Another Spring Day?

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Another Spring day here in Michigan.  I say this with a tone of sarcasm. Even though the weather is really typical for Michigan. I woke up this morning to snow.  Not much just enough to let me know the air would be cold and damp all day. In fact the snow has actually disappeared already.  According to the weather report, there is a promise of warmer weather coming in.

So, I took my own advice from yesterday’s blog and went for a walk. The walk was a bit “crispy” but I enjoyed seeing all the wildlife. I was able to view a magnificent Sand Hill Crane fly over the back property. She (no I don’t know if the crane was a female for certain, I don’t have that knowledge) was spectacular to watch. Her enormous wind span is such a sight. I could watch cranes all day especially when they use that low throttling call. I find their “song” beautiful.

The Canadian Geese were making their voice heard down on the river flats as I approached. I accidentally startled a small pair of wood ducks.  When I returned to my house, I noticed a small herd of Whitetail Deer (around 12) were making their way across the field. I am happy to see the wildlife returning to the area. As more and more wildlife becomes visible or heard, I know the warmer weather is fast approaching.

Take a Walk In the Park Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today is considered to be “Take a Walk in the Park Day”.  I am a big advocate for being outdoors. I think everyone should try to be outside on a daily basis. Even if the time outside is short due to the weather; get outdoors. Michigan can dish out some pretty cold, windy, wet, snowy, days.

I still find the need to be outdoors during those times even if my time outdoors is limited. I may just walk to my mail box or walk around the house.  On those days, where the weather will  not allow me to be outside, I step out on to my front porch just to view my surroundings. I understand everyone cannot do the same. Eventually, you almost become addicted to being outdoors. I have days where I just need to “unplug” myself from all my technical gadgets (which I love). I still carry my cell phone with me for emergency use. I put the ringer to silent.  Of course, I never go for a walk without my camera. Michigan has some of the most beautiful wildlife and nature landscapes.

I am lucky because I am near numerous areas where I can enjoy walking around on old paths and trails to view and photograph the wildlife. I live near the Maple River.  I can walk around the edge of the river flats to discover any creature movement. I have been doing this since I can remember. Despite being an adult, I still come home with my boots covered in mud. Oh well.

Despite the cold weather or hectic schedules, I still think you should take a walk in the park or walk around on a hiking trail. You do not have to be professionally hiker to enjoy the outdoors. Grab a pair of comfortable walking shoes and enjoy. A simple walk around the block can actually be beneficial to both you and your family.

Here in Michigan, there a numerous beautiful hiking trails and parks to discover and explore nature. In fact in most areas, parks are a short drive away. I know being outdoors can be difficult especially with hectic work and school schedules. But I do think making an effort to spend time outdoors is good for everyone especially for children. Plan a special day to go to the park.  When you walk around, point out the birds, let children explore the surroundings.  You may surprised by their questions or their need to learn more about their surroundings.

 

First Day of Spring

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The first day of Spring brought warm, sun shine with over 50 degree weather. I love seeing the sun shine through out my entire house. Except for the sun actually reveals how much dust and cob webs my house currently holds. I guess a Spring cleaning day will be in my near future.

At least with the warmer weather that we have been experiencing here in mid-Michigan, I can get outdoors to photograph wild life. I do get out in the winter, but during the other season I love being outside as much as possible.

The photo I am sharing is a hawk.  I seen him outside my kitchen window (I cannot actually confirm he is male, I am guessing) flying in my field. Then, he dove downward to catch his prey.  The hawk stayed on the ground for some time until he retreated to the nearby tree.  I took this opportunity to photograph him.

I was actually standing on my front porch when I took this picture which is a bit grainy. I need to invest in another long lens. The hawk immediately knew I was there. He even looks like he is starring right at me in a couple of the photos. I guess my camera clicking was bothering his concentration. He kept moving from branch to branch as he watched my every move. Then, he dove down again to find his prey.  I watched him for a while without bothering him with my camera. I found his movements remarkable.

Well, Happy First Day of Spring everyone!

Until next time…. peace….

 

 

Torn

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“In winter, I plot and plan. In spring, I move.”  Henry Rollins

Winter has definitely come back to Michigan.  Today’s snow fall left me torn between the beauty of winter and the desire for warmer days. Like any good writer, I took advantage of the cold wintry day by accepting extra articles.  I got ahead of a couple deadlines which is a wonderful feeling.

For the rest of the evening, I will work on my personal writing while having the fireplace roar with warmth. I am grateful for winter days as I look forward to spring’s rebirth from the coldness.

I hope everyone had a wonderful day.

Until next time…..peace….

Rainbow Above the Trees

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Over the last couple of weeks, the weather here in Michigan has been extremely cold.  Actually between the negative temps and the bitterly cold wind chills, area schools have had to close down. I honestly do not remember any time where schools have had to close due to just the winter coldness.  I remember, school being closed due to the amount of snowfall but never freezing temps.  On a good note, Spring is inching closer every single day.

Needless to say, with the cold weather I have been hibernating inside next to the fire.  I have been trying to complete my book as well as keep up with my deadlines. I have done really well meeting article deadlines early (still had a couple rejections but that’s part of the freelance writing gig).

I was surprised to view this rainbow above the tree line tonight.  I am assuming the rainbow was due to the ice crystals in the air.  I loved seeing the brightness of the rainbow against the dull wintry sky.

Have a great night everyone.

Until next time….peace…

Frozen Clouds

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Ok, I know clouds cannot be frozen.  I do remember some parts of my science classes from grade school.  Tonight, when I had to get outside and away from the computer, the air was so cold.  The clouds just looked as if they were frozen in the sky.  I loved watching them as they slowly changed.

The air is suppose to be colder and colder throughout the rest of the evening. I really do not seem surprised by this; we’ve been experiencing this cold snap for a few days now here in Michigan. So, I am going to focus on my novel. But I thought I would share my frozen clouds first.

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Have a great night.

Until next time…peace.

Beautifully Cold Morning

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am not sure if the words “beautifully cold” are proper together.  But those two words are how the morning looked to me. The last few days, the mornings have been cold.  The windchill has been in the negatives.  Mid-Michigan has warnings out, do not expose any part of your skin for more than 30 minutes or risk frost bite. Needless to say, I have been spending most of my time indoors.

I really cannot complain. I can deal with cold, there are many areas that are being hit with massive snow storms.  So, this seems to be mild compared to what Mother Nature could truly unleash. Anyways, I just stoke up the fireplace a little more especially in the evenings. The wind is colder during the evening hours, the extra heat is truly a blessing.  My house has been nice and warm the last few days.  My cats and dogs are pleased, I find them all gathered around the fireplace throughout the day.

During this cold snap, I have been putting extra seeds out for the birds and other little critters that visit my feeders. I think, it is the least I can do for my feathery little “friends”.  I love watching them around the feeders.  I can sit at my table, work on my book, drink my tea and watch the wildlife.

If you are in a cold snap, stay warm.

Until next time…..peace.

 

Blazing Sunset

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, was a normal chilly day for winter in Michigan.  The sunset tonight was amazing.  As the sun began to set, the orange colors made the top of the trees look like they were on fire. The blazing sunset was absolutely stunning and beautiful.

During the winter months, the blazing sunset seem to be clearer and crisper. Of course, I have to remember to actually put a coat on next time.  I had grabbed my camera and ran out the door to capture the moment.  The air definitely was freezing.

Until next time….peace….

More Mourning Doves

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I will admit I have been enjoying a lazy Sunday.  I wrote an article before tomorrow’s deadline.  Now, I am just relaxing.  I did go outdoors for a little while.

There has a been a dampness to the air today.  I cannot tell if there is going to be snow storm or icy rain.  I guess time will tell. With the coldness in the air, I put more seeds and treats out for the birds which attracted more Mourning Doves.

Of course, I have about two dozen Sparrows out there right now. I also saw some a Titmouse, Bluejays, and a few Blackcapped Chickadees.

Until next time….peace.

 

Morning & Mourning Doves

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Beautiful, crisp winter morning here in Mid-Michigan; the temperatures are actually above 20˚F. I admit the shift from negative temps to the current temperature actually makes the air feel warm. The wind has finally died down.  Of course, I know this is just the calm before the next snow storm.  But I will enjoy the “warmer” temps while they last.

Drinking my morning tea, I was able to watch all the different birds coming and going from the variety feeders I have set up in my yard.  I was impressed to see 15 Mourning Doves.  Most of these little doves were on my porch.  My porch is all opened with two different feeders.  Numerous seeds fall down unto the porch which the Mourning Doves love.

I decided to look up some quick facts about Mourning Doves to share with all of you.

  • Mourning Doves actually go by other names depending on the area. Different names include Turtle Dove, American Mourning Dove and Rain Dove.  I thought those were interesting, I had never heard the name “Rain Dove”.
  • Mourning Doves were once called the Carolina Pigeon or the Carolina Turtledove.
  • Mourning Doves will stockpile seeds for later use. They actually plan ahead.
  • The cooing which I love is done mainly by the male Mourning Dove.
  • Mourning Doves will usually mate for life.
  • When they sleep they actually put their head between their shoulders close to their body.
  • Mourning Doves will lay two eggs at a time; the eggs will take two weeks to incubate.
  • The oldest known Mourning Dove lived to be 31 years and 4 months.

Personally I just enjoy watching the doves especially first thing in the morning when everything seems quiet. Until next time……peace.