This was the very beginning of the storm. I really didn’t think much of it at this point.
After the storm was clearing, I looked up to see this bird flying by. The large bird was too far away for me to properly identify.The sky became almost black in the middle of the day. But the storm was not as bad as I originally thought it was going be.My cloud fascination continues.This part of the storm had me a little worried. But the storm just brought a lot of rain and wind.Over the TreesLove the CloudsMoving across the back field
Michigan has been experiencing seasonal thunderstorms. I do not have the knowledge to state the proper terms. But basically, the weather is hot and very humid which when colder air pushes in creates the storms. I am lucky and grateful that none of these storms have caused any damage.
I have recently become fascinated with photographing clouds. Storm clouds are just another part of my new found curiosity. Believe it or not, the entire time I was out photographing the clouds, the rain held off. The clouds moved across the sky first. Then, the rain seem to follow behind. Absolutely fascinating.
And, yes….my mother called and left a message on my phone to “stop taking pictures and get in the house”. Some things will never change.
“Look back, and smile on perils past.” –Walter Scott
I have been spending the last couple of days working on some old negatives. The negatives were in a box that was among my grandfather’s belongings. I am slowly trying to scan and organize them. I wish I knew more about the photos, the trip and the overall experience.
I do know my grandfather would take his mother and sisters up to Canada to visit relatives: the Hewitt’s. So I am assuming some of the photos are from this experience and trip.
This particular photo is actually Mackinaw Island which is here in Michigan between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.. After some much needed help from my social media page, the photo was taking looking down from the Grand Hotel. You can actually see the Chippewa Hotel clearly. I cannot pinpoint the year or approximately the year the photo was taking. I am still researching.
I find these old photos of the past intriguing. The photos show the best of what the family went through during the hardest times.
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.
I loved watching this little Nuthatch walk across the top of the feeders. I have six different feeders that hang down off from the rod. The little bird walked back and forth like he was trying to decide what type of snack to eat. Until he finally jumped down to one of the feeders.
This beautiful Hummingbird Moth was a welcomed edition to my front flower garden. I hadn’t seen one in years. I was so happy to view this one as he moved from flower to flower.
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.
Phone rings. The answering machine picks up. From the open window, I hear my mother’s voice:
“Stop taking pictures of the storm and get in your house. I refuse to explain to the doctor why you were struck by lightning.”
Yes, I went back in and called my mom to ease her worries. I live right beside my parents. There’s actually distance between the two farm houses which is why I had to ask if she could see me outside. Her reply:
“No, I just know you.”
Her answer was perfect.
Dark skies, wind, thunderstorms, heavy rain, tornado watches (and warnings)…just another day in Michigan. As I type this, we are still under thunderstorm/tornado watches. I guess, the storms are one of the main reasons why I am still awake. I like to keep an eye on the weather during these watches and warnings.
Michigan has seen a little bit of everything as far as weather is concerned. Mother Nature was busy keeping our lives interesting. There have been reports of tornadoes. In fact a tornado touched down in Portland earlier. From the pictures on social media and the news, the place resembles a war zone. Despite all the damage, no major injuries or deaths have been reported which is the best news to come out of all the destruction.
For my area, I noticed the birds and other wildlife seemed extra hungry prior to the beginning of the storms. I was told this is normal; the animals will eat early in order to take shelter later. I am going to have to do some research to see if this theory is true or not.
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 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.
Rebecca's Vintage and Wildlife Photography 