Well, as expected the day started out drizzly and with mist until about noon. The number and variety of birds was lower than the day before. But we managed about 135 species with about a dozen observers. Money raised with this effort will go to supporting the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. In the course ofContinue reading “Birdathon at Whitefish Point.”
Author Archives: makielb
Birds at Whitefish Point
Finally, a small push in passerines at Whitefish Point. We had 12 species of warblers, 2 vireos, 2 flycatchers and a sparrow. Also the Great-tailed Grackle continues to be seen at the point. Warblers included: Nashville, Myrtle, Yellow, Blackburnian, Common Yellowthroat, Magnolia, Tennessee, Black-throated Green, Canada, Orange-crowned and Wilson’s. Vireos were Red-eyed and Philadelphia. FlycatchersContinue reading “Birds at Whitefish Point”
A busy day
Our day started with finishing what we needed to in the garden. There are 46 tomato plants (various cherry, roma and beef beef), 27 hot peppers (9 varieties), 15 basil and a new rosemary. Hopefully they will all make it until we’re home later in the month. On our way north we stopped just eastContinue reading “A busy day”
Whitefish Point and traveling
It’s always sad when we head south from Whitefish Point, but we have a house to take care of in Ann Arbor. It was nice seeing Troy, Dan and Alison for a while before leaving. On the way home we stopped at King’s in Moran to get salmon, lake trout and pasties for three mealsContinue reading “Whitefish Point and traveling”
Time for some harriers
I love watching harriers migrate. Of all of the raptors they have the most-bouyant flight. Additionally when seen well you can identify males, females and juveniles. This is a juvenile harrier. This is probably a juvenile female that passed close to me. At the same time there are always eagles to watch at Whitefish Point.Continue reading “Time for some harriers”
Orchids in Mackinac County, Michigan
Yesterday we made our first real trip this year searching for orchids. We thought that the orchid season should be early this year – we weren’t disappointed. The first orchids that we found were Striped coralroot. They weren’t quite blooming but were close. In another week or two they’ll be open. Next we found theContinue reading “Orchids in Mackinac County, Michigan”
Spruce Grouse
We had several friends visiting Whitefish Point, here to see birds. After breakfast we all got into one car and headed off to an area where Spruce Grouse are common. None of us were disappointed. We found three male Spruce Grouse. Photos from behind show the stunning tail. The rust-colored tail tips are stunning. Here’sContinue reading “Spruce Grouse”
A day filled with eagles
Bald Eagles are an every day occurrence at Whitefish Point. But seeing over twenty in a day, mostly migrating is a special day. This is a bird molting from third year to fourth year plumage. The Bald Eagles came in a great variety of plumages that relate to age. This is a second year bird.Continue reading “A day filled with eagles”
Aurora at Whitefish Point
Recently I have been in a bit of a writing funk, a total lack of creativity. It’s been some time since I’ve had this issue to such a pronounced level and lasting so long. Hopefully the events yesterday will light a fire under my writing. The evening started with a glow on the northern horizon.Continue reading “Aurora at Whitefish Point”
Lichens instead of birds
Today started still and foggy, but at least it’s not raining. The past week has been less than optimal for migrants. Odds and ends have been showing up, but not much. This morning I turned my attention to the great array of lichens here at Whitefish Point. The trees are literally dripping with moisture ladenContinue reading “Lichens instead of birds”
Michael's Place 