On May 5th, I wrote a blog about Dryad’s Saddle. The spores had just started to sprout. Well, I went and searched from them today. I was really surprised to see how much they have grown.
I am extremely fascinated with these fungus. I cannot believe how many are currently grown in the woods right now. I also cannot believe how many mosquitoes are out in the woods. I was hoping the frost would slow them down. But trust me, they are alive and well.
Until next time…peace
Even though today is my mother’s birthday, she brought me flowers. The Irises in her flower bed became too heavy with the last night’s heavy dew and light frost; the flowers were on their sides. So, she picked some for me to photograph.
The timing was perfect. I had just purchased a new lens. The flowers gave me a chance to try it out. I am not sure if I like the lens yet or not. I guess, after some practice I might feel differently.
Oh, don’t worry my mother got her birthday present. I got her the necklace; she has been admiring for the last month. I also baked a small chocolate cake for her. Since she knows how much I dislike baking, she really appreciated the cake.
Until next time…peace.
I was just informed that today, April 25, 2015 is also “Save the Frog Day”. I absolutely love frogs. During the warm months, I have all the windows open and the frogs “sing” me to sleep at night. There’s just something about listening to frogs (and crickets) on a warm summer night to remind me why I live in the country.
Why Have a Save the Frog Day?
Amphibians are considered to be one of the most endangered little creatures on the planet. In fact, over “1/3 of the world’s species are on the brink of extinction” (SavetheFrog, 2015). I cannot imagine a world without frogs. Their “voice” would be gone forever.
The Threats
Of course, the main threat to frogs comes from humans. Humans have caused reduced habitants, pollutions from various pesticides and over harvesting for food consumption. Climate change and infectious diseases also play a part in the reduction of the amphibian population. Often there is a combination of two different factors to cause a decrease in the frog population. A reduced immune system due to a pesticide can leave a frog susceptible to infectious diseases.
How to Help
One of the best ways to help is by being aware of the situation. Participate in local recycling programs; less pollutants and debris in the environment is a major step in the right direction. Properly dispose of household chemicals, unused paint, and other hazardous materials at proper collection station. When pollutants and pesticides get into the water; all wildlife is at risk.
If everything goes as planned, I am actually going to have a pond dug in my yard. There’s already a two ponds on the back property and the main creek runs through it as well. But I want a pond in my yard. Don’t get me wrong I love walking down to see all the wildlife. However, there are days were my schedule is tight; I still would live to be able to go out to view different creatures. Yes, I do plan to use the area for photography reasons.
Until next time….peace.
Source:
www.SavetheFrog.com (they have free newsletter)
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:
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.
Today, April 24, 2015 is Arbor Day. So, what exactly is Arbor Day? In the simplest terms, Arbor Day is the celebration of trees; the overall importance the trees bring to the environment, planet and our very existence. I love being able to photograph birds and other wildlife as they play among the trees.
History of Arbor Day
Why the name Arbor? In Latin, the name arbor actually means tree which is perfect fit. Arbor Day is celebrated around the world. The dates may vary but the celebration is the same. The very first Arbor Day can actually be traced back to 1805 to a small Spanish village, the Villanueva de la Sierra. In the United States, the first Arbor Day was organized in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Approximately 1 million trees were in planted in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. The early beginnings sparked a worldwide observance for the importance of trees.
Arbor Day Foundation
To help aid in the observing the celebration of trees, the Arbor Day Foundation was created in 1972 by John Rosenow. The foundation helps in the efforts of selling trees and merchandise as a way to promote Arbor Day. The mission of the Arbor Day Foundation is “”to inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees”.
Michigan Arbor Day Alliance
The Michigan Arbor Day Alliance wants to promote the celebration of Arbor Day throughout the year. I agree with this concept, I like the idea of day of observance to bring everyone’s attention to the importance of trees on our daily lives. However, I think the promoting of planting and caring for trees should be done every day.
Personally, I cannot plant trees today. The weather is just not cooperating. Even though I do see the sun finally peeking through the clouds; the weather forecast is looking better for next week. I do plan to plant more trees this spring. I want more fruit trees planted (if funds permit). I am trying to create my own fruit orchard in my yard. I have a good start so far, but I want to add to my collection. By planting fruit trees, I am observing Arbor Day (just a little later in the spring).
Sources:
Happy Earth Day!!
Why celebrate Earth Day? I think for me, the question would be, “why wouldn’t I celebrate Earth Day?” As a lover of the great outdoors, I think we should all be aware of out impact on our local environment and the planet as a whole. If everyone would just take the time to participate in some small way; the overall impact would be great. I have seen firsthand how trash, pollutants and debris can litter up the local landscape, river and wooded areas. Begin in small ways by recycling plastic bags or magazines; there are drop off points throughout all communities.
Consider these other ideas that can be done as well; get the kids to help. Getting children involved with a variety of activities can help bring awareness to the environment and nature while having fun.
I love to feed the birds. I think feeding the birds is both beneficial to them and myself. One way to feed the birds is by making little pinecone feeders. We use to do this when I was a child. We would take pinecones and coat them with a thick layer of peanut butter then add seeds. I actually still do this sometimes; I even add raisins to the mix as well. Then, I hang them in the trees around my house.
I loved being outdoors as a child, I would spend hours exploring, imagining and having fun with friends and family. I still enjoy being outdoors today. Spending a day in nature is relaxing. I just grab my camera and go.
But I also enjoy just sitting on my porch and listening to the different sounds that nature makes. So, if you get a moment take a walk to celebrate Earth Day. I understand the weather may not be ideal. Here in Mid-Michigan, I actually saw snowflakes this morning. But if you are able, get outdoors. Even if your time is spent in the backyard, walking around the block or to a local park, there’s always something to see.
When you are out exploring collect little nature items such as small rocks, fallen leaves and acorns but at the same time be careful. Some items in nature are better left alone especially the poison ivy leaves. Also, leave flowers and growing plants alone. The joy is to watch these natural items grow. Go home and look up your new finds on the computer or in a book. Have the children make a scrapbook or design a keepsake shoe box to store items in. The small keepsakes could spark a lifetime of interest in environmental sciences.
You don’t need a fancy camera to take photos of nature. You can give kids cheap throw away cameras or use inexpensive digital cameras. Let your children take pictures of whatever interests them. You can always print the pictures off and store in scrap book. Have the children explain why they took this picture. A simple trip outside becomes a keepsake.
If weather permits plant a flower outside or a tree, make the planting a yearly event. Here in Michigan especially with sign of snow, I cannot get outdoors to plant anything new. In the past, I have planted flower seeds in organic cups and let the seeds start to grow. Once the weather is agreeable; I have taken the little cups and plant them directly into the ground.
These are only a few ideas; there are many others that can be done. Start a tradition to celebrate Earth Day with a small activity. But get outdoors as much as possible; the benefits go way beyond viewing nature.
Happy National Bat Appreciation Day!
I like bats when they are outside. It’s when they are flying around in my house that I have a problem. But I always safely catch them and release them back outside.
I was surprise to find out that Michigan has nine different bat species.
The different bats include:
Here in Michigan, the Little Brown Bat or Myotis lucifugus is the most common. 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. I have photographed a few in my time. 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.
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.
Source:
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10370_12145_12205-70016–,00.html
Another Spring day here in Michigan. I say this with a tone of sarcasm. Even though the weather is really typical for Michigan. I woke up this morning to snow. Not much just enough to let me know the air would be cold and damp all day. In fact the snow has actually disappeared already. According to the weather report, there is a promise of warmer weather coming in.
So, I took my own advice from yesterday’s blog and went for a walk. The walk was a bit “crispy” but I enjoyed seeing all the wildlife. I was able to view a magnificent Sand Hill Crane fly over the back property. She (no I don’t know if the crane was a female for certain, I don’t have that knowledge) was spectacular to watch. Her enormous wind span is such a sight. I could watch cranes all day especially when they use that low throttling call. I find their “song” beautiful.
The Canadian Geese were making their voice heard down on the river flats as I approached. I accidentally startled a small pair of wood ducks. When I returned to my house, I noticed a small herd of Whitetail Deer (around 12) were making their way across the field. I am happy to see the wildlife returning to the area. As more and more wildlife becomes visible or heard, I know the warmer weather is fast approaching.
Over the last couple of weeks, the weather here in Michigan has been extremely cold. Actually between the negative temps and the bitterly cold wind chills, area schools have had to close down. I honestly do not remember any time where schools have had to close due to just the winter coldness. I remember, school being closed due to the amount of snowfall but never freezing temps. On a good note, Spring is inching closer every single day.
Needless to say, with the cold weather I have been hibernating inside next to the fire. I have been trying to complete my book as well as keep up with my deadlines. I have done really well meeting article deadlines early (still had a couple rejections but that’s part of the freelance writing gig).
I was surprised to view this rainbow above the tree line tonight. I am assuming the rainbow was due to the ice crystals in the air. I loved seeing the brightness of the rainbow against the dull wintry sky.
Have a great night everyone.
Until next time….peace…
Beautiful, crisp winter morning here in Mid-Michigan; the temperatures are actually above 20˚F. I admit the shift from negative temps to the current temperature actually makes the air feel warm. The wind has finally died down. Of course, I know this is just the calm before the next snow storm. But I will enjoy the “warmer” temps while they last.
Drinking my morning tea, I was able to watch all the different birds coming and going from the variety feeders I have set up in my yard. I was impressed to see 15 Mourning Doves. Most of these little doves were on my porch. My porch is all opened with two different feeders. Numerous seeds fall down unto the porch which the Mourning Doves love.
I decided to look up some quick facts about Mourning Doves to share with all of you.
Personally I just enjoy watching the doves especially first thing in the morning when everything seems quiet. Until next time……peace.
Rebecca's Vintage and Wildlife Photography 