Happy Nature Day

Today is Nature Day. I find peace in nature. The fact they are designating an entire day to nature is amazing. I hope others find nature as soothing as I do.

I could spend hours watching and photographing all types of nature. Every aspect of nature intrigues me.

Do you have a favorite spot to watch nature? Let me know.

Until next time…peace

Sandhill Cranes in the Morning Fog/Smoke

At the end of June, the Canadian Wildfires pushed smoke downward through our area. One of the mornings had light fog as well. The result was an eerie effect on the mid-Michigan landscape. I took numerous photos, but I liked this one the best.

While the smoke/fog combination creates a thick layer, the Sandhill Cranes are grazing in a local field. I am both fascinated and heartbroken by the wildfire smoke reaching our area.

My curious side wants to know all about the effects of the Canadian wildfires on areas so far away. But the part of me that loves wildlife and nature weeps for the damage. Yet, I know Mother Earth will continue to heal and provide.

Until next time…peace

Photo of the Day: Kildeer

Despite being small, the Kildeers, a member of the plover family of birds, are very vocal. The shrill call almost sounds like the word, “kill-deer”.

If they think, you are getting too close to their nest or young, they pretend to have a broken wing. The adult Kildeer hops and limps along to distract a predator.

In mid-Michigan, the Kildeer species are common in the summer months. When you spot a young Kildeer, you cannot help but laugh at their wobbly, little legs.

Until next time…peace

Heron Among the Lily Pads

The Maple River is at low levels due to a lack of rain. The shallow water allows Herons and other water birds to search for food along the banks. I am amazed at how still these birds stand. But when a fish is near, they are quick to grab their meal.

Even though I hope for rain, I enjoy photographing these beautiful creatures. I could watch them for hours.

Until next time….peace

Signs of Spring: The Return of the Swans

“That is one good thing about this world…

there are always sure to be more springs.”

L.M. Montgomery

I just love watching the beautiful swans. I am always so happy to see their return. For me, the return of the swans is a sign of spring.

Until next time…peace

National Save The Eagles Day

Did you know today, January 10th is National Save the Eagles Day? I could not imagine life without these majestic birds to photograph in the wild. I could photograph Eagles all day long. They are beautiful to watch even when they are munching on their latest carcass.

This beautiful Eagle was in my neighbor’s tree. I am so happy everyone in my neighborhood does not think anything of me standing in the road while I take pictures of animals around their property.

The Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle are the only two found here in the USA. I applaud all conservation efforts to save the Eagles all around the world.

Until next time…peace

Majestic Eagle

I love to photograph Eagles. To me, the high-flying bird is a wonder to watch. This Eagle seemed to sit perfectly still watching over the Maple River. I am sure he could see every little creature moving as he looked for his next meal.

I know the photo is not the best. He or She (I cannot tell the difference) was actually faraway. The picture is cropped to enhance the image.

When I was a teenager, my best friend died of cancer. He always said, if reincarnation existed, he would come back as an Eagle. Needless to say, every time I spot an Eagle, I think of him.

Until next time…peace

Bridgeville Beauties: Egrets

Ok…I am not bird a expert. I am just guessing. But, when the Egrets and other water birds begin to gather, I know summer is coming to an end. Hard to believe right now, the temperatures are still in the 90-degree range with high humidity. Yet, from my photo adventures, I can tell you colder weather is just around the corner.

I snapped this photo over by the dikes, yes, that is a local term. I know there is a formal name for the protected wetland area. I just cannot remember. (I keep telling myself to photograph the sign, but I get distracted by the wildlife).

Doesn’t this little Egret look unhappy? I can just hear him/her saying, “I am trying to catch my dinner and she keeps snapping that camera. How distracting.”

Until next time..peace

Osprey

Ok, before I begin, I want to say this is not one of my finest photos. In fact, the photo was taken at a great distance. The image is also heavily cropped. But, I still like it. So I thought I would share. If you look closely, you can actually see the baby Osprey peeking over the nest.

I am hoping to get a better image. But for now, I am extremely happy with this one.

Until next time…peace