Beautifully Cold Morning

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am not sure if the words “beautifully cold” are proper together.  But those two words are how the morning looked to me. The last few days, the mornings have been cold.  The windchill has been in the negatives.  Mid-Michigan has warnings out, do not expose any part of your skin for more than 30 minutes or risk frost bite. Needless to say, I have been spending most of my time indoors.

I really cannot complain. I can deal with cold, there are many areas that are being hit with massive snow storms.  So, this seems to be mild compared to what Mother Nature could truly unleash. Anyways, I just stoke up the fireplace a little more especially in the evenings. The wind is colder during the evening hours, the extra heat is truly a blessing.  My house has been nice and warm the last few days.  My cats and dogs are pleased, I find them all gathered around the fireplace throughout the day.

During this cold snap, I have been putting extra seeds out for the birds and other little critters that visit my feeders. I think, it is the least I can do for my feathery little “friends”.  I love watching them around the feeders.  I can sit at my table, work on my book, drink my tea and watch the wildlife.

If you are in a cold snap, stay warm.

Until next time…..peace.

 

Blazing Sunset

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, was a normal chilly day for winter in Michigan.  The sunset tonight was amazing.  As the sun began to set, the orange colors made the top of the trees look like they were on fire. The blazing sunset was absolutely stunning and beautiful.

During the winter months, the blazing sunset seem to be clearer and crisper. Of course, I have to remember to actually put a coat on next time.  I had grabbed my camera and ran out the door to capture the moment.  The air definitely was freezing.

Until next time….peace….

More Mourning Doves

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I will admit I have been enjoying a lazy Sunday.  I wrote an article before tomorrow’s deadline.  Now, I am just relaxing.  I did go outdoors for a little while.

There has a been a dampness to the air today.  I cannot tell if there is going to be snow storm or icy rain.  I guess time will tell. With the coldness in the air, I put more seeds and treats out for the birds which attracted more Mourning Doves.

Of course, I have about two dozen Sparrows out there right now. I also saw some a Titmouse, Bluejays, and a few Blackcapped Chickadees.

Until next time….peace.

 

World Wetlands Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today is considered to be World Wetlands Day; I love these unofficial holidays especially the ones that directly relate to nature and wildlife. Even though today in Mid-Michigan; the entire area pretty much had a snow day.  Some areas actually received 18.7 inches of snow last night.  Mother Nature just wanted to remind us who really is in charge.

Wetlands provide habitat for various types of wildlife and plants. Here in Michigan, we have wetland areas.  I will often refer to them as river flats; the name everyone in the area calls them.

Wetlands have various benefits.  The areas reduce flooding by absorbing the rain or snow melt off.  At the same time, wetlands act as a filter getting rid of pollutants and other contaminants by breaking down the material. In Michigan, there are actually three different types of major wetlands: marsh, swamp, and bogs.

Marshes

The river flats are more like marshes.  Depending on the time of year, they can an inch of water to several feet deep or completely froze solid.  I like these areas; I can grab my camera and photograph all types of wildlife.  I have spent hours photographing herons, cranes, ducks, geese, and much more.

Swamps

Swamps are more wooded. They are usually home to various types of little creatures including frogs, owls, and raccoons.  The plant life in the swaps can also be beautiful.

Bogs

Bogs are a result of decaying vegetation.  Bogs have different type of animal species including turtles.

Watching the wildlife in the wetland areas is fascinating.  I can spend hours outdoors during the warmer months.  Not today, when the temp is about 3˚F right now. Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the winter months too.  I just don’t get outdoors as much.

According to the Michigan DNR website, these are the plant and animals that frequent the wetland areas:

Arrowhead
Bald Eagle
Baltimore Butterfly
Black Spruce
Black Tern
Bowfin
Brook Stickleback
Bulrush
Cardinal-Flower
Common Cattail
Common Loon
Cotton Grass
Damselfly
Dragonflies
Dragon’s Mouth, Wild Pink
Dwarf Mistletoe
Eastern Newt
Great Blue Heron
Green Frog
Green-backed Heron
Iris
Kingfisher
Kirtland’s Snake
Lichen		 Liverwort
Marsh Wren
Marsh-Marigold
Michigan Holly
Minnow
Northern Harrier
Osprey
Pitcher Plant
Poison Sumac
Red Maple
Red-bellied Dace
Red-winged Blackbird
Sandhill Crane
Smartweed, Knotweed
Snail
Sphagum Moss
Spotted Turtle
Sundew
Tamarack
Trumpeter Swan
Water Milfoil
Water Shrew
Water-lily
Waterweed, Elodea

So, the next time you see a wetland area on the side of the road while you are zooming down a freeway; take a moment to think about all the wildlife the area has to offer.

Reference:

Michigan DNR (2015). Wetlands. Retrieved from:

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_22664-61132–,00.html

Old Buildings: Great Character

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I love old buildings, they have such great character.  Being the history nerd that I am, I would love to know who lived in the house which is located on a farm.  Was the house big inside? Was there a family? But until I know the facts, I can only guess at these abandoned places in Michigan. I know farmers by land to plant crops. If old houses or other buildings are on they land, they usually go to ruin.

The buildings seem full of despair; they were once grand homes or barns.  Now, they are falling apart in deterioration.

Abandoned barn in Gratiot County, Michigan
Abandoned barn in Gratiot County, Michigan

Zehnder’s Snowfest

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Unplugging yourself from the computer and other electronic gadgets can make a world of difference.  Yesterday, I was restless; cabin fever kicking in.  For the first time, I attended the Zehnder’s Snowfest in Frankenmuth, Michigan.   The Snowfest was interesting.

The streets were lined with small ice carvings.  The main ice craving was in an awning, the scene was of a kitchen. The details were amazing from the flipping of the eggs in the pan to the fan up in the window.  I loved the creativity and art work

.Ice sculpture 2

 

The snow carvings were line up down in two different areas.  Unfortunately some of the snow sculptures cracked or fell due to the above freezing weather on Saturday.  But I was still able to view some of the fantastic work.  You can definitely tell a lot of time and effort goes into creating and designing these snow sculptures.

This one received 1st place.
This one received 1st place.

I stopped and witnessed an ice sculpture come to life. The two ladies worked really hard to get the ice sculpture done in a certain time frame.  The details are incredible.

Ice carving competition.
Ice carving competition.

The streets were lined with people who were happy to get out and walk around despite of the cold weather.  I did visit a couple of shops.  I am going to have to go back when the weather is warmer.  I would like to spend an entire afternoon exploring all that Frankenmuth has to offer.  I had not been to the town in numerous years.  I would like to take in the sights and appreciate the local history.

There were several horse drawn wagons going down the Main Street. Beautiful sight.
There were several horse drawn wagons going down the Main Street. Beautiful sight.

 

 

 

Squirrel Appreciation Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, January 21, 2015 is Squirrel Appreciation Day.  I enjoy unofficial holiday that involve nature and wildlife.  Squirrels can be viewed almost any time of year here in Michigan. Being surrounded by woods, I get the view the nut burying little creatures all the time.

Michigan has a variety of squirrels. The Fox Squirrels, Gray Squirrel, Northern and Southern Flying Squirrels.  Under the squirrel category for Michigan are the Eastern Chipmunk, Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel and the Woodchuck.  Even though I never really considered the Woodchuck to be a squirrel but I can see why he is in this category.

Chipmunk

I usually come in contact with the little Red Squirrel.  The little scampering tree creature seems to “voice” his opinion every time I enter the woods.  As I am trying to photograph a bird or a landscape scene, the Red Squirrel will chatter at me.  The chattering is a way to alert the rest of the woodland creatures, there is an intruder.  The Red Squirrel shaking his tail at me will scamper up and down the tree.  Squirrels use their tails to distract predators.

I often have squirrels at my bird feeder which is why I put out extra corn cobs just for them. Many people will try to make elaborate obstacle courses to keep the squirrels away from the seeds.  In my experience, the squirrels figure out a way to bypass everything and eat the seeds.  So, I just add extra for them to eat during the wintry months.

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Of course, this squirrel looks like he has visited the feeder a lot.

*Note about the featured image.  The squirrel is hiding from my cat behind my wicker chair on my front porch.  The cat had no interest in the squirrel, but he walked unto the porch causing the squirrel to take shelter.  I could hear the squirrel chattering loudly.  So, I grabbed my camera to go and investigate. Once I ushered my cat through the front door, the squirrel went back to the feeder.

Winter Has Arrived

Posted on by Rebecca C.

 

I was playing around with some software.  Winter has definitely arrived in Mid-Michigan.  The temps are so cold…below zero with the high of the day being 9 degrees and a wind chill of minuse 24.  Brrr!  I haven’t been able to get out and take many photos.  It’s a little too cold for me.

Hope everyone is having a great week so far…..

 

National Bird Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”~~Lou Holtz

Today, January 5, 2015 is National Bird Day.  I like the idea of birds having a day dedicated just to birds in general.  To me, birds are just interesting creatures.  In the last couple of years I have become more involved in bird watching which is something I never thought I would do. The changing weather earlier in the spring brought about different types of birds to the area that I had not previously viewed in the wild. The rains had left the creeks full and standing water in the ponds that usually dry up quickly. I was able to see a King Fisher and lots of Herons.  I spent a lot of time photographing these lovely birds.  I had days I just spent outside.

Sparrow

Now that winter is upon us, I have making certain that the feeders are full especially today with the temperature belong zero and the wind chill being even colder.  At least, I know that I have done a little bit to help out my feathered friends while the snow continues to build up.

Chickadee

Anyways the little Black Capped Chickadees will let me know if the feeders are low, they love to voice their opinions as soon as I open the door.  But I love to hear the diminutive bird chirping at me as I fill the feeders. I also love how the Sparrows with all their feathers puffed out sit on the branches near my window.  I think sometime they are waiting to be fed.  Or they are telling me to hurry up.

Now with Snowy Owls and Pileated Woodpeckers back in the area, I am hoping to get some better photos of these magnificent birds as well.

Snowy Owl

Favorite Photos of the Week

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am going to try to upload photos every Sunday night.  My favorites throughout the week, I am planning to do one every week though out the year. The week was cold except for today which was snowy.  I actually enjoyed the snow; I walked around the back property and just relaxed in the peaceful atmosphere.

b1

My old barn standing against the snowy background.

b2

 

The sun peaking through the clouds on the snowy day.

b4

 

My favorite walking path.

Crows

 

The crows at the public access.

 

 

Last Sunset of 2014

 

The last sunset of 2014, I hope everyone has a great 2015.