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

Happy Earth Day!

This year most of us will celebrate Earth Day at home. Since Mother Nature is gracing mid-Michigan with snow right now. I know I will be indoors most of the day.

A Common Grackle

But, I still plan to feed the birds, plant flowers when the weather is right, and do what I can to help the planet Earth.

What is your Earth Day pledge?

Bridgeville Beauties: Burdock

Growing up to five feet tall, Burdocks are another oddly beautiful plant. Most people pull the “weed” from their yards. I leave the plant just to watch the slow blooms occur. I love the purple flowers with the little spiny white ends.

Of course, the bees find the Burdocks very tasty. Honey bees and other insects love the pollen from the Burdock. I find any plant that attracts Honey Bees a valuable asset to my yard.

The next time you see a Burdock, do no think of the plant as a weed, instead consider how much the bees love and need the vegetation to survive. From my research, I read the Burdock is actually a medical herb. I might have to be brave and try the Burdock Root Tea.

Until next time…peace

Bridgeville Beauties: Butttonbush

I often hear, “it’s just a weed” or “it’s just a bug”. Despite their humble beginnings, I find everything in the natural world beautiful. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there a few critters that make me squeamish. Wild rats, did I mention rats? I know the irrational fear comes from reading too many history books about the plague.

My new nature series, Bridgeville Beauties highlights my finds in my area. The weeds, bugs, and critters of Michigan will be my area of focus.

Starting with the first one, the Buttonbush or Bush Willow is one of my favorite plants to photograph. Growing up to 12 feet, I generally find the white flowering bush near the creek line. The white flowers with spike-like yellow heads are oddly beautiful.

Attracting bees and hummingbirds, I find the Buttonbush to be a very beneficial “weed”.

A bee enjoying the pollen from the Buttonbush.

Until next time…peace

Photographing Bees…

An earlier conversation…

A friend asked, “What are you doing?”

My response, “Photographing bees.”

“No, seriously, what are you doing?”

“Photographing bees.”

Off from my porch, I have a Burdock plant in bloom. I know most people wonder why I let the “weed” grows so close to my house. The answer is simple. Photographing bees.

Until next time…peace