lake Iris

Ovenbird

Mon, 26 May 2014 01:42:20 GMT

I'm up North in Presque Isle Co for the weekend. Usually the Warblers are here by the hundreds this time of year but I am finding them few and far between. It must be the late Spring. But the Ovenbirds are everywhere. It is hard to miss their vivacious song.

Ovenbird

Tennessee Warbler

Fri, 23 May 2014 01:30:54 GMT

The parking area at Unit A in the Maple River SGA was very active early Sunday morning. There were so many Warblers that I am sure I missed some. Here is a Tennessee Warbler that was a first of the year for me . See more weekend pics here.

Tennessee Warbler

Chimney Swift

Wed, 21 May 2014 12:17:32 GMT

This bird is commonly referred to as a cigar with wings. I am including a couple more pics of birds in flight (BIF).

Chimney Swift

_MG_2679-Edit

Tree Swallow

Night Hawk

Common Night Hawk

WOW

Sun, 18 May 2014 02:14:16 GMT

A friend and I went birding at Sleepy Hollow State Park this morning. I knew that we had seen a Blue-winged Warbler, but it wasn't until I got home and started going through the photographs that I realized we had seen a hybrid Blue-winged/Golden-winged Warbler or what they used to call a Brewster's Warbler. Wow, what a beautiful bird.

Brewster's Warbler

Over the Canopy

Fri, 16 May 2014 01:33:30 GMT

I was walking under the Maples on the Ferguson Bayou Trail when a Sandhill Crane flew overhead. Here is the photo that I ended up capturing despite all of the leaves and branches. All of last weekends birds can be seen here.

Sanhill Crane

Looking Glass

Thu, 15 May 2014 14:11:18 GMT

Last Sunday morning I kayaked on the Looking Glass River. For some reason this river is always good for reflections...
If you listen closely you can hear a Prothonotary Warbler singing and Sora Rails calling in the background.

Shiawassee NWR

Blue Angel

Thu, 15 May 2014 00:46:03 GMT

This Great Blue Heron was putting on an air show over Legg Park, silent and beautiful.

Great Blue Heron

More Gems

Sun, 11 May 2014 02:08:37 GMT

This morning a friend and I went to Legg Park to see how many species of birds we could see in one day. We ended up with 62. Some of the birds that I saw but did not get pictures of were Cape May and Bay-breasted Warblers. We saw a total of 15 Warblers. I think it was a very good day for Legg Park!

Baltimore Oriole

Magnolia Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Chestnut-sided Warbler

# 150

Sat, 10 May 2014 02:27:36 GMT

This is number one hundred fifty for 2014. I was hoping that it would be a good one and my wish came true. This is a Dunlin, the photo was taken from my kayak (have I ever mentioned that I like kayaking?). This was on my first trip to the Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge. I can see myself making many more trips back here! More Dunlin pics can be seen here along with a few other shore birds.

Dunlin

Everything's Rosie

Wed, 07 May 2014 01:47:28 GMT

I took the afternoon off for some relaxation. Here is what I saw along the Lansing River Trail, and more.

Rose-breasted Grosebeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Welcome Home

Mon, 05 May 2014 01:35:07 GMT

If you have followed me for long then you know that by far my favorite bird is the Prothonotary Warbler. I took the kayak out today to see if I could find my first one of the year. Not only did I find one but I found a pair that were working on their nesting site. Now I will be able to follow them as they raise their young. Welcome home Mr. and Mrs. Prothonotary! More pics here.

Protonotary Warbler

Warbler Invasion

Sun, 04 May 2014 02:28:14 GMT

Finally the warbler migration has begun. Without a doubt, this is my favorite time of the year.

Pine Warbler

Pine Warbler (Fenner)

Palm Warbler

Palm Warbler (Fenner)

Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Green Warbler (Legg Park)

Nashville Warbler

Nashville Warbler (Legg Park)

Caspian Ghost

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 02:05:29 GMT

The bright overcast sky made this shot of a Caspian Tern a challenge. It was just plain luck, and a little bit of foresight, that got this exposure pretty much spot on. This was taken today at Maple River SGA. More weekend Pics here.

Caspian TErn

Blue-headed Vireo

Mon, 28 Apr 2014 02:01:12 GMT

It was sure nice to see this little gem at Fenner today.

Blue-headed Vireo

White-throated Sparrow

Sun, 27 Apr 2014 02:10:36 GMT

Once you have heard the White-throated Sparrow sing it's lovely "Pure Sweet Canada, Canada, Canada" you will never forget it. Every time I hear it I am transported back in time to the days when I went on fishing expeditions with my father and uncles on a lake north of Wawa Ontario. Those were some of the best days of my life. Photo taken at Fenner Nature Center.

White-throated Sparrow

Free as a Bird

Sat, 26 Apr 2014 20:56:59 GMT

One more pic from my last trip to Maple River SGA. I like to imagine that this Rough-legged Hawk is thinking, "don't you wish you could be free like me?".

Rough Legged Hawk

Maple River Trumpeter Swans

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 01:32:15 GMT

Here is a photo and video that I took of some Trumpeter Swans at Maple River SGA two weeks ago. If you listen closely you can hear them trumpeting despite the noisy Geese.

Trumpeter Swans

Whistle Pig

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 02:19:41 GMT

Happy Earth Day!

Whistle Pig

More Easter Morning Pics

Wed, 23 Apr 2014 02:10:10 GMT

Here is another Ruby-crowned Kinglet and more Easter Morning treats hidden in the woods at Harris Nature Center.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Song and Dance

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 02:03:22 GMT

On Easter morning I found several Wood Ducks singing and dancing in the treetops along the Harris Nature Center trails . The males were out to impress the females and they were doing a mighty fine job. Whenever I see this Wood Duck dance I can't help but think of the Lionel Richie song "Oh what a feeling when we're dancing on the ceiling".

Wood Duck

Yellow-throated Warbler

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 01:10:00 GMT

On Easter the reports started coming in on the midmichiganbirders listserv. There was a Yellow-throated Warbler at Hawk Ialand Park. I couldn't get away to go and search for it and I never thought he would stick around until today.

For lunch I took some extra time to drive over to the park and there he was, singing his little heart out. I am very thankful that this beautiful bird stuck around for an extra day so I and many others could have a look. You can take a peek at some more photos here.

Yellow-throated Warbler

Purple

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 02:09:02 GMT

I was pleasantly surprised to see two female Purple Finches at my backyard feeder today.

Female Purple Finch

Ruby

Sun, 20 Apr 2014 02:06:34 GMT

It was a beautiful day to be outside. This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was all excited about the nice weather also.
Photos taken at Bengal Wildlife Center.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Hide-N-Seek

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 02:51:11 GMT

Today I decided to kayak on the Grand River in one of my favorite locations. I had been on the river for a very short time when I heard a flicker calling. I looked and looked but I couldn't locate it. I was about to give up when I finally found where he was hiding. I think he was busy doing her spring cleaning. What a perfect day to be on the river in my kayak!

Yellow-shafted Flicker

I see you.

Yellow-shafted Flicker

Nobody Home.

Yellow-shafted Flicker

Hear I am.

Western Meadowlark

Sun, 13 Apr 2014 02:49:26 GMT

I decided to drive to Northern Midland County and find the Western Meadowlark that others had reported. I found it right where it was supposed to be, just East of S Coleman Rd on the South side of Burns Rd. Thanks to Ryan Dziedzic for finding and reporting the location. More pics and a sound track.

Western Meadolark

Western Meadow Lark

Maple River Grebe

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 01:35:17 GMT

The Maple River has been good to me this spring. Sunday I spent the day walking around the flooded areas and kayaking on the river. It was one of those days when you could work hard and see 25 species of waterfowl. Here is a pic of a Horned Grebe that was showing off for everyone. And of course what would a day around wetlands be without a photo of a Song Sparrow.
More Horned Grebe photos.

Horned Grebe

_MG_0456

Song Sparrow

End of March

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 01:57:43 GMT

It was a beautiful end to a great month of birding. Hello April!

End of March Sunset

Sycamore Creek Rarities

Sat, 29 Mar 2014 02:18:29 GMT

Finally things are starting to pick up again. I had a good day at the Sycamore Creek Driving Range just off of Mount Hope Road.

Cackling Geese

Cackling Geese (Rare).

Ross's Geese

Ross's Geese (Rare).

Rink-necked Duk

Ring-necked Duck.

Horned Grebe

Horned Grebe (Red Cedar River at Potter Park).

More Eagles

Mon, 17 Mar 2014 01:19:03 GMT

For some reason I have seen more Bald Eagles already this year than I did all of last year. This pair of immatures were playing overhead at Maple River SGA this afternoon. While I was there I found the second Great Horned Owls nest.

Imature Eagles

The leading eagle looks like a 1st year, the other appears to be a 2nd/3rd year immature.

Great-horned Owl

Great Horned Owl nest number 2.

Spring Has Sprung

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 15:54:55 GMT

Corner Post 'Detail".

It's spring time in the Mitten
And the gentle breezes blow
Gusting sixty miles an hour
Wind chill seventeen below.

Oh, how I love this great state
When the snow's up to your butt.
When you take a breath of spring time
And your nose gets frozen shut.

Yes, the weather here is perfect
So I guess I'll hang around.
I will never leave Michigan
'Cause I'm frozen to the ground.
Author: Unknown

Last Snowy of 2014?

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 01:07:45 GMT

I drove to Annis Rd., SW of Mason, for my lunch break today. I was hoping to find a Snowy that someone else had seen last night. Will this be my last Snowy of 2014? He was far away so the photos are not the best. Three more pics can be seen here.

Snowy Owl

Horned Lark

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:06:29 GMT

It seems that there are Horned Larks everywhere. The birds are starting to move north!

Horned Lark

Waiting in Ambush

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 01:05:29 GMT

It's one thing to hide in the trees and attack from above, but this Coopers Hawk has learned to hide behind piled up snow and wait for unsuspecting prey. Pretty darn tricky. Unfortunately this is in our backyard and the reason we have so few birds at the feeders this winter.

Coopers Hawk

Looking For a Red-neck

Sun, 09 Mar 2014 02:20:29 GMT

I went back to Grand Ledge today to try my luck at finding the Red-necked Grebe. I found it and a Lesser Scaup at Island Park and another Bald Eagle at Jones Road bridge. Overall it was a very good day. More pics from the day can be seen here.

Horned Grebe

Red-necked Grebe

Eagle

Bald Eagle

Lesser Scaup

Looking

Sat, 08 Mar 2014 02:01:37 GMT

I went to Grand Ledge today looking for the Red-necked Grebe but he had moved on to someplace else. I was lucky enough to see an Immature Bald Eagle, a Common Goldeneye and a Bufflehead.

Immature Eagle

Immature Bald Eagle

Goldeneye

Common Goldeneye

Bufflehead

Guard Dog

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 01:43:06 GMT

Protecting the pillow.

Big D

Slow Saturday

Sun, 02 Mar 2014 15:06:56 GMT

Things have quieted down. No new ducks are showing up or any other birds. I guess they are waiting for it to warm up a bit. Here are three pics from yesterday.

Goldeneye

Goldeneye takeoff at Grand Ledge Island Park.

Common Merganser

Female Common Merganser at Potter Park.

Coot

And the resident (old) Coot at Potter Park.

Night Sky

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 03:54:26 GMT

Aurora activety was high but there were no visible northern lights (plenty of bone chilling air). These photos were taken on Dennis Rd. just west of Williamston Rd.

Night Sky looking South

Looking North (light pollution is terrible)

Night Sky looking North

Looking South over the top of my car.

Coot

Thu, 27 Feb 2014 01:55:24 GMT

Here is a pic of the Coot that has been hanging out on the Red Cedar River at Potter Park.

American Coot

Bald Eagle

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 21:23:28 GMT

As I was driving to a lunch time appointment I saw this guy soaring overhead. Then I noticed there were two of them circling and "dancing" with each other. It is the first time I have seen a Bald Eagle so close to home.

Bald Eagle

Infrared Winter

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 13:28:57 GMT

Trying to get in some winter IR before the snow is all gone. Winter Farm IR

This is the IR image straight from the camera.

Winter Farm

This is what you end up with after adjusting the grey point and swapping the red and blue channels.

Winter Farm B&W

And finally converted to B & W.

Old Barn

Tue, 25 Feb 2014 01:53:27 GMT

Three presentations of an old barn in Gratiot County.

Winter Farm

Original

Winter Farm B&W

Black and White Conversion

Winter Farm B&W

Black and White Grunge

Pintails and More

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 02:51:53 GMT

It was another good weekend. I saw Pintails at Island Park in Grand Ledge and a Red-headed Woodpecker and nesting Great Horned Owl at Maple River SGA. You can see the rest of the weekend pics at Weekend Pintails.

Northern Pintails

Male and Female Northern Pintail Ducks.

red-headed Woodpecker

Red-headed Woodpecker.

_MG_9456

Nesting Great Horned Owl.

Back to Muskegon

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 02:56:54 GMT

I decided to take my wife, sister and niece to Muskegon and show off all of the ducks that had gathered there. Unfortunately the water has opened up off shore and a lot of the ducks have moved from the channel. We did not see the Barrow's Goldeneye but did see the King Eider. Here are a couple of pics from the day and the rest can be seen at Muskegon Ducks 2.

Female Goldeneye

King Eider

Juvenile King Eider

Sun Pillar

Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:53:21 GMT

Excellent sun pillar this morning at sunrise. Wish I would have had something other than my iPhone.

Sunrise at MSU

Long-eared Owl

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 22:35:57 GMT

This is a new one for me. It is well hidden so you have to use your imagination just a bit to make it out. A big thank you to the Klein's for sharing this beauty.

Long-eared Owl

American Beauty

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 02:35:14 GMT

Driving the back roads up to Maple River SGA I found this guy showing off along the side of the road.

Ring-necked Pheasant

Ring-necked Pheasant.

Ring-necked Pheasant

Ring-necked Pheasant II.

Another Golden Day

Sun, 16 Feb 2014 02:30:47 GMT

I went to Maple River SGA this afternoon to search for the pot-o-gold and was lucky enough to find it. Here is a far off shot of the Golden Eagle and a few other birds that I saw today.

Golden Eagle

Bald Eagle

Northern Shrike

Happy Valentines Day!

Fri, 14 Feb 2014 13:14:29 GMT

Here is wishing everyone a happy Valentines Day! Rose with a heart 1

Winter Farm II

Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:42:03 GMT

Pictures of ducks and pictures of farms. Maybe I should buy a farm and raise ducks! I could call it Duck Dynasty.

Winter Farm

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 13:32:47 GMT

I found this gem while traveling the backroads last weekend.

Winter Farm

On the Beach

Wed, 12 Feb 2014 01:39:03 GMT

Lake Michigan is almost 90% frozen over. So I thought why not spend a sunny day at the beach? These photos were taken at the end of the Muskegon channel.

Lake Michigan Icy Shore

Looking out over Lake Michigan. The ice is piled too high to see the horizon.

Ice Sculpture Seagull

I believe this is the light at the end of the north pier. The seagull seems to be enjoying the view.

More Winter?

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:49:46 GMT

An old and very wise wildlife photographer told me that "when you see the squirrels starting to turn white it means 20 more weeks of winter".

Squirrel

The Last of the Weekend

Mon, 10 Feb 2014 01:59:08 GMT

Here are three more pics from the weekend. I thought they turned out nice.

Female Red-breasted Merganser

Female Red Breasted Merganser at Muskegon.

Black Ducks

Male Greater Scaup at Potter Park.

Horned Greebe

Horned Grebe at Potter Park.

Golden Day

Sun, 09 Feb 2014 13:30:05 GMT

Yesterday I drove to Muskegon to see the Barrow's Goldeneye. Not only did I see the Barrow's but I saw four other birds that I can add to my life list! Go to Muskegon Ducks to see the rest of the birds.

Barrow's Goldeneye

Barrow's Goldeneye and Common Goldeneye.

Moores Park Ducks 02

Tue, 04 Feb 2014 02:23:47 GMT

I was happy to see some Redheads and Horned Grebes along with more Common Goldeneye and a female Greater Scaup. Mixed in with the rest of them was a little female Bufflehead. Here is a link to all the pics from Moores Park Ducks Feb 02.

Horned Greebe

Horned Grebe

Redhead Duck

Redhead

Peregrine Falcon

Mon, 03 Feb 2014 02:49:01 GMT

This was the Highlight of my weekend. He was at Moores Park in Lansing.
More pics can be seen here: Peregrine Falcon.

Peregrine Falcon

The Two of Us

Sun, 02 Feb 2014 22:24:50 GMT

Just you and me and me and you... I just love this shot. It was taken at Moores Park this afternoon.

Flying Mallard Ducks

Waiting for Spring

Sat, 01 Feb 2014 02:35:32 GMT

These geese have found some open water on the Red Cedar River. I like to imagine they are dreaming of warmer days ahead.

Canada Geese 2

More Ducks

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 02:25:06 GMT

I went to the Red Cedar River Potter Park area to see if the swans might have returned. The swans weren't there but I did find some surprises. Go to Sunday Birds to see all the pics from today.

Black Ducks

Common Merganser

Female Hooded Merganser

Hooded Merganser

American Coot

Common Goldeneye

Bitter Cold Blast

Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:01:36 GMT

This afternoon the temperature dropped from 20 to 10 degrees in one hour when a cold front moved through. And the wind was gusting to 35 mph. So I decided to go out and try to capture the bitter cold and blowing snow. I am posting a couple of the pics here but you can see more photographs in the Bitter Cold Jan 2014 gallery.

Winter Storm

Keeping Warm

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:45:10 GMT

It is about 10 degrees with a wind chill of -12. These two Swans are snug as a bug in a rug. This is on The Red Cedar River by Potter Park Zoo.

Trumpeter Swans

#4

Thu, 23 Jan 2014 02:11:21 GMT

Snowy Owl number four and less than 3 miles from home. This one was on Simmons Road between Holt and Lamb (just to the east of Okemos Road).

Snowy Owl

Abstract Ice

Sun, 19 Jan 2014 02:29:35 GMT

Something abstract for a change.

Abstract Ice

Boat Landing

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:44:17 GMT

Here is a photograph of an old boat landing along the Red Cedar River.

Old Boat Landing

Slow Day

Sat, 18 Jan 2014 22:21:20 GMT

I didn't see many birds today, but I did get a couple of nice pics of a Brown Creeper, a Tree Sparrow and a Yellow-rumped Warbler.

Brown Creeper

American Tree Sparrow

AmericanTree Sparrow

American Tree Sparrow

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warbler eating Poison Ivy berries

Snowy Owl Revisited

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 02:29:19 GMT

I found some time to go back through the Snowy Owl pics from two weeks ago. I picked this one out and converted it to black and white in Topaz Adjust.

Snowy Owl B&W

Black and White version.

Snowy Owl-Color

Color version, before B & W conversion.

Juvenile Coopers Hawk?

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 14:12:30 GMT

Yet another raptor from this past weekend. I think this this is a juvenile Coopers Hawk. Others think it looks more like a Sharp Shinned Hawk. I'm going with Coopers. I decided to include a black & white conversion that I liked. This photo was taken in the same area as the Red Tailed Hawk just northeast of Laingsburg.

Coopers Hawk

Coopers Hawk B&W

Flying High

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:00:15 GMT

On Sunday I decided to take the back roads to Maple River SGA. Long story short, I got lost on the way. Northeast of Laingsburg I captured this Red Tailed Hawk. Funny story is when I was a kid I thought all big birds that soared were Red Tails. I certainly have seen a lot of Red Tailed Hawks in my lifetime. :)

Red Tailed Hawk

We Have Lift Off

Mon, 13 Jan 2014 02:49:27 GMT

It was muddy and messy and I almost turned around and went home. But I wanted to get at least one good pic for the weekend so I pressed on. This Rough Legged Hawk looks much better than my car does. I'm glad that I didn't turn around and go home.

Rough Legged Hawk

Great Blue Heron Keeping Warm

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 02:15:28 GMT

Early Sunday morning I found this clever Heron hunkered down inside a culvert, out of the wind and fishing for breakfast. This is one smart bird!

Pileated Woodpecker

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 01:01:49 GMT

One more pic from the weekend before I go back to work. The first time I saw this bird I was about 14 years old. I remember thinking it was the most regal thing I had ever seen. When I look at it today I am still awed by it's majestic beauty.

Pileated Woodpecker

Mink

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 02:14:14 GMT

I went for a short walk in the fresh snow and found out that there were others out for a walk also. I think this is my first photo of a mink.

Mink

Is that you Jim?

Snowy Day

Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:16:47 GMT

It has been 30 years since I saw my last Snowy Owl. I worked very hard for this one. It was a very good excellent all around day! More weekend pics can be seen here.

Snowy Owl

Snowy Owl in Flight

Snowy Owl

Female Cardinal

Fri, 03 Jan 2014 02:33:15 GMT

Bringing in the new year with a good meal at the backyard feeder.

Female Cardinal

Out of My Way Opossum

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:57:34 GMT

I saw this little guy lumbering across the field and couldn't resist. I could almost hear him mumbling "wish those damn paparazzi would leave me alone". "Brrrr, cold, cold, cold ......."

Oposum

Bluebird Watercolor.

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 00:54:20 GMT

I saw my first Bluebird of the new year today. It was snowing so hard it looks like a watercolor painting.

Bluebird

Lapland Longspur

Tue, 31 Dec 2013 23:17:55 GMT

This photo was taken through the car windshield so it isn't very crisp. But it is my first Lapland Longspur! It was in with a flock of Snow Buntings and Horned Larks.

_MG_7702-Edit

2013, The End

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 19:36:44 GMT

Yesterday I got up early, threw the kayak on the car and headed south to the Grand River. I wasn't sure if there would be open water or not. I was disappointed to see that the river was frozen solid in Onondaga so I headed further upstream to Tompkins Road bridge. To my great delight the river was pretty free of ice. I had to chop through 2 to 3 inches of ice to open up the put in, but after that it was smooth sailing. I paddled 5 miles upstream to the Rives Eaton Road bridge and turned around. All in all I was on the river for 4 to 5 hours. Oh what a wonderful day. This is the last time I will be on the water in 2013. It was an excellent end to an excellent paddling year. Farewell 2013!

photo 4-Edit

Concealing Camouflage

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 13:12:21 GMT

Brown Creeper's can be difficult to find when they are "creeping" around on trees looking for insects. They have no need to shop at Cabela's for camouflage gear.

_MG_7678-Edit

_MG_7679

Blue Ice

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 01:56:38 GMT

I have been trying to capture the beauty of the ice covered trees. On Tuesday there was a short period of time when the dreary clouds parted to reveal a beautiful blue sky. That is when I took this photo of a sunlit treetop encased in ice.

Ice Art

Sun, 22 Dec 2013 17:16:59 GMT

There was a big ice storm last night. I decided to get out early and get some macro shots. Here are a couple that remind me of Christmas ornaments. More "Ice Art" photographs can be seen here.

_MG_7572 _MG_7607

_MG_7663

Hanging In There

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 13:25:49 GMT

This Carolina Wren has been visiting us off and on this week. We generally have one or two that come to the feeder all winter.

_MG_7554

Yummy Gummy

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:05:13 GMT

Night Surprise!

Wed, 11 Dec 2013 02:38:23 GMT

I thought I would try my luck with some night photography. I was very lucky to find a Barred Owl that was willing to pose for me. I learned one thing, it is very hard to focus in the dark! I wonder if this good friend is going to head south or stick around all winter? I hope he stays.

_MG_7538

_MG_7539 _MG_7540

A "Spin" on the ISS

Wed, 04 Dec 2013 18:43:04 GMT

Absolutely amazing, this may be the best time lapse I have ever seen.

A Best Friend

Fri, 29 Nov 2013 12:57:35 GMT

This friend never complains about anything, except maybe posing for a photo, and is up for any activity any time of the day. _MG_4229

_MG_4227 _MG_4231

7:38 AM

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 23:40:28 GMT

It was chilly, 12 degrees with a wind chill of 5, but it was beautiful.

_MG_4171

Monet Bridge

Sun, 24 Nov 2013 02:17:17 GMT

Back to the MSU 4H Children's Garden and one of my favorites, the Monet Bridge.

Monet Bridge

Go Green!

Sat, 23 Nov 2013 22:27:33 GMT

The Spartans are having a good year.
A storm is brewing!

Go Green!

Another World

Tue, 12 Nov 2013 02:38:19 GMT

Last week I posted a photo of the Silver Dollar Plant. I decided to tweak it a bit and turn it into something abstract.

silver_dollars (1 of 1)

River Otter

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 03:06:20 GMT

I was very happy to be back in the kayak both days this weekend. Saturday the wind blew me all over the place, but the weather was better on Sunday. I saw two of the biggest bucks I have ever seen, but they saw me before I could even think about taking a pic. This is the first time I have been close enough to get a good photograph of a River Otter. This fellow put on quite a show for about 15 minutes and then disappeared.

silver_dollars (3 of 4)

Very graceful in the water.

silver_dollars (4 of 4)

I'm in no hurry.

River Otter

Peek-a-boo.

silver_dollars (2 of 4)

Bye bye Jim.

Maple River IR

Sun, 10 Nov 2013 03:37:01 GMT

Today I decided to battle the wind and kayak on the Maple River. It was a very dark and dreary day.

silver_dollars (1 of 3) silver_dollars (3 of 3)

silver_dollars (2 of 3)

Center of MSU Campus

Fri, 08 Nov 2013 02:45:04 GMT

This is a 360 degree panorama that has been "flattened". Chittenden Hall is just left of the big tree. Beaumont Tower is barely visible left of center, and to it's right, behind the light post, is the Library. The Union would be on the far right edge.

MSU1b

Overhead 3

Tue, 05 Nov 2013 13:39:55 GMT

One last fall overhead pic. This is looking up at Maple leaves.

maple_leaves .

Dead End

Sun, 03 Nov 2013 22:40:21 GMT

No Place to go!

dead_end

This is a reflection from a puddle. It is flipped and turned upside down.

More Campus Color

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 13:11:57 GMT

Some more shots of the fall color around the MSU campus. These photos were taken with an iPhone 5.

MSU (1 of 3)

The Judith A. DeLapa Perennial Garden.

MSU (2 of 3)

The south side of Berkey Hall.

MSU (3 of 3)

In front of Berkey Hall looking east toward the Broad Art Museum.

Bittersweet

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 01:41:32 GMT

Life is bittersweet. It's up to you to make it bitter or sweet.

bitter_sweet

Silver Dollars

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 01:16:12 GMT

So it is true, money does grow on trees!

Silver_dollar_2

Overhead 2

Sun, 27 Oct 2013 20:13:23 GMT

Looking up (overhead) at Beech Tree leaves.

beech_leaves (1 of 1)

The Mitten

Sun, 20 Oct 2013 22:23:22 GMT

Sassafras leaves have very interesting shapes and colors.

_MG_3950

_MG_3960

October Faces

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 02:04:21 GMT

Hiding in the bushes outside your window?

Northern Lights

Wed, 09 Oct 2013 02:58:44 GMT

Just a tad bit of color around 9 pm.

_MG_7468

Canon 10-22mm @ 10mm, Canon 7D

_MG_3897

Sigma 15mm f/2.8 EX DG, Canon 5DII

Overhead

Sat, 05 Oct 2013 21:20:05 GMT

This is what it looks like if you lay down under a Shagbark Hickory Tree and look up at the sky. _MG_3839

Staghorn Sumac

Sat, 05 Oct 2013 20:33:02 GMT

One of my favorites for supreme fall color.

_MG_3883-Edit

Mud Lake & Black River Colors

Sat, 05 Oct 2013 01:41:28 GMT

Last weekend the fall colors were just starting to saturate the landscape.

Mud Lake

_MG_3620

The Black River.

_MG_7382

And in IR

DSC_0431_bw

City Night

Thu, 03 Oct 2013 13:41:10 GMT

I'm back home and decided to try a night sky shot from the city. I was hoping for some color from northern lights, but no luck. The thin cloud cover adds some interest and reflects the city light. How many constellations can you see?

Native American Love Flute

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 01:35:38 GMT

As the story was told to me (condensed version), there lived a young man who was very shy. He was brave in battle but too shy to speak to the one he loved. One day in despair he left camp and wandered alone. Not knowing why, he shot an arrow into the sky and to his amazement it stayed aloft and led him to a stream where he slept that night. On the fourth day he slept at the edge of a forest. In a half-dream state two Elk men came to him "We have come to give you this flute. It is made from the wood of the cedar and Woodpecker made the finger holes. All the birds and animals helped to make this flute, and their voices sing within it. When you play this flute for the girl you love, all out voices sing with you." When he awoke the Elk men were gone but the flute remained.

The young man set off towards home. For four days he walked, playing his flute along the way, imitating the sounds of the animals and birds with his music. On the forth day he reached the hill above his camp and paused there to play his flute. The beautiful music he made carried into the camp. The girl that he loved knew that the music spoke straight to her heart. She left her tipi and joined the young man on the hill. She listened to the words of love that his music spoke more eloquently than his voice could express. "I love you. I love you."

Maybe this one is better?

Vincent

Tue, 01 Oct 2013 02:01:10 GMT

Starry
Starry Night
Paint your palette blue and grey...

Don McClean

Lake houses on the shore of Lake Huron.

_MG_7410

And a portrait view.

_MG_7400

It's a Good Day!

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 12:12:08 GMT

I never get tired of these sunrises over Lake Huron. Chilly start, but It looks like another beautiful day!

_MG_3797-1

Worn and Tatered

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 14:17:25 GMT

It is sad to see the flowers looking so "tired".

_MG_7363-Edit

Weekend Four

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 01:47:37 GMT

It was a good weekend. I saw four new birds.

_MG_7230

Snow Goose and Ross's Goose.

_MG_7276

Ross's Goose.

_MG_7285

Golden Plover.

_MG_7301

Northern Harrier.

_MG_7303

Simple Wish

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 01:01:05 GMT

... loves me!

It's the first day of fall. The flowers won't be around much longer, so I was out and about capturing a few late season bloomers. When I saw this sunflower I immediately thought of the "loves me, loves me not" saying.

Focus Stacking

Fri, 20 Sep 2013 01:32:59 GMT

I have been wanting to try focus stacking for some time now. Focus stacking is a digital image processing technique which combines multiple images taken at different focus distances to give a resulting image with a greater depth of field (DOF) than any of the individual source image. In this photo I have stacked 8 images.

2013-09-19-20.35.05 ZS PMax This is what a single unstacked image looks like for comparison. Sorry that I could not get the colors to match up well, but I think that the difference in DOF is quit evident.

_MG_3488

Too Cold to Move

Mon, 16 Sep 2013 02:16:04 GMT

Today I found this Dragonfly hanging out on a Sunflower trying to warm up. It was a very dreary "Fallish" day.

_MG_3529 _MG_3535

Here is a close up of the eyes. It is interesting how each compound eye is bi-lobed.

Caspian Tern

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 01:48:44 GMT

Today I went kayaking on the Kalamazoo River just upstream from Saugatuck. I was there with my wife, sister and niece. We put in at New Richmond Bridge Park and took out at Wades Bayou. This is a lovely stretch of river. It is mostly wetland/marsh with a lot of waterfowl and shore birds. This Caspian Tern caught my eye. It is a very beautiful bird.

_MG_7156

_MG_7157

Mystery Pic # 5

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 18:40:09 GMT

What is this?

_MG_3245

This is what the flower looks like.

_MG_3231

This is a side on view.

_MG_3239

This is Velvet Leaf.

Motion

Sat, 31 Aug 2013 01:22:09 GMT

This is a falling Maple seed, sometimes called a whirlybird or helicopter seed. Getting a photograph of one of these seeds falling to the ground has proved to be a daunting task. This is the best I could do today.

_MG_3180-Edit

Stained Glass Bottles

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:08:17 GMT

The photo of orchids in bottles (see August 24 entry) prompted me to get out some of my antique bottles and see if I could come up with something creative. I found a nice spot where there were some Black-eyed Susans behind a split rail fence.

_MG_3107

A Real Jewel

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 01:50:38 GMT

Jewelweed, Impatiens capensis, also known as Spotted Touch-me-not is a beautiful late summer flower. It is an important nectar plant for hummingbirds. The leaves and the juice from the stems can relieve the sting from Poison Ivy or Stinging Nettle. Poultices and salves made from Jewelweed are a folk remedy for bruises, burns, cuts, eczema, insect bites, sores, sprains and warts. The dry seeds will "pop" when touched giving it the common name of Touch-me-not.

_MG_3032

_MG_3045

Chicory Dickory Dock

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 13:14:55 GMT

This is the Common Chicory, Cichorium intybus. I love the blue of this flower. Did you know that the flowers open and close at the exact same time every day! The leaves can be used in food (endive) and the tap root can be roasted and used as a caffeine free coffee substitute.

_MG_3083

Chickory

Wild Sunflower

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 19:58:26 GMT

"Keep your face to the sunshine
and you cannot see the shadow.
It's what sunflowers do."
by Helen Keller

_MG_3096

Mystery Pic #4

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 18:15:57 GMT

What is this?
Answer: Spotted touch-me-not.

_MG_3049

Bottled Orchids

Sat, 24 Aug 2013 15:22:38 GMT

One of my favorite places to eat in the Okemos area is Thai Princess. They have these beautiful bottled orchids decorating the walls. Oh yes, and they have wonderfully delicious meals. My favorite is Peanut Curry with tofu.

photo-1

At One With

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:56:32 GMT

I love kayaking. It gets me down to a level where I get an entirely different perspective of the world around me. I like to think that I see the "water world" as the wild things see it. It helps me to become at one with nature which I think improves my photography. This is an IR converted photo of the "boggy" end of a Northern Michigan lake.

DSC_0405_BW-1

Ghost Boat

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 01:27:56 GMT

The water in in this small Northern Michigan lake is crystal clear. It's fun to photograph stumps and old wooden boats that have been left behind and can be easily seen on the lake bottom.

DSC_0428_BW-2

Water Lilly

Wed, 21 Aug 2013 01:21:14 GMT

Tried out the infrared camera on a Water Lilly. This is different.

DSC_0414_BW!-2 DSC_0414_1-1