Save the Frogs Day 2016

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“What is there to life

if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of a whippoorwill

 or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?”

Chief Seattle, 1854

Today, April 30, 2016, is Save the Frogs day. I love listening to the frogs. When I hear the sounds of frogs croaking loudly, I know warmer weather is being ushered in. I look forward to their beautiful sounds after each long winter. The different croaking sounds create a song over the nearby fields, ponds, and river flats that surround my house.

Frogs serve as an important role in our fragile ecosystem. In tadpole form, the growing frogs keep water areas clean from over growing algae. As the little frogs grow into adulthood, they begin eating insects as part of their diet. The consumption of insects is important in keeping the potential spread of diseases down.

For example, mosquitos have been known to transmit diseases to humans. Frogs help in keeping the mosquito population down. Without frogs, mosquitos and other insects would be out of control. An increasing population of insects would create serious pest control problems for humans.

Frogs are also known as an indicator species. When the frogs’ living environment becomes polluted, the results will be easy to view in the frogs’ offspring. The new frogs will be born with abnormalities which provide a warning to humans living in the same area. Protecting the frogs’ natural environment will, in turn, protect humans.

Honestly, I cannot imagine the world without frogs that let me know the Earth is awakening after a winter slumber.

Until next time….peace….

 

Covered Paths

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Spring is finally bringing warmer weather. I love being outdoors. I am slowly trying to get my yard cleaned up. I am designing a fairy garden out front. It’s going to be a slow process but I hope my vision comes together.

With the melting snow and the rainy weather, the back paths are covered with water. I cannot get back to the bridge to view the different wildlife.

A little muskrat swimming down the back path, I usually walk to the back bridge.
A little muskrat swimming down the back path, I usually walk to the back bridge.

At least, some of the little creatures were enjoying the water covered paths. The muskrats were out and about. I found them a complete joy to watch as they scampered around the paths.

I really think he was telling me to stop taking his photo while he was eating. lol
I really think he was telling me to stop taking his photo while he was eating. lol

 

Until next time…peace

Sandhill Cranes: Up Close and Personal

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Look deep into nature,

and then you will understand

everything better.”

~Albert Einstein~

I was able to take about a hundred photos of these beautiful creatures. In my opinion, the Sandhill Cranes are just amazing to watch. After a while, I just stood and observed the pair as they waded gracefully through the water’s edge in search of food.

I cannot believe how nature always finds a way to inspire and amaze me at the same time.

Until next time….peace

Buzzard’s Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

March 15, 2016, has been named Buzzard’s Day. Here in Michigan, we have Turkey Buzzards or otherwise known as Turkey Vultures.

When the water down on the river flats goes down, carp and other aquatic wildlife are trapped in shallow pools.  As the pools dry up, the fish die leaving plenty of decaying food behind for the buzzards to enjoy.

The large black birds are fascinating to watch. I have witnessed up to 20 in my backfield at one time. The birds have up to six-foot wingspan which provides quite a sight when they are all leaving the ground. One of the most noticeable features are the reddish heads. Some seem to have a dull reddish color where others are bright red. I cannot tell you the distinction in the varying colors.

I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.
I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.

Most people find Turkey Vultures to be ugly or an unsightly bothersome bird. I find the large birds to beautifully unique. Of course…I have always been the odd one.

Until next time….peace

 

 

The Return of the Sandhill Cranes

Posted on by Rebecca C.

For most people here in mid-Michigan the return of the Robin is usually the first sign of Spring. In fact, I witnessed a Robin down by the river beds just the other day.

For me, the first sign of Spring comes with the return of the Sandhill Cranes. I absolutely love these elegant creatures.

I hear their low throttling call echoing from the river flats. I could listen to them all day. With the rising water due to the melting snow, I have not been able to get down to the flats to photograph these magnificent birds up close.

I was happy to find a pair foraging for food out in the back field. The water levels are high and the fields have numerous areas with standing water.  The Sandhill Cranes were definitely enjoying themselves as they searched for a meal.

Until next time….peace…..

Save the Eagles Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, January 10, 2016, is Save the Eagles Day. The day is dedicated to the conservation and protection of these majestic birds. Here in Michigan (and all of North American from what I understand), the two species of Eagles are the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. I have been fortunate enough to view both of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. I have only been able to photograph the Bald Eagle. But I still have time to get more photos of both birds. I actually investing in another lens just for this reason.

This beautiful Eagle was in my neighbors 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.
This beautiful Eagle was in my neighbors 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.

These large birds of prey are beautiful to view out in the wild. Catching a glimpse of one in a tree or swooping down to catch their prey is a wonderful sight to witness. A Bald Eagle can actually reach speeds of 100 mph while trying to catch their prey. I find that fact to be absolutely amazing. Not to mention the wing span can be up to seven feet wide. I guess, you can tell why I love to watch these wonderful birds down on the river flats. In fact, my neighbor informed me of a pair down on the Maple River today.

If you get a chance, you should take the time to sit and watch the Eagles in their natural surroundings. You will find the experience breathtaking.

Until next time….peace

Cold Day to the New Year

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy.”

Anton Chekhov

 

I really do love this quote. Today, January 1, 2016, was definitely a cold start for the first day of the New Year. I know, we have had worse here in mid-Michigan. But up until now, the weather has been mild.

The cold temperatures are just a reminder that Mother Nature is actually the one in charge.

I hope your first day of 2016 was filled with memorable moments.

Until next time…peace….

Early Morning Visitor

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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!
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.

Until next time…peace

The Babies Are Getting Bigger

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I love seeing the little babies all snuggled down by their parents. I cannot believe how big some of the little Canadian Geese are getting since the last time I spent photographing them.

Of course, the parents are still very protective of them. I always use my longer lens. I do not want to disturb them too much.

The little ones are getting bigger. I love watching them follow their parents around. It's so cute.
The little ones are getting bigger. I love watching them follow their parents around. It’s so cute.

Nature Brings Me Peace

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“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.
I love all the variations of green that highlight the breezy wind.

Until next time…peace