Author Archives: makielb

Here are two chipmunks under the feeders at Whitefish Point. The one at the front is an Eastern chipmunk, the one at the back is a Least chipmunk. Years ago, Least chipmunks were quite common in the Upper Peninsula. Then, for some reason they were almost completely replaced by Eastern chipmunks. Least chipmunks have aContinue reading “Chipmunks”

We spent some time today in one of our favorite bogs looking for birds. Our reward was a very calm male Spruce Grouse. The bird looked away from us, then back towards us. This gave us a wonderful look at the undertail feathers, which are quite stunning. A close-up showing the red skin of theContinue reading “In the bog looking for birds”

We heard that there was a Hudsonian Godwit at the point. So, we drove down there (we usually walk) and managed to get the bird. I zoomed in on the bird, and yes it’s a breeding-plumage Hudsonian Godwit. After seeing the bird we headed odd to look for fairy-slippers/Calypso orchids. We were with Martin andContinue reading “Rare bird and orchid”

Bars in the south The difference between science and whacko theories! Lions looking for tip money. Step one after writers block. Nope, no “back to the real world” for me. Back to nature tomorrow…

As we travel north to Whitefish Point we pass through some prime Kirtland’s Warbler habitat. Susan is scanning for any of the birds that are singing. Many of the jack pines here are 6-7 feet tall with an understory of blueberry. The perfect habitat for the warblers. With some patience and luck you can getContinue reading “Kirtland’s Warbler”

The plants have been going outside for a couple of days to get used to the temperature difference versus under the lights in the basement. Winter mulch removed from the raised beds and compostable garden paper put down. Plants in just before the rain started. There are some 50 tomato plants, 18 hot pepper plantsContinue reading “Time for the garden”

We got an email from our young friend Harold saying that he was going to be in Nichols Arboretum Wednesday morning. While he may not yet be 30, he’s been bird-watching with us for some 20 years. Also in the photo are Don, Susan, Roger, Mike Harold and Jacco (left to right). When I seeContinue reading “Current and past memories”

Over the years we have learned that midges fuel bird migration. When warblers, thrushes and flycatchers are migrating there are typically large swarms of midges emerging around the Great Lakes. The other day we were at Point Labarbe on the northern edge of Lake Michigan and we encountered large swarms of midges. This is aContinue reading “Fueling bird migration”

Trying to get photos of the large numbers of Evening Grosbeaks passing by is really challenging. I had close to 300 fly by the cabin in the morning. Large numbers of Broad-winged Hawks are still around, but the numbers are much lower than in the past few days. The Sharp-shinned Hawks are taking advantage ofContinue reading “South winds brought some great migrants”

To say that chickadees are moving through is an understatement. These are the feeders at the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory. Between here and the waterfowl counter I tallied some 450 (or more) chickadees, with a few warblers mixed in. Another bird that made an appearance in good numbers is White-crowned Sparrow. Warblers also arrived inContinue reading “Broad-wings!”