Welcome to My Michigan (The Mitten)
I took a fifteen year break from photography to spend as much time as possible with my family. Now that the kids are out of school and I find myself with more free time I have decided to join the digital age and pick up where I left off.
For me photography is a labor of love. It helps me see everything in a new light and a new way. Everyday events become forever memories. Insects, flowers, animals and birds become magical and mystical. My eyes see a whole new world around me, sometimes alien but always beautiful. This is what I love to do, winter, spring, summer and fall, immersed in the great out of doors with a camera in my hand.
Come and join me on my expeditions. And just maybe, like many others, you will come away "Smitten by the Mitten".
Thank you for stopping by.
Jim
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White-throated Sparrow
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.
Free as a Bird
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?".
Maple River Trumpeter Swans
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.
More Easter Morning Pics
Here is another Ruby-crowned Kinglet and more Easter Morning treats hidden in the woods at Harris Nature Center.
Song and Dance
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".
Yellow-throated Warbler
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.
Purple
I was pleasantly surprised to see two female Purple Finches at my backyard feeder today.
Ruby
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.
Hide-N-Seek
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!
I see you.
Nobody Home.
Hear I am.
Western Meadowlark
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 Meadow Lark
Maple River Grebe
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
Horned Grebe
Song Sparrow
Sycamore Creek Rarities
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 (Rare).
Ross's Geese (Rare).
Ring-necked Duck.
Horned Grebe (Red Cedar River at Potter Park).
More Eagles
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.
The leading eagle looks like a 1st year, the other appears to be a 2nd/3rd year immature.
Great Horned Owl nest number 2.