Via Flickr:
A birder friend sent me a tweet about a Snowy Owl he spotted on a business along South River Road in Harrison Twp. I sent him a message back and he said there was a possible second owl on a house just down the street. I was extremely excited to hear about a Snowy Owl in the area. This would be a life bird for me. After a short debate with myself, I grabbed my camera gear, binoculars and headed out to Harrison Twp. in hopes of finding at least one of the owls. I got out to the location and immediately found the owl on the top of the business and took several photos from the ground. I watched the bird until it flew to the east and landed on a house across the canal. I then drove east toward the DNR boat launch and spotted a Snowy Owl on the rooftop of a house down the street from the business. I met up with my friend to say thank you and introduce myself in person. We chatted a short bit about birding at Metro Beach and Harrison Twp. He then headed back home and I went back to the S. River Road house to get these shots which were much closer and from a better vantage point. I only saw one owl, but it sure was worth the 90 mile round trip from Commerce Twp.
Getting this bird on my life list makes up for missing the White-winged cross bills and Northern Shrike at Indian Springs Metropark (just a few miles away from my house).
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Snowy Owl - Harrison Twp
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Short-eared Owl
Via Flickr:
This owl would be found in the fields and marshes of the countryside. Will hunt during the day by flying low to the ground.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Barred Owl on Bittersweet
Via Flickr:
A Barred Owl that resides at the Howell Nature Center in Howell, Michigan.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Bald Eagle Over Wildwing Lake
Via Flickr:
This evening, I went to meet my friend Debbie Miller, her husband Paul, and sister Mary Jo for a quick photoshoot at Kensington Metropark. Debbie and her husband are in town to attend the Howell Nature Center Birds of Prey nature photography workshop with me tomorrow afternoon. We walked around Kensington Metropark feeding the small songbirds and enjoying a few hours of getting reacquainted. We noticed the sound of a massive hot air balloon heating air that was drifting over Wildwing Lake. We looked again and found several more that were floating over the park at much higher altitudes. We quickly abandoned feeding the birds and nearly ran over to Wildwing to watch the balloon land. We also hoped to see Sandhill Cranes fly in to roost for the night. We watched the hot air balloon for awhile and were soon treated with a dozen or so cranes coming into land at sunset. We shot the sunset and wandered further down the boardwalk and a gentleman said to us - have you seen the Bald Eagle up in the tree? We said no we hadn't, he said it is up there in the trees on the island. I looked in my binoculars and sure enough, I spotted this adult Bald Eagle roosting near an abandoned Great Blue Heron nest in the heron rookery.
The sun had already set and there was almost no available light to get a decent photo. I quickly borrowed Debbie's tripod and took the best photo I could under the terrible lighting conditions. We all quickly took as many photos as we could and watched this magnificent eagle before it got restless and flew away toward the west into taller trees on the other side of the lake.
I was so delighted to see this eagle because I had gone out to Wildwing Lake on several previous occasions when a Bald Eagle was sighted in the area. Each time prior to this, I never got to see an eagle at Kensington Metropark. Today, when we were not even looking for one, we had the great fortune to spot one directly across from us within camera view. With the dwindling light, we were in awe of this magnificent creature that made our outing a very memorable one.
Autumn Migration
Via Flickr:
Sandhill Cranes flying around and preparing to roost at Kensington Metropark in Milford, Michigan.
Sandhill Twilight
Via Flickr:
As the sunset the Sandhill Cranes started to fly into roost in the comfort and safety of the marsh of Wildwing Lake.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Bald Eagle Over Wildwing Lake
Via Flickr:
This evening, I went to meet my friend Debbie Miller, her husband Paul, and sister Mary Jo for a quick photoshoot at Kensington Metropark. Debbie and her husband are in town to attend the Howell Nature Center Birds of Prey nature photography workshop with me tomorrow afternoon. We walked around Kensington Metropark feeding the small songbirds and enjoying a few hours of getting reacquainted. We noticed the sound of a massive hot air balloon heating air that was drifting over Wildwing Lake. We looked again and found several more that were floating over the park at much higher altitudes. We quickly abandoned feeding the birds and nearly ran over to Wildwing to watch the balloon land. We also hoped to see Sandhill Cranes fly in to roost for the night. We watched the hot air balloon for awhile and were soon treated with a dozen or so cranes coming into land at sunset. We shot the sunset and wandered further down the boardwalk and a gentleman said to us - have you seen the Bald Eagle up in the tree? We said no we hadn't, he said it is up there in the trees on the island. I looked in my binoculars and sure enough, I spotted this adult Bald Eagle roosting near an abandoned Great Blue Heron nest in the heron rookery.
The sun had already set and there was almost no available light to get a decent photo. I quickly borrowed Debbie's tripod and took the best photo I could under the terrible lighting conditions. We all quickly took as many photos as we could and watched this magnificent eagle before it got restless and flew away toward the west into taller trees on the other side of the lake.
I was so delighted to see this eagle because I had gone out to Wildwing Lake on several previous occasions when a Bald Eagle was sighted in the area. Each time prior to this, I never got to see an eagle at Kensington Metropark. Today, when we were not even looking for one, we had the great fortune to spot one directly across from us within camera view. With the dwindling light, we were in awe of this magnificent creature that made our outing a very memorable one.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Lovely Leo
Via Flickr:
Leo's curiosity got the better of him, and he decided to come over and greet me as I stood in the waist high grass & wildflowers. He let me have a few minutes of his time for a photo or two. He was calm, reserved, a bit shy and very friendly. He was the sweetheart of the day and sure tugged at my heart.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Owls At Sunset
Via Flickr:
The spectacular weather of the past week has been producing striking sunsets for us in Southeast Michigan. Last evening, with a few well placed clouds I was able to watch the sunset high atop a hill overlooking Teeple Lake. As the sun slowly set into the horizon, I heard the nearby call of two Great Horned Owls who were in a nearby woodland. I watched and listened for 15 minutes as the sun created this masterpiece while I was serenaded by the owls in the woods. It was a magnificent to a perfect weather day in White Lake, Michigan.
Friday, September 30, 2011
All Clear
Via Flickr:
The danger had passed and the male Sandhill Crane relaxes with a big yawn now that the winged hunter has flown to another part of the wetland.
Ever Vigilant
Via Flickr:
The male Sandhill Crane is always on alert for danger in the woods. Here he is watching and listening as he hears something flying nearby in the treetops. A Red-tailed Hawk happened to fly nearby alerting the squirrels and other forest creatures to the presence of the winged hunter.
September's Sandhill
Via Flickr:
As the summer season is winding down the Sandhill is summoned to the southern climate for a winter sojourn.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Lake Breeze
The breeze on that morning was the outer flow from a hurricane impacting New York City and the Northeastern seaboard. We did not get any rain from the system but we did get the clouds and winds from the massive storm.
Up North Morning
Via Flickr:
As we walked along the shoreline of Higgins Lake, I found many idyllic scenes of relaxing vacation moments. I loved the color scheme of the three Adirondack chairs and green garden swing all set up to view beautiful Higgins Lake. I wanted to go sit on those swings so badly, but could only look from the road and take a remembrance photo.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Slaty Skimmer - Trailside Perch
Via Flickr:
On a recent visit to Lewis Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park in Independence Twp., Michigan, I walked a trail alongside a marshland. I came upon creatures great and small resting in the mid-day heat. Two White-tailed Deer were resting comfortably in the middle of the woodlands, a Red-eyed Vireo was singing ove head and a Slaty Skimmer was perched upon a branch alongside the trail. The deer didn't stick around long once they saw me, however, I was able to watch this Slaty Skimmer perching and alternately dancing and hunting in the subtle breeze. I watched as this male snatched an insect and consumed it. I marveled at it's efficiency in capturing minute flying insects from mid-air. These encounters happen everyday in the woods, waters and fields of our state. Go out and watch for them and enjoy the great outdoors, you will be much rewarded by nature.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Spicebush Swallowtail On Phlox
Via Flickr:
A Spicebush Swallowtail dropped by my flower garden to enjoy nectar from my tall Garden Phlox.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
The Guardian
Via Flickr:
An adult Sandhill Crane watches out for his family as they forage in the wetlands at Kensington Metropark, Milford, Michigan.
I have watched this pair of cranes for the past four years and have come to know them and their habits. They have in turn allowed me to get close to them for unique photo opportunities.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Savannah Sparrow
Via Flickr:
A simple meadow on the side of a busy road can hold many of nature's treasures. Nature will surprise you with a sweet song coming from within one of these meadows. Being the curious birdwatcher that I am, I went in search of the singer of that song. I listened a few minutes, and found a Savannah Sparrow perched atop one of the few tall stalks of grass in this hard scrabble barren field. The "library meadow", as I call it, was blooming with daisies and alive with grassland sparrows announcing ownership of their patch of breeding territory. I listened to the sweet summer song of the sparrows as I enjoyed the visual delight of the gentle swaying blooms of the daisies. The little moments such as this make living in Michigan a nature lover's paradise.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Loving The Sprinkler
Via Flickr:
The young Baltimore Orioles enjoyed the water from the sprinkler as it soaked their feathers and cooled them off.
We are in the midst of a summer heat wave in Michigan and the shrubs, trees and grass needed a good sprinkling, so I got out the sprinkler and turned on the water. Within a few minutes, I had the backyard birds arriving to take advantage of the cool spray of water enveloping the thick shrub cover in my backyard.
This is a Baltimore Oriole fledgling that is learning to shower within the shrubs as the water from the sprinkler soaks the greenery. This youngster along with his/her two brood mates learned to shower within the shrubs on this hot steamy day in July. Mom also joined in the action, teaching them to take advantage of the shrub cover and a good first bath of their young lives.
The shadowy look on the photo is the actual water spraying in the air. It is diffused by the camera lens aperture.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Pectoral Sandpiper - E-Bird Alert!
Via Flickr:
All because of an e-bird alert via e-mail, was I able to track down this Pectoral Sandpiper, get a gorgeous photo and add another check on my birding life list. A fellow local birder posted on e-bird that he had spotted six Pectoral Sandpipers at Robert H Long Park in Commerce Twp., Michigan. I happen to live within 15 minutes of this park, so I grabbed my gear and headed over to find this group of sandpipers wading on the mudflats on Berry Lake.
I found another species of Sandpiper on the mudflats along with many Ring-billed gulls, Mute Swans and Killdeer. I need to get a confirmation of that ID. I have a feeling it is a Least Sandpiper.
ebird.org/content/ebird/
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
That Up North Feeling
Via Flickr:
You can't help but get that "Up North" feeling when you see the setting sun through the pine trees and blue Michigan waters.
Buck Of The Novi Wetlands
Via Flickr:
The Novi Wetlands is a nice quiet spot to go birding because you never know what will be at the vast wetlands. I have seen an American Kestrel, Green-winged Teals, Canadian Geese, shorebirds and very early returning Tree Swallows. On this particular day, I went looking for Marsh Wrens and Sedge Wrens. Not finding those two birds, I was very surprised to see a buck in the middle of the day feeding on lily pads & flowers. He foraged for 10 minutes going from one flower to the next, munching to his heart's content. The Mute Swan was not bothered a bit. I watched him for 10 minutes as he would pause and look at me and then continue his feeding. I kept as still as possible not making any sudden moves to scare him into the cattails.
The buck continued his feeding activity and quietly moved into the cattails while I enjoyed a few quiet moments watching the rare buck in the middle of the day.
Lady Of The Wetlands
Via Flickr:
A doe White-tailed Deer didn't take long to spot me on her territory. I paused and watched her while she sniffed the air and watched my every move. I took a few photos, paused and watched her, before decided to head for the cover of the woods.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Red-tailed Hawk At Novi Wetlands
Via Flickr:
While searching for a possible Sedge Wren at the Novi Wetlands, without success, a Red-tailed Hawk flew overhead to scan the field and marsh for a possible meal.
The Tree Swallows went on alert and took to the sky to warn other birds in the area of the predator in the sky. The other birds went deep into the cover of shrubs and trees while the swallows kept an eye on the the big Red-tailed buteo of the sky.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Green Heron in B&W
Via Flickr:
A Green Heron lurks in the treetops and cries out a haunting call over Berry Lake in Commerce Twp., MI. The lighting was very low, but the profile made for an interesting application for a B&W nature photo.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Catching The Breeze
Via Flickr:
This young Red-winged Blackbird seemed to enjoy the breezy day at Kensington Metropark. He/she would land on the railing of Wildwing Boardwalk, feel a gust of wind, spread it's wings and fly up into the air. This was happened a few feet before me and I got a front row seat watching this new bird take to the sky on it's new wings.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Widow Skimmer - Male
Via Flickr:
I love the intricate lacy details of the Widow Skimmer dragonfly. This is nature at her finest, when she designed the wings on this magnificent dragonfly.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Happy 22nd Birthday, Sarah
Via Flickr:
Our daughter Sarah, is celebrating her 22nd birthday, today. She happens to love pandas, so she got her wish for a panda themed birthday cake. Kung Fu Panda rules.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Sissy Keeping Watch Over Cocoa
Via Flickr:
Sissy was very sweet throughout the photoshoot. Sissy was very tolerant of us as we watched and admired this gorgeous foal she delivered earlier in the day. Sissy would voice a low sound to her foal, communicating her presence and nurturing reassurance.
The other horses on the farm, knew something was going on in the barn. They sensed a foal was born. The horses kept coming to the barn door wanting to come in and see the foal. One horse was allowed to come in and eat in it's stall, and then was returned to the corral. Sissy was getting a little anxious with the horses nearing the barn door.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Warm Breezes & Boat Rides
Via Flickr:
Another picture perfect day on Cooley Lake, topped off by this calming sunset. I took my dog Holly, a Chocolate Labrador.Retriever, out for some fun on the lake. I threw a portion of a 30 ft. training leash into the water and she readily retrieved it. She really likes retrieving ropes and leashes and bringing them back to me. She isn't much of a ball retriever, but she loves retrieving ropes, sticks, leashes and things that float. Last year, she was very timid about jumping into the water from the end of the dock, but after a few tries this evening, she was jumping without much hesitation.
What a lovely way to end the day, some play time with my Holly, enjoying the warm breezes and people out for a sunset boat ride.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Boisterous Bobolink
Via Flickr:
We hiked around Wetzel State Recreation Area, enjoying the chipping song of the abundant Savannah Sparrows, discovered a Marsh Wren (lifer) singing his gurgling song in the pond reeds, marveled at the Forster's Terns diving acrobatic flights and were greeted by a boisterous Bobolink upon entering his chosen habitat.
We spent a long time watching this male Bobolink putting on a display of song and distracting flight to hold our attention away from a female Bobolink and nestlings a few yards away in the high grassland. She made a brief appearance with a dragonfly in her mouth and a quick diving flight into her nest area. She peaked out a few more times from the high grasses to watch us, watching her. What a delightful encounter with the Bobolink pair at Wetzel State Recreation Area.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Bobolink - Male
Via Flickr:
I went to a new state park this morning with my birding friends, Dr. Bob & Judy Setzer. We were in search of Bobolinks and anything interesting in the marshy / grassland habitat in eastern Macomb County. Upon entering the trails, we were greeted with the buoyant song of the abundant Yellow Warblers. We then encountered a few dozen Savannah Sparrows feeding in the grasslands adjacent to the pond. We soon turned our attention to finding the Bobolink, once we got to their chosen habitat. We were not to be denied, after a few minutes of listening and searching, a male Bobolink appeared, putting on a display of music and aerial flight displays. After a short walk, we found his mate, busily gathering up captured insects she dutifully returned to her nestlings for a nutritious meal.
The handsome Bobolink male putting on a display of song and bird dance to keep us distracted away from the nearby nest.
Taken at Wetzel State Recreation Area - Macomb County, Michigan.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
How I Became A Birder
In July of 1969, the world was transfixed with the impending Apollo 11 Moon Launch and the giddiness of astronauts walking on the moon. I was excited, and so were my parents, friends and neighbors. All I could think about was the moon and going away to camp. Little did I know, I was about to be introduced to nature and birds in a way that would change my life forever. Camp Stapleton would set the stage for a life long fascination with birds. I would see birds from a new perspective and fall in love with their ability to fly free above the treetops and come down to earth at a moment's turn. Men were flying to the moon on a rocket and I was learning to appreciate winged creatures through the eyes of that curious 10 year old's perspective.
The first stop was in Detroit, where hundreds of kids gathered from the area to embark on a bus trip to Camp Stapleton on the shores of Lake Huron in the harbor town of Lexington, Michigan. Everything was new to me, a bus trip, meeting kids from all over southeast Michigan and seeing a Great Lake for the first time. There was much to anticipate and take in as we began our drive north to Camp Stapleton.
The journey was long, hot and tiring as the kids sang the customary camp songs and felt every road imperfection that bus encountered. All I could think of was getting off that bus and seeing that big blue Lake Huron, I was hungry, too. We arrived at camp where we met our counselors, were assigned our cabins and were introduced to our fellow campers. I was assigned to Cabin Seven, and that is where my fascination began.
The cabin had double bunks and rustic accommodations very typical of a camp setting. I thought it was the neatest thing, having sleepovers with a dozen other girls my age and time to go exploring the outdoors. As a kid from Ferndale, experiencing the outdoors, playing in a big lake with a vast shoreline of sandy beach was a dream come true. I would be out of the city for two weeks. I would be see birds and mammals I had never seen before. Cabin Seven would be my home for the next two glorious weeks.
Cabin Seven's porch rafters was also the home for a pair of Barn Swallows. We filed in single file to our cabin, putting our sleeping bags and packed clothing in our assigned places. We gathered outside for a snack of freshly baked oatmeal cookies and milk as we introduced ourselves and relaxed after a long bus ride. As I walked out on the cabin porch I heard chattering coming directly from above my head. I looked up and saw a Barn Swallow. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes again and again as I caught a glimpse of these noisy birds building a muddy nest clinging to the wall of our cabin. I became a birder at that very moment. I could think of little else, but to watch these darling creatures making a racket outside our cabin door. Every morning, we would be greeted by this pair of Barn Swallows building a nest for the next generation of swallows. I was smitten, overjoyed and captivated with these iridescent blue and rust feathered birds working for hours and hours building a nest for their young. At camp, all I wanted to do was to watch these noisy and cheerful birds who sang bubbling melodies and performed aerial acrobatic flights with ease and graceful precision.
Rugged Sandy Beach of Lake Huron, Lexington, Michigan
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| The Architect |
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| Pine Needles & Wet Mud For Sculpting |
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| Barn Swallow Sculpting The Nest |
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| Adding More Mud |
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| Barn Swallow Fledgling |
Those two glorious weeks brought many adventures of swimming in the cold waters of Lake Huron, campfires at night, nature hikes along M-25 to the local roadside park, pot holder weaving, popsicle stick sculptures and countless hours watching those birds who chose my cabin as their summer home.
Lake Huron Roadside Park Overlook - Port Sanilac, Michigan
I would leave that camp after two weeks, and say goodbye to those Barn Swallows and the experience of a lifetime. That day, I wished I would see those birds again and feel that same wonderment of summer camp in 1969. I would, because, I became a birder that summer and have had my eyes on the sky ever since. Not a day goes by where I don't notice a bird and watch with admiration at their life on the wing. The best birding day of the year, is the day I spot my first Barn Swallow of the spring season.
What my future would hold for me would be even more remarkable, for my husband shared that same shoreline in 1969, and spent his summers at the family cottage a mere five miles or so up the shore from Camp Stapleton on Lake Huron. Today, as I visit the Port Sanilac family cottage, and drive by Camp Stapleton, I think of those Barn Swallows and wonder if the descendants of those same birds captivate new campers the same way they did for me, so many summers ago. I thank the Barn Swallow for transforming me into a birder. I am a Birder and forever grateful.
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| Barn Swallow Fledgling Being Fed A Large Insect |
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Colorful Clouds At Sunset
Via Flickr:
We had a deluge of rain today which brought this muted colorful sunset over Cooley Lake in Commerce Twp., Michigan.
Around 8 p.m., last evening, I was busy cleaning out a storm drain in a lower level walkout that was clogged with pine needles and debris. The water was rising in that below grade cement walkout area. I had a brief window of opportunity between rain deluges, to get that cleared or possibly get a flood over the doorwall.
I finished just in time to watch the sky changing from a dull gray to a diffused golden and then purplish pink color. I was soaking wet, however, I grabbed my camera and went to the front yard on the lake and grabbed a few photos before nature's show was over for the night. While it wasn't your classic sunset shot with the orb in view, the swirling clouds and colors cast an interesting hue of color over the lake surface.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Birding The Magee Marsh Boardwalk with Kenn Kaufman & Dawn Fine
Via Flickr:
Having the time of my life with Dawn Fine and Kenn Kaufman, walking and birding the Magee Marsh Boardwalk. Many thanks to my friend Spring Noel for taking this photo.
You can find Dawn and her fabulous blog on Twitter as @DawnFine. Kenn Kaufman is the author of Kaufman Field Guides. www.kaufmanfieldguides.com/KennKaufman.htm dawnandjeffsblog.blogspot.com/
Bald Eagle - Heading To The Perch
Via Flickr:
Taken a few miles inland just east of Magee Marsh on Lemon Road.
After spotting this eagle flying low over a farmer's pond, I had only a few seconds to put my car in park and grab my camera. I managed a few shots of the majestic Bald Eagle flying to it's perch. This was taken during a frigid and wind driven rain. I only took a few shots and quickly dried off my camera and returned to my car. We watched for another 10-15 minutes hoping he/she would return for another pass over the water, but the bird remained perched on the large tree branch. This is how we concluded our second day of visiting Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, Ohio.
Bald Eagle Flying Over A Pond
Via Flickr:
After spotting this eagle flying low over a farmer's pond, I had only a few seconds to put my car in park and grab my camera. I managed a few shots of the majestic Bald Eagle flying to it's perch. This was taken during a frigid and wind driven rain. I only took a few shots and quickly dried off my camera and returned to my car. We watched for another 10-15 minutes hoping he/she would return for another pass over the water, but the bird remained perched on the large tree branch. This is how we concluded our second day of visiting Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, Ohio.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Prothonotary Warbler - Tree Dancer
Via Flickr:
This Prothonotary Warbler captured my heart with a precious glimpse into it's spectacular beauty and ability of living life on the wing or dancing in the trees.
From the boardwalk at Magee Marsh in Oak Harbor, Ohio, during the Biggest Week in American Birding.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
The Magnificent Magnolia Warbler
Via Flickr:
One of my favorite warblers, the Magnolia Warbler is all decked out in his vibrant breeding plumage for the big show at Magee Marsh along Lake Erie in Oak Harbor, Ohio.
I was delighted beyond words to find this striking warbler within a few minutes of stepping onto the boardwalk at Magee Marsh. This started my day out with a big bang and put a permanent smile on my face for the rest of the day.