Things I Learned On My Hike Today

Posted on by Rebecca C.

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 Creek

  1. 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.

Frog in the Trail

  1. 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.

Wild Flowers

  1. 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.

A Place in the Woods

  1. 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.

Garter Snake Garter Snake

  1. 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.

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  1. Even in the muddiest water, there are signs of life.

Snail

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.

Until next time….peace

Go Birding Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, April 25, 2015 is “Go Birding Day”. Other wards, the entire day is dedicated to watching our fine feathered friends. I am an avid bird watcher. I never started out as one; bird watching is form of recreation. Recreation is all about finding an activity to while not at work or meeting any other responsibility that seems to full our daily lives.

Over the last two years, I really have begun to enjoy all aspects of  bird watching. I never thought I would be the person who would actually go searching for a particular bird to view and photograph. My area in Michigan had a wet start with lots of standing water which brought a lot of new birds to my area. I have always enjoyed being outdoors and photographing wildlife; bird watching was just a new component of this activity.   Bird watching is also an activity that my mother can join.

Equipment Needed for Bird Watching

The great thing about bird watching is that the type of equipment you invest in is up to you.  You can simply take a walk through your local park or hiking trail and try to figure out which little featured creature is making chirping noises in your direction.  Or if you really want to get into the activity you can buy expensive spotting scopes.

These are the items that I take with me:

  • A pair of binoculars
  • My camera which actually travels everywhere with me.
  • a field guide (I know a lot of people use apps which is great, but mom and I like looking at the book to see what species we are viewing.)
  • Pencil and notepad (I take this along to jot notes; I use a lot of my experiences for writing and I want to remember everything that I view).
  • Water (I have recyclable container that hooks to my camera bag. It is important to stay hydrated while out walking around especially if you are in a wooded area).
  • Cell phone (I turn mine on silent while I am out walking. Accidents can happen; a slip and fall can ruin your hike. A cell phone is just extra precaution in case of emergency).

Know the Area

I am fortunate.  I live in a rural area which is surrounded by wetlands along side the Maple River; the common Michigan river flats are all around me.  I spend a lot of time on the back property where I can view numerous birds and other wildlife.  But I do like to venture out into other trails and preserves.  When I am getting ready to go to a new trail, I download the map either to paper form to have with me or to my phone.  I know a lot of the trails are marked, but I like the extra precaution.

Safety

Remember to wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  The trails can be long; you want to make certain that you are comfortably dressed.  Also, obey the signs; the signs are there for your safety.

These are only a few aspects of bird watching. Have fun and be safe as you look for that rare species which only turns up doing summer months when the birds migrate back to the area.

 

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.