Author Archives: makielb

And now the stock market crash

As we all know, or at least those who were paying attention the recent tariffs have tanked stock markets worldwide. How did this happen? Could it possibly have been something that the President did? Yes, once again 45/47 tanked the markets. But seriously, how did this compare to past crashes. Oh, the top seven dropsContinue reading “And now the stock market crash”

Spring wildflowers in Michigan

We went to Hudson Mills Metropark in Washtenaw County yesterday searching for a special little spring wildflower that is typically the first of the flowers that we see each year in Michigan. We were not disappointed. Stoneflies are some of the earliest insects that we find in Michigan. Here are photos of possibly two species,Continue reading “Spring wildflowers in Michigan”

Traveling in the South – Staying on a cattle ranch

Before heading north, back to Michigan we spent a couple of days on a cattle ranch at the Florida-Alabama border. We had no Internet so couldn’t post anything. This place was wonderful. The ranch/farm was some 300 acres, which we had access to. This was our cabin, which was quite comfortable. and had all theContinue reading “Traveling in the South – Staying on a cattle ranch”

Traveling in the South – packing to leave Dauphin Island

It’s a busy morning as we are getting ready to head slightly north where for two days we will have no internet service. So here are a few drawings of mostly birds from the trip. Winter Wren and Bald Cyprus – typically how the trip starts, and sometimes ends. Usually these two bright warblers (HoodedContinue reading “Traveling in the South – packing to leave Dauphin Island”

Traveling in the South – Dauphin Island plants and birds

Finding interesting plants, especially fragrant ones is always fun. This is wisteria, an non-native vining shrub. The flowers are attractive and hava an amazing scent. This is red buckeye, and native shrub with attractive flowers that are scentless. Candyroot is a pretty little flower, less that 3-4 inches at the tallest. Being on the GulfContinue reading “Traveling in the South – Dauphin Island plants and birds”

Traveling in the South – Another day at Dauphin Island

Susan set up for moths the other night and we had some fun photographing them in the morning. The moth on the left is a gray-banded zale. The moth on the right is a southern chocolate angle. This photo doesnt do justice to the hebrew, which is best observed from the back straight on. LiveContinue reading “Traveling in the South – Another day at Dauphin Island”

Traveling in the South – Dauphin Island

We’ve been on Dauphin Island for a couple of days and the birds are few and far between, with the exception of Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers. Several auditory highlights were a King Rail at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and Clapper Rails at the old pier. One thing that is amazing here is how big some ofContinue reading “Traveling in the South – Dauphin Island”

Traveling in the South – getting to Dauphin Island

No matter how hard I try my days start early. We were staying in Saraland, just north of Mobile less than two hours from our destination on Dauphin Island. We had breakfast at the motel around 6:30 AM and were packed and ready to go by eight. Since we would be way too early toContinue reading “Traveling in the South – getting to Dauphin Island”