Juvenile Eagle

When I first spotted the large winged bird, I was hoping to see a Golden Eagle. I have been told there is one in the area where I like to take photos. But it was a juvenile Eagle feeding on the old deer carcass. Don’t get me wrong, I am not disappointed. He (or she) was stunning to watch.

Until next time…peace

Out for Lunch

“I go to nature every day for inspiration in the day’s work.” –Frank Lloyd Wright

–Frank Lloyd Wright

 

Setting new temperature records, Michigan had six extremely hot days last week. Taking advantage of the lowering river flats, the various birds enjoyed snacking on the plentiful amount of fish and other water creatures.

Until next time…peace

 

Happy Wildlife Day!

I love nature.

 

Wildlife intrigues me. I could watch animals or insects for hours.

A dragonfly on one of my Tiger Lilies. Dragon flies always remind me of fairies. 
Birds are some of my favorite wildlife. They all seem to have unique personalities.

Spending time outdoors, allows me to relax and think about my stories.

 

Until next time…peace

Save the Frogs Day

Today, April 29, 2017, is Save the Frogs Day.

I personally have always loved frogs. As a child, I use to watch them jump in the ponds and creeks. I would imagine their worlds. I still incorporate frogs into my stories. I imagine them interacting with fairies and other woodland creatures.

As an adult, I still think about the frogs’ life. At the same time, I consider the frogs’ environment. Throughout the years, the push for modernization comes at a price. I would hate to see the frog population continue to decrease. The disappearance of frogs is just sad.

Just floating along….

Even though I do not know the facts, I am sure the impact of the ecological system would be significant. In my area, the decrease in frogs would mean an increase in mosquitoes and other pesky insects.

Tadpole

My request? Take the time to learn about the frogs in your area. Find out how to help with your local environment. You do not need to join large groups to help the environment, plant flowers, pick up litter, small gestures by a large number of individuals will have a large impact.

Until next time…..peace

 

Critter of the Day: Mallard Ducks

In my area of Michigan, the water is still high. The increased water levels have both negative and positive aspects. I love the fact that I get to view so many different forms of wildlife. Swimming in an over filled pond, this pair of Mallards were fun to watch. They would dive and skim insects off the top of the very murky water.

The downside of the water…. my yard looks horrible. I can only mow certain sections. The uneven grass looks as if I was trying to mow paths to each standing water area. Oh well, at least I can enjoy the wildlife.

Until next time….peace

Critter of the Day: Pied-billed Grebe

Today was the first time I was able to photograph a Pied-billed Grebe in the wild. I loved it. I could have spent my entire day watching this unique water bird. He (or she) kept diving under the water to catch fish or bugs.

I am sure this bird has been in my area before today. But I was so happy to capture the moment on camera.

Until next time…peace

Winter Snow Advisory

Living in Michigan, I use to the weather changing. After a couple of days of extremely cold weather, we are now in the midst of a winter snow advisory. I guess Mother Nature is not quite ready to let spring take over completely.

Needless to say, I still find the falling snow beautiful.

Until next time….peace

My Barred Owl Story

Over the holiday season, I was able to photograph a beautiful Barred Owl. The sighting in the natural habitat was absolutely remarkable. I was on my way to pick up some stuff at my nephew’s school. The roads were snowy from the recent accumulation. Of course, I was in rush. As I drove by the wooded area, I spotted the Barred Owl just sitting there on a lower branch. Obviously, the beautiful creature was searching for his next meal.

When I first drove by, I did not have a camera with me. Not even my pocket camera which I had just taken out of my purse. Since I was close to home, I immediately turned around to go get a camera. The whole time, I was thinking, “there was no way the owl would still be there”. As I was rushing out of my drive, I proceeded to get my car stuck. After some time, I managed to get my car back on the road. By this time, I was absolutely convinced the Barred Owl would be gone.

But, sitting on the lower branch right off the side of the road by the Maple River was the beautiful creature. If I would not have been in such a hurry, I could have watched the Barred Owl all day long. The owl was not skittish of me. I managed to snap a lot of pictures. We just seemed to stare at each other. His black eyes were mesmerizing.

After all the years of living in the countryside, I had only witnessed an owl once before in the wild. The last time, I was a child. And, no, I will not tell you how many years ago that occurred. At that time, the owl was flying down to retrieve a dead carcass out of the road. I cannot tell you the type of owl we saw the night. But I can tell you, the initial sighting all those years ago was one of the reasons why I enjoy nature and wildlife.

I find owls completely fascinating. Well, of course, the Harry Potter series confirmed my love for the stunning creatures.

Until next time….peace