Creature of the Week: Opossum

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Here in mid-Michigan, I have come across a variety of little creatures. I thought I would share some of them with everyone. I tend to love all aspects of nature.

When most people view an opossum in the wild, they see an ugly rat-like creature. When I view an opossum in the wild, I see a fascinating creature with ancestral ties going back to the times of the dinosaur.

Truthfully, the opossum is not even related to the rat family. The little grey creatures receive a bad reputation just based on their appearance. The opossum is actually a marsupial. (For those who do not remember or need a refresher, a marsupial is simply a pouched mammal).

The slow-moving creature is the only marsupial in North America which I found to be an interesting fact. Just like, I found the fact that there are around 65 species of opossums world-wide. But, only one type is located in Michigan and all of North America: the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis Virginiana).

Opossum
This was taking after a hard Michigan winter. I do not know for certain, but it looks like her little ears were victim to frostbite.

Other facts:

  • A nocturnal animal, I usually view them late at night. I have one that comes up on my porch; I enjoy watching her with the pale light from the porch.
  • Opossums hiss and growl when they feel threatened but they are actually a gentle creature avoiding conflict. In fact, “playing opossum” or “playing dead” is one of their best defenses against conflict. The little creatures will act dead in order to ward off predators.
  • Eat mostly insects, berries and fruits (I notice the one that visits my feeder loves the day old popcorn that I put out).
  • An opossum can be up to 21 inches long with an additional 10 to 20 inches with the tail.

One of the fascinating facts, I recently learned about opossums is they like to eat ticks. I am always worried about ticks getting on my pets and me. So, the little gray opossum with the cute pink nose may eat as many ticks as she wants when she visits my yard.

The one thing I have not witnessed in the wild is a mother opossum with her babies. I really would like to photograph them.

Until next time….peace

 

Beautiful But Cold

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“Beautiful But Cold” is the only way I could describe today. Even with the sun peaking through at various times throughout the day, the temps never made their way out of the teens. With the wind chill factored in, the air felt even colder.

The wild birds seem to spend extra time at the feeders which were wonderful to watch this morning.

The evening air was crisp but I could not resist the view. I with my little puppy, Gizmo in tow went out for a few minutes. I snapped about 50 pics when I decided the air was just too much for me. (I really need to invest in some new outdoor wear. Thank goodness for REI).  Gizmo did not hesitate when I asked if he was ready to go in.

We both have been enjoying the rest of the evening by the fireplace.

Hope everyone had a great day.

Until next time…..peace.

 

Save the Eagles Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, January 10, 2016, is Save the Eagles Day. The day is dedicated to the conservation and protection of these majestic birds. Here in Michigan (and all of North American from what I understand), the two species of Eagles are the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. I have been fortunate enough to view both of these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat. I have only been able to photograph the Bald Eagle. But I still have time to get more photos of both birds. I actually investing in another lens just for this reason.

This beautiful Eagle was in my neighbors tree. I am so happy everyone in my neighborhood does not think anything of me standing in the road while I take pictures of animals around their property.
This beautiful Eagle was in my neighbors tree. I am so happy everyone in my neighborhood does not think anything of me standing in the road while I take pictures of animals around their property.

These large birds of prey are beautiful to view out in the wild. Catching a glimpse of one in a tree or swooping down to catch their prey is a wonderful sight to witness. A Bald Eagle can actually reach speeds of 100 mph while trying to catch their prey. I find that fact to be absolutely amazing. Not to mention the wing span can be up to seven feet wide. I guess, you can tell why I love to watch these wonderful birds down on the river flats. In fact, my neighbor informed me of a pair down on the Maple River today.

If you get a chance, you should take the time to sit and watch the Eagles in their natural surroundings. You will find the experience breathtaking.

Until next time….peace

National Bird Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Today, January 5, 2016, is National Bird Day. I love the fact that entire day is dedicated to these fine feathered little creatures. I love watching birds. I have been slowly researching the different migratory birds that frequent Michigan.

Truthfully, I enjoy watching all wildlife. But bird watching can be done from my dining room table when the Michigan temperatures drop. I have come to the conclusion they all have unique characteristics that act almost as a way to communicate with one another and all other living beings.

Right outside my porch, the tiny Sparrows are always visible. They spend most of the time at the feeder, especially in the winter. I have come to the conclusion they get their way by sitting on the nearby branch and staring at me. I know, they are probably not watching me. When the feeders are empty, I believe they sit there just to make me feel extremely guilty. Many people do not like the Sparrows, I enjoy watching them as they flutter around my feeders.

When a Bluejay arrives at the feeder, all the other birds leave. In the colder months, I put peanuts out there which seem to be one of the Bluejay’s favorite snacks. The Bluejays are usually very vocal when they are near.

Depending on the time of year, I have all types of birds at the feeder or nearby in the wooded areas. I plan to start a bird journal to document which birds are present on a specific day.

Mourning Dove on Porch
Mourning Dove on my front porch. The doves always eat the fallen seeds.
Chickadee
I really haven’t viewed too many Chickadees this winter.

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Well….Happy National Bird Day

Do you have a favorite bird to watch?

Until next time…..peace

 

 

Take a Hike Day

Posted on by Rebecca C.

“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.”

–Henry David Thoreau –

“In the presence of nature, a wild delight runs through the man, in spite of real sorrows.”

–Ralph Waldo Emerson –

Today, November 17, 2015 is considered to be “Take a Hike Day”.

I love hiking. The trails I take are not long or hard. But I get to go out and enjoy nature. I always take photos along the way. For me, the time spent outdoors gives me a chance to unplug from my computer and just relax. I also find my imagination works over time when I am outdoors which always helps in my writing.

Until next time….peace

The Sun Started to Set, the Fog Began to Roll In

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The weather almost reached 50˚F this afternoon.  Definitely a rarity for December in Michigan, the temperatures are supposed to slowly drop tomorrow as rain begins to move in.  But we may actually have a little snow on Christmas Day, just enough to cover the ground.  We will see if I get my white Christmas or not.

I originally went outdoors to photograph some birds.  My feeders were being overrun with Sparrows, Titmouses, and Black Capped Chickadees.  I love these diminutive birds; they seem to “chirp” at me when I just step out the door.  Trust me; they are all very vocal when the feeders are low.

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SparrowChickadee

After a while, my attention turned to the clouds.  They were just beautiful.  One person on my Facebook page describes the clouds as a “stairway to heaven.”  The stunning array was a perfect setting as the sun slowly began to sink below the tree lines.

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As soon as the sun started to set, the fog began to roll in….sounds like a good beginning for a book.

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The sun was already beginning to set in the above photo, but the clouds were still gorgeous.

Fog Rolling In

 

The fog rolled across the field, I actually watched the mist cover the ground.  I found the experience fascinating.

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The sun was setting, but the fog just covered the bottom of the ground.

I am sure there are better more scientific words to describe the fog, the clouds and the sun.  But I just like photographing the natural world around me.

 

 

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.

The Snowy Owl: Magical Bird

Posted on by Rebecca C.

As many of you know I am a huge fan of wildlife, I could spend hours watching animals in their natural habitat. Today, I was able to view a Snowy Owl for the first time in the wild.  I was returning from dropping my niece and nephew off at school and I got a glimpse of white flying across the road. Of course, my curiosity was immediately peaked.  Followed by a leap of joy, when I realized what bird had caught my attention.  Snowy Owls are beautiful creatures.

I was disappointed with myself for not having my good camera but I still managed to get a picture of this magnificent bird.  My mom was with me in the car, we sat and watched her for a long period of time (technically, I cannot tell you if the owl was male or female.  I do not have the knowledge to distinguish the sexes).

The Snowy Owl was made popular by the Harry Potter series with the character Hedwig.  I can honestly tell you watching this breathtaking bird was magical.

Introduction to My New Blog

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I wanted to create a blog that’s about anything and everything.  On a daily basis, I write content for a variety of clients.  Don’t get me wrong, I am thankful for the pay as well as the ability to write and research subjects to my client’s satisfaction.  However, somewhere along the line I have lost my focus in my personal and creative writings. So, I am hoping by starting a new blog, I can find my inspiration to finish my book. I also want an outlet for whatever comes to my mind.  You are warned.

Besides being an avid writer which I have done all my life, I am photographer.  My favorite subject to photograph is wildlife.  I can spend hours outdoors as I try to get the perfect photo of a bird, spider or a breathtaking landscape.

Next to wildlife photography, black and white photography is my favorite artistic outlet. I love using black and white photography when taking photos of people.  Black and white photography gives me a chance to view more a person’s inner self.   I do plan to share photos with you as well.

I am an movie nut and a lover of good music.  Feel free to share your favorites with me.  I will watch or listen to either.  But, I will also give you my opinion.

Thanks for following my new site.

Have a great evening.

Rebecca C.