Every day this week around 3 pm, this doe appears out of the woods. She spends her time walking around my yard. She nibbles on the grass. I stood and took over 300 photos of her today. When I brought them up on my computer, you can see all the different bugs mostly flies and mosquitoes on her. I am assuming she comes out of the woods to get a break from these pesky little insects.
With all the rain we have had, the mosquitoes are thick this year in Michigan. I had a very hard time pulling weeds the other day. I think the little biting insets were using my mosquito repellent as an appetizer.
Here in Michigan, the Little Brown Bat or Myotis lucifugus is the most common. I am assuming this little guy is a Little Brown Bat with a very big mouth. The Little Brown Bat is a relatively small mammal with an olive-brownish to dark yellowish brown colored coat. In Latin, the word Myotis means mouse ear which is great for these Little Brown Bats since they do look like they have little mouse ears.
You should hear a bat squeak; it’s almost unnerving.
Even though I know they are only insect eating creatures; I am still cautious when approaching them. I guess I have heard too many urban legends in my time. In fact, when I was photographing this one (yes, I brought him in my house to use my backdrop; he was attached to the piece of wood), my mother stopped by. She was more than happy to remind me of all the myths and diseases the bat could carry. I took my few photos and returned the Little Brown bat still on the wood where I found him.
According to the Michigan DNR website, “Little brown bats use echolocation to find and capture prey. They emit pulses of high frequency sound (20-130 kHz) that bounce off nearby objects. The bats then use the echoes to determine the object’s distance, size, and shape. They feed primarily on aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddis flies, and stoneflies. They will also feed on other flies, wasps, moths, and beetles to supplement their diet. Typical summer foraging areas include forest edges, along streams and lakes, and sometimes in small cultivated fields. Young little brown bats can eat up to 1.8 grams of insects/night; lactating females can eat up to 3.7 grams of insects/hour due to increased energy demands” (2014). Of course, I wish they would eat more mosquitoes in my area. I can’t even begin to tell you how bad these mosquitoes are right now. They are horrible in my area.
Sometimes an early morning sighting can make your entire day. The fawn was just as curious about me as I was about her (or him). I am assuming she came out into the clearing because the mosquitoes and other pesky insects were bothering her.
She was the first fawn I have been able to photograph this summer so far. I was really happy, she just stood there.
Now, if I just figure out what the other noise was? The high pitched sound echoed in the wooded area. The brush and other foliage is too thick for me to venture in there. I guess, I will have to put a trail cam up.
I was writing this afternoon. I noticed a small brown creature run across my yard to the back field. Of course, my first thought was a dog. My parents have a VERY spoiled dachshund and they live next door to me. I thought maybe she had made her way down to my house or dad was out giving her a walk. But on closer inspection, I realized the brown colored animal was a fox.
A few years ago, I photographed foxes in their natural habitat. But I have never viewed any in my immediate surroundings. I was pretty excited to see her (or him, I don’t know the difference upon first glance). I quickly grabbed my camera and was able to take just three photos before she scurried back into the wooded area.
Wildlife has been in the area more and more over the last few years. People blame the animals. I cannot take this same point of view. We are in a farming community (Please do not take this the wrong way, I respect all the hard work farmers do. My parents did farming when I was a kid. I know the long days that were put into the fields). The problem with animals is based from the clearing of their natural habitat. Large wooded areas are being purged and burned to make room for more farm land. When this happens, animals must relocate. I believe this is the real reason why I have been able to photograph so many different species in my area.
I personally get excited be able to photograph foxes, deer, and especially the little baby bunnies.
There were actually four little ones in the rabbit hole.
I have been informed there are coyotes in the area. I have not had a chance to photograph one of them in the wild. So, we will see as time progresses what other forms of wildlife are going to be around. Of course, I am writing this right now as the raccoons play on my front porch. They are pesky little creatures. But I enjoy watching them interact with each other.
My morning routine is simple; I sit at my dining room table which is in front of my large sliding glass doors and sip my large cup of tea. As I watched out the window, I noticed a lump in the yard. Of course, I didn’t have my glasses on but my binoculars are always close by. The lump turned out to be a very large Common Snapping Turtle. She had come up from the Maple River to lay eggs.
I didn’t get a chance to photograph her laying the eggs. She must have been out there awhile before I even noticed her. By the time I was able to get out to her, she was already on a trek back down to the river beds. The site of seeing this creature wander across my yard toward the back where the river branches off into the creek line is amazing.
She is headed across my yard back down to the water. What a beautiful creature!
I wish I had enough knowledge to tell how old she was. She was covered in moss and algae. I found her to be absolutely beautiful. Of course, I did not get to close to her. Snapping Turtles are known for their rather fierce disposition other wards they bite. And, I am rather fond of all my fingers.
“I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.” - John Burroughs
Last week was stressful. I allowed outside forces get the best of me. To get back my sense of being, I “unplugged” for the weekend. I mean don’t get me wrong, I still checked my email and social sites. But I just spent as much time as possible outdoors. The weather was perfect. Even though, there were some spots of rain on Sunday. I just needed a distraction from my thoughts which can be hard to do for a writer. I will admit my thoughts can lead to the most disastrous case scenarios imaginable. The thought process is great for creating new story lines but not for the reality of everyday life.
One of the greatest finds this weekend were these little baby bunnies. The bunnies were out in the field behind my house. At first, I thought there were only three in the hole which was covered with rabbit’s fur. But upon further inspection, I realized there were actually four. I did not want to disturb them, so I had to wait for them to shift around before I could get an accurate count. I have not come across little baby bunnies in the wild in forever. So, I found the sight to be a treat. Often the smallest beings can bring the most peace.
The Maple River seemed to blow gently in the wind all weekend. I can honestly say, spending time by the river gives me a sense of peace and relaxation. I think, I have to spend time outside to recharge myself. Taking photos and notes on the my surroundings tunes me into the natural world while given me a sense of internal peace.
I love all the variations of green that highlight the breezy wind.
“Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher” William Wordsworth
I cannot think of any words that ring truer for me. I have learned a lot about wildlife and nature through my viewfinder. I am not just talking about the research. I think the research of a subject of my photo is important. I want to get the facts as accurate as possible. I referring to the overall lessons I learn just by trying to get the best photo possible.
I have learned patience in trying to get the best photograph at a moment’s notice. Wildlife does not get the concept of retakes. I either get the photo in the instance or not at all.
I have learned to always be prepared. When walking around outdoors, you must be prepared. I have gotten chances to get one photo before the subject is gone. If you do not have a camera at the ready, you will not get the photo.
I have learned animals are characters. I am convinced that many wild animals deliberately turn their backside at me when I am trying to get the perfect photo. I also think certain birds get annoyed with the clicking of my camera.
I have learned that not all animals are afraid of you. The old saying, they are more afraid of you than you are of them is not true. I find this true with raccoons. I love these pesky little creatures. The other night I walked out on to my front porch; my cat kept looking upwards. I really did not think much of it. The sky was brightly lit with moon light. I just figured she was watching bats flying around or bugs. But that was not the case; she was actually watching the raccoon hang upside down from my porch roof. If I had been a couple more steps in his direction, he could have touched my hair. And trust me, the phrase “screaming like a girl” would have taking on a whole new meaning.
Oh well, I enjoy my country life. Listening to the frogs and crickets at night aid me in falling asleep; I would not have it any other way.
Today, May 23, 2015 is World Turtle Day. I love the fact that an entire day is dedicated to turtles and tortoises. Turtle Day was established in 2000 in association with American Tortoise Rescue. The purpose of Turtle Day is to bring awareness to turtles and tortoises.
Turtle Facts
I thought I would share some turtle and tortoises facts:
Turtles have actually roamed the Earth for the last 200 million years.
Believe it or not, some of the first turtles had teeth.
Turtles can be found on every continent around the globe except the Antarctica.
Turtles can be as small as 4 inches to as large as 1500 pounds.
My Turtle Story
Since today is about celebrating turtles, I thought I would share the story of Herman (well, the little Painted Turtle could be a Jane). I honestly do not know how to tell. Anyways, Herman fell down into a ditch that was being tiled for farm use. I figured Herman was coming out of the field or wooded area to find a water source. Of course, we could not allow the little one to be buried.
I took the little Painted Turtle down to the pond. I could swear when I let little Herman go, he turned around stared at me. I know he was just swimming away. But I still like the idea that I was able to let the little one go.
The little turtle swimming away from me.
How to Help Turtles
I think one of the most important things to help turtles is to decrease their demand. Turtles belong in the wild. If people continue to buy turtles or tortoises from a pet store, there will always be a demand. Learning to admire turtles in their natural habitat should be a priority.
Learn to advocate for turtles natural habitat. Get involved in environmental issues that may have a negative impact on turtles or tortoises. When habitats are threatened or reduced, a decline in turtle population would occur. I think the loss of turtles and tortoises would be a disgrace.
I love being outdoors; wandering around in the wooded areas has always been one of my favorite activities. So, here are some things I learned on my hike today.
1. In the back area, the Maple River breaks off into smaller creeks. One of these creeks are located on the back property. I love going down there to photograph wildlife. Jumping over the small opening that leads to the creek was a lot easier when I was sixteen. I made the jump for the most part; I just got stuck in the mud. Oh well, my boots can handle it. I wouldn’t expect anything less for springtime in Michigan.
The smallest little creatures can cause me to jump if I am not paying attention to the trail. Yes, this tiny frog about gave me heart failure.
The flowers popping up all over on the dull, muddy grounds are a welcome sight. The small beauties stand tall against the last remnants of winter.
The most unusual places can provide the biggest inspiration. I admit there are days where I could just spend hours sitting in the middle of the woods. (I need to remember to carry a note pad with me.) Being outdoors is good for my creative soul.
The snakes are out. I am not really afraid of snakes especially this harmless Garter snake. But I am concerned I will accidently come across one that is just “not nice”. Growing I was always told about poisonous snakes, I think the stories are always in the back of mind. The only snake in Michigan that is poisonous is the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake. Or commonly known as the Michigan rattler is known to be a rare sight. But they do like the wetlands and the wooded areas which is where I frequent. I have never come across one in the wild.
I came across this wonderful pair of Canadian Geese who were not happy with my presence. They were both very vocal. I am assuming she had a nest nearby; I didn’t want to disturb her too much.
Even in the muddiest water, there are signs of life.
I hope everyone had a chance to get out and enjoy the sun today. Now, the sky is beginning to cloud over; there’s a 90% chance of rain for the overnight. So, I am glad I was able to get out for a couple of hours. I can fill the rainy days with writing.
I was out taking photos early this evening. Being a cool Michigan day, I did not see a lot of wildlife moving around. So, I decided to spend time photographing the various birds that come to my feeder on a daily basis.
The Sparrows this evening drew my attention immediately. The little birds were all lined up on top of my feeder bar which holds various feeders, suet, etc. I could not see what the Sparrows were watching. Yet, they would move their heads from one side to another. Of course, I just began snapping photos while I watched them. I was instantly intrigued.
Once I was able to view the photos on my computer screen, I realized the Sparrows were actually watching little bugs. From where I was standing, there was no way for me to see the little bugs flying around them. I cannot tell you the type of bugs. I barely can see them in the photo. I just found the situation interesting.
I guess, you need a long lens and a computer scree to get a “bird’s eye view”.
Rebecca's Vintage and Wildlife Photography 