Nature’s Wonder

I find nature both amazing and intimidating at times. I cannot enter into a wildlife area without seeing something new. During this time of year, I tend to spot first-time blooms. The wild Iris flowers offer a beautiful site among the greenery.

Wild Iris Blooms

The hatching of a new batch of dragonflies. Every time I see dragonflies flying just above the tall weeds in the field, I imagine fairies lurking about watching me photograph the natural scenes.

Dragonflies

Two days ago, I came across a new site in the deeper part of the woods. Usually, the area is still under water this time of year. The Maple River cuts off and runs into the back creek. The warm weather caused the water to dry up faster. Certain areas are still damp and mushy. Yes, mushy is my new word of the day. In any event, the water snails had nowhere to go for water. They attempted to “climb” the trees which were still very moist from being underwater. Unfortunately, without the correct amount of water the snails died. Leaving only their shells behind on the trees. Yes, I know they are not technically called water snails. I am not certain of their correct name. I just found the site of the snails interesting and sad. They were just searching for water.

The snails still attached.
The snails still attached. I am not certain how long they will stay there. I was actually quite surprised that nothing came along and ate them. 
Snails on the trunk of the tress.
Snails on the trunk of the tree. The first time, I had every seen this type of phenomenon. 

 

I hope everyone finds nature as intriguing as I do.

Until next time, peace…..

Babies Everywhere

“I am in favor of animal rights

as well as human rights.

That is the way of a whole human being.”

― Abraham Lincoln

I have been enjoying time away from my computer. Oh, don’t get me wrong I am still meeting my article deadlines. My editor would not be happy with me if I work was not in on time. But I have also been enjoying the warm weather. One great aspect about this time of year is all the babies.

But I have also been outdoors more enjoying the warm weather. With combating the weeds and viewing the everything nature has to offer, I just seem to lose track of time. One great aspect about this time of year is all the babies.

One great aspect about this time of year is all the babies.

Baby birds, ducks, and geese are easily viewable.

I believe this is a baby Sparrow. I have a hard time identifying babies.
I believe this is a baby Sparrow. I have a hard time identifying babies.

And, the tadpoles are so much fun to watch along the water’s edge.

I bet there's over a hundred of these little Tadpoles in the pond.
I bet there’s over a hundred of these little Tadpoles in the pond.

 

I have not been able to spot any baby deer yet. I have three does who visit my yard every night. I can tell, they are very pregnant. So, I am hoping I will soon see a couple of fawns.

Until next time…peace

From Today’s Wanderings

Originally, my plan for today was to mow the lawn. After I reached half way around my yard, I soon realized, I could not finish. The yard had standing water from the other night’s rain. So, I decided to do some wandering.

Being in nature and unplugging for a short time helps me stay creative.

This little frog was attempting to get warm by sunning himself on a branch.
This little frog was attempting to get warm by sunning himself on a branch.

Frogs and more frogs, and tadpoles….

Just floating along....
Just floating along….
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On the pond’s edge
Tadpole
Tadpoles of all sizes were visible.

Some wildlife was harder to spot than others.

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Hidden bunny

Who is watching who?

One of the does watching me.
One of the does watching me.

Covered Paths

Spring is finally bringing warmer weather. I love being outdoors. I am slowly trying to get my yard cleaned up. I am designing a fairy garden out front. It’s going to be a slow process but I hope my vision comes together.

With the melting snow and the rainy weather, the back paths are covered with water. I cannot get back to the bridge to view the different wildlife.

A little muskrat swimming down the back path, I usually walk to the back bridge.
A little muskrat swimming down the back path, I usually walk to the back bridge.

At least, some of the little creatures were enjoying the water covered paths. The muskrats were out and about. I found them a complete joy to watch as they scampered around the paths.

I really think he was telling me to stop taking his photo while he was eating. lol
I really think he was telling me to stop taking his photo while he was eating. lol

 

Until next time…peace

Sandhill Cranes: Up Close and Personal

“Look deep into nature,

and then you will understand

everything better.”

~Albert Einstein~

I was able to take about a hundred photos of these beautiful creatures. In my opinion, the Sandhill Cranes are just amazing to watch. After a while, I just stood and observed the pair as they waded gracefully through the water’s edge in search of food.

I cannot believe how nature always finds a way to inspire and amaze me at the same time.

Until next time….peace

Buzzard’s Day

March 15, 2016, has been named Buzzard’s Day. Here in Michigan, we have Turkey Buzzards or otherwise known as Turkey Vultures.

When the water down on the river flats goes down, carp and other aquatic wildlife are trapped in shallow pools.  As the pools dry up, the fish die leaving plenty of decaying food behind for the buzzards to enjoy.

The large black birds are fascinating to watch. I have witnessed up to 20 in my backfield at one time. The birds have up to six-foot wingspan which provides quite a sight when they are all leaving the ground. One of the most noticeable features are the reddish heads. Some seem to have a dull reddish color where others are bright red. I cannot tell you the distinction in the varying colors.

I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.
I love how they perch themselves on top of my old barn.

Most people find Turkey Vultures to be ugly or an unsightly bothersome bird. I find the large birds to beautifully unique. Of course…I have always been the odd one.

Until next time….peace

 

 

Moth-er Day

Today, March 14, 2016, is dedicated to Moths. People usually like the beauty of butterflies over moths. I find both species to be naturally beautiful. I have come across some beautiful species here in Michigan. I would like to learn more on the subject of attracting moths. I have been trying to research plants to see if certain varieties will attract moths. So, I will have to see what I can come up with as I search.

Personally, I would like to learn more on the subject of attracting moths. I have been trying to research plants to see if certain varieties will draw months to my yard. I will have to see what I can come up with as I search. Who knows maybe the new plant life will add a touch of color to parts of my yard.

I do have to say, I am glad there is an entire day dedicated to the moth’s beauty. Everyone can have a chance to admire the flying little insects. Moth’s come in all different sizes. The Cecropia Moth is the largest moth I have ever photographed. The Cecropia Moth was about as big as my hand. I mostly took side views of the multi-colored moth. I never pick up insects to take better photos. I definitely did not want to harm her. (No, I really do not have any idea if the beautiful insect was male or female.).

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Until next time……peace

 

 

The Return of the Sandhill Cranes

For most people here in mid-Michigan the return of the Robin is usually the first sign of Spring. In fact, I witnessed a Robin down by the river beds just the other day.

For me, the first sign of Spring comes with the return of the Sandhill Cranes. I absolutely love these elegant creatures.

I hear their low throttling call echoing from the river flats. I could listen to them all day. With the rising water due to the melting snow, I have not been able to get down to the flats to photograph these magnificent birds up close.

I was happy to find a pair foraging for food out in the back field. The water levels are high and the fields have numerous areas with standing water.  The Sandhill Cranes were definitely enjoying themselves as they searched for a meal.

Until next time….peace…..

March is Women’s History Month

The month of March is dedicated to women in history. I am thankful for all the women who have come before me to provide the rights that I have today. From Amelia Earhart to the women of the suffrage movement, I could go into great detail about the women I admire. But I like to share photos of women, I have come across through a variety of sources. Some of the women are related to me, others I have just found while sifting through stacks of old negatives. These are just everyday women who I believe deserve recognition. I wish I knew more of their stories.

These are just everyday women—–mothers, daughters, sisters and friends who I believe deserve recognition. For the ones I never met, I wish I knew more of their stories.

Flossie was a surgical nurse. She was trained after witnessing my grandfather getting hurt. The doctor thought she handled herself well and suggested the medical field. She was born in 1899.
Flossie was a surgical nurse. She was trained after witnessing my grandfather getting hurt. The doctor thought she handled herself well and suggested the medical field. She was born in 1899.
The Ladies in the Band
I wonder if they traveled with the band or if it was a once in a lifetime gathering?
Driving Cars
Her first car? First drive?
Happiness should always be shared.
Happiness should always be shared.
Searching
Searching–I wonder if she ever found Dottie Deweese. Was she waiting outside a bus or train station?