World Wetlands Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today is considered to be World Wetlands Day; I love these unofficial holidays especially the ones that directly relate to nature and wildlife. Even though today in Mid-Michigan; the entire area pretty much had a snow day.  Some areas actually received 18.7 inches of snow last night.  Mother Nature just wanted to remind us who really is in charge.

Wetlands provide habitat for various types of wildlife and plants. Here in Michigan, we have wetland areas.  I will often refer to them as river flats; the name everyone in the area calls them.

Wetlands have various benefits.  The areas reduce flooding by absorbing the rain or snow melt off.  At the same time, wetlands act as a filter getting rid of pollutants and other contaminants by breaking down the material. In Michigan, there are actually three different types of major wetlands: marsh, swamp, and bogs.

Marshes

The river flats are more like marshes.  Depending on the time of year, they can an inch of water to several feet deep or completely froze solid.  I like these areas; I can grab my camera and photograph all types of wildlife.  I have spent hours photographing herons, cranes, ducks, geese, and much more.

Swamps

Swamps are more wooded. They are usually home to various types of little creatures including frogs, owls, and raccoons.  The plant life in the swaps can also be beautiful.

Bogs

Bogs are a result of decaying vegetation.  Bogs have different type of animal species including turtles.

Watching the wildlife in the wetland areas is fascinating.  I can spend hours outdoors during the warmer months.  Not today, when the temp is about 3˚F right now. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the winter months too.  I just don’t get outdoors as much.

According to the Michigan DNR website, these are the plant and animals that frequent the wetland areas:

Arrowhead
Bald Eagle
Baltimore Butterfly
Black Spruce
Black Tern
Bowfin
Brook Stickleback
Bulrush
Cardinal-Flower
Common Cattail
Common Loon
Cotton Grass
Damselfly
Dragonflies
Dragon’s Mouth, Wild Pink
Dwarf Mistletoe
Eastern Newt
Great Blue Heron
Green Frog
Green-backed Heron
Iris
Kingfisher
Kirtland’s Snake
Lichen		 Liverwort
Marsh Wren
Marsh-Marigold
Michigan Holly
Minnow
Northern Harrier
Osprey
Pitcher Plant
Poison Sumac
Red Maple
Red-bellied Dace
Red-winged Blackbird
Sandhill Crane
Smartweed, Knotweed
Snail
Sphagum Moss
Spotted Turtle
Sundew
Tamarack
Trumpeter Swan
Water Milfoil
Water Shrew
Water-lily
Waterweed, Elodea

So, the next time you see a wetland area on the side of the road while you are zooming down a freeway; take a moment to think about all the wildlife the area has to offer.

Reference:

Michigan DNR (2015). Wetlands. Retrieved from:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_22664-61132–,00.html

Just a Country Ride

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” ― Robert Lynd

One of my favorite past times is driving around my local country side especially on these cold Michigan winter days.  I took off this morning to look for a Snowy Owl. My mother rode along which made the time more fun.  We laughed about the birds that I failed to photograph.  The morning was fun. I did not come across the Snowy Owl today.  I saw the beautiful owl the other day.  Of course, I did not have my camera with me at the time.

Today, I came across several different birds. I will admit there were a couple of birds that I could not identify.  My mom and I spent some time this afternoon trying to narrow down the identity of the birds. I could identify the woodpeckers, Bald Eagles and the little Sparrows.

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Two Bald Eagles out in the field.  I wish I could have gotten a closer photo.

 

 

 

 

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The sparrows that hang out in front of my house.

The two birds I questioned because I could not get a clear photo.  I am hoping the birds are out again tomorrow.  So, I can try to get a better picture. I think the one is a immature Bald Eagle.  The other bird is a Northern Harrier also known as a Marsh Hawk.

Sometimes, just a country ride is all that you need to find inspiration in nature.

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, January 21, 2015 is Squirrel Appreciation Day.  I enjoy unofficial holiday that involve nature and wildlife.  Squirrels can be viewed almost any time of year here in Michigan. Being surrounded by woods, I get the view the nut burying little creatures all the time.

Michigan has a variety of squirrels. The Fox Squirrels, Gray Squirrel, Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels.  Under the squirrel category for Michigan are the Eastern Chipmunk, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel and the Woodchuck.  Even though I never really considered the Woodchuck to be a squirrel but I can see why he is in this category.

Chipmunk

I usually come in contact with the little Red Squirrel.  The little scampering tree creature seems to “voice” his opinion every time I enter the woods.  As I am trying to photograph a bird or a landscape scene, the Red Squirrel will chatter at me.  The chattering is a way to alert the rest of the woodland creatures, there is an intruder.  The Red Squirrel shaking his tail at me will scamper up and down the tree.  Squirrels use their tails to distract predators.

I often have squirrels at my bird feeder which is why I put out extra corn cobs just for them. Many people will try to make elaborate obstacle courses to keep the squirrels away from the seeds.  In my experience, the squirrels figure out a way to bypass everything and eat the seeds.  So, I just add extra for them to eat during the wintry months.

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Of course, this squirrel looks like he has visited the feeder a lot.

*Note about the featured image.  The squirrel is hiding from my cat behind my wicker chair on my front porch.  The cat had no interest in the squirrel, but he walked unto the porch causing the squirrel to take shelter.  I could hear the squirrel chattering loudly.  So, I grabbed my camera to go and investigate. Once I ushered my cat through the front door, the squirrel went back to the feeder.

Winter Has Arrived

Posted on by Rebecca C.

 

I was playing around with some software.  Winter has definitely arrived in Mid-Michigan.  The temps are so cold…below zero with the high of the day being 9 degrees and a wind chill of minuse 24.  Brrr!  I haven’t been able to get out and take many photos.  It’s a little too cold for me.

Hope everyone is having a great week so far…..

 

National Bird Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”~~Lou Holtz

Today, January 5, 2015 is National Bird Day.  I like the idea of birds having a day dedicated just to birds in general.  To me, birds are just interesting creatures.  In the last couple of years I have become more involved in bird watching which is something I never thought I would do. The changing weather earlier in the spring brought about different types of birds to the area that I had not previously viewed in the wild. The rains had left the creeks full and standing water in the ponds that usually dry up quickly. I was able to see a King Fisher and lots of Herons.  I spent a lot of time photographing these lovely birds.  I had days I just spent outside.

Sparrow

Now that winter is upon us, I have making certain that the feeders are full especially today with the temperature belong zero and the wind chill being even colder.  At least, I know that I have done a little bit to help out my feathered friends while the snow continues to build up.

Chickadee

Anyways the little Black Capped Chickadees will let me know if the feeders are low, they love to voice their opinions as soon as I open the door.  But I love to hear the diminutive bird chirping at me as I fill the feeders. I also love how the Sparrows with all their feathers puffed out sit on the branches near my window.  I think sometime they are waiting to be fed.  Or they are telling me to hurry up.

Now with Snowy Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers back in the area, I am hoping to get some better photos of these magnificent birds as well.

Snowy Owl

Favorite Photos of the Week

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am going to try to upload photos every Sunday night.  My favorites throughout the week, I am planning to do one every week though out the year. The week was cold except for today which was snowy.  I actually enjoyed the snow; I walked around the back property and just relaxed in the peaceful atmosphere.

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My old barn standing against the snowy background.

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The sun peaking through the clouds on the snowy day.

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My favorite walking path.

Crows

 

The crows at the public access.

 

 

Last Sunset of 2014

 

The last sunset of 2014, I hope everyone has a great 2015.

Crows: Fascinating Creatures

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Keep to Nature’s heart….and break clear away,

 once in a while, climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods,

wash your spirit clean” –John Muir.

 

The last couple of days were just cold.  The temps barely crawled out of the teens and the wind chill was always in the negatives.  Today has been a little warmer plus the sun is shining brightly which always seems to make everything seem more pleasant.

Since the weather has been colder than I really like, I have been spending my free time just driving around in my car. No matter what I do like to get out for a little while.  If I can’t get out and walk around, I will go for a short drive.  I originally was out to find Snowy Owls to photograph.  I know, they are in the area.  But I have only seen one. Of course, I did not have the camera I wanted to use at the time.

I did park my car at the public access to watch what types of birds were around.  The area was mostly quiet except for these Crows.  Now to be honest, I have always been fascinated with Crows and Ravens.  There is just so much mythology and folklore surrounding these birds, I can’t help but be interested.

Crows are very intelligent little creatures.  Here are some quick facts about the Crows intelligence.

  • Crows can remember your face.
  • Crows will often work together in a manner that is almost conspiring in nature. If there is an obstacle in the way of getting to a food source; Crows will work together to overcome the obstacle and achieve their goal.
  • Crows memories are so good; they can go to the exact location where they have hidden food away for later consumption. They actually will hide food in different places to get them through the colder months when food sources are scarce.
  • Crows actually have the ability to display signs of happiness, sadness and anger.

So as I watched this group of Crows (also known as a murder of Crows), I was wondering if they were watching me as much as I was watching them.

 

The Sun Started to Set, the Fog Began to Roll In

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The weather almost reached 50˚F this afternoon.  Definitely a rarity for December in Michigan, the temperatures are supposed to slowly drop tomorrow as rain begins to move in.  But we may actually have a little snow on Christmas Day, just enough to cover the ground.  We will see if I get my white Christmas or not.

I originally went outdoors to photograph some birds.  My feeders were being overrun with Sparrows, Titmouses, and Black Capped Chickadees.  I love these diminutive birds; they seem to “chirp” at me when I just step out the door.  Trust me; they are all very vocal when the feeders are low.

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SparrowChickadee

After a while, my attention turned to the clouds.  They were just beautiful.  One person on my Facebook page describes the clouds as a “stairway to heaven.”  The stunning array was a perfect setting as the sun slowly began to sink below the tree lines.

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As soon as the sun started to set, the fog began to roll in….sounds like a good beginning for a book.

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The sun was already beginning to set in the above photo, but the clouds were still gorgeous.

Fog Rolling In

 

The fog rolled across the field, I actually watched the mist cover the ground.  I found the experience fascinating.

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The sun was setting, but the fog just covered the bottom of the ground.

I am sure there are better more scientific words to describe the fog, the clouds and the sun.  But I just like photographing the natural world around me.

 

 

A Moment at the River Flats

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Michigan’s weather has been strange for the last couple of weeks.  There’s actually supposed to be a warming trend on Monday which could bring warmer temps around 48˚F; I want a white Christmas. I have very little Christmas spirit; I was hoping a little snow would get me into the holiday mood.  I know I should be thankful for the warmer weather, Michigan has seen worse with lots of snow and frigid temps.

We actually had more snow at the beginning of November.  Now the forecast is predicting rain. We were having some colder mornings; you know the type where the cold actually takes your breath away. Despite the colder days, I do like to get outdoors even if my time outside is short. Viewing nature during each season has helped me learn and understand the environment that surrounds me on a daily basis.

The main photo that I am sharing with you, was taking on one of those cold blistery days where even the air seemed to be frozen in place. Even though, the weather was less than desirable I wanted to snap some photos of the geese and swans that landed to rest down on the river flats.

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The swan trying to keep warm from the blowing wind.

 

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I love how the geese just walk across the ice to find an open water space.

The Snowy Owl: Magical Bird

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As many of you know I am a huge fan of wildlife, I could spend hours watching animals in their natural habitat. Today, I was able to view a Snowy Owl for the first time in the wild.  I was returning from dropping my niece and nephew off at school and I got a glimpse of white flying across the road. Of course, my curiosity was immediately peaked.  Followed by a leap of joy, when I realized what bird had caught my attention.  Snowy Owls are beautiful creatures.

I was disappointed with myself for not having my good camera but I still managed to get a picture of this magnificent bird.  My mom was with me in the car, we sat and watched her for a long period of time (technically, I cannot tell you if the owl was male or female.  I do not have the knowledge to distinguish the sexes).

The Snowy Owl was made popular by the Harry Potter series with the character Hedwig.  I can honestly tell you watching this breathtaking bird was magical.