Author Archives: makielb

Our feeders at Whitefish Point have been quite active with the majority of visitors being Common Redpolls. Trying to take “good” photos through the glass is always a challenge. The above made redpoll was such a challenge as the bird was almost too close and I was shooting at an angle through the glass door.Continue reading “A day full of redpolls”

The trees here are a source of never-ending interest. This is a birch polypore which is a common fungus that grows on the white birch. Our feeders many visitors beyond the common Blue Jays and Common Redpolls. Red squirrels seem to prefer the feeder on the deck, where they can feed while not standing inContinue reading “Whitefish Point – Day-3”

As we sit back and enjoy our morning coffee, looking out at the snow it is hard to not think about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Northern Ukraine seems as though it is back in the hands of Ukrainian forces. But the Russian troops left the country devastated. Physical damage to buildings, executions, mass burialsContinue reading “Whitefish Point and the world”

It seems that small villages have taken over all around us. Fairy towns, gnomes, and other themed spots have popped up in large numbers. The one above is dominated by Winnie-the-Pooh characters, along with animals and dinosaurs. Another larger town at the base of a tree, as are most. A small castle to the leftContinue reading “Small town Ann Arbor”

Birdwatchers are familiar with chasing a rare bird. Over the years I have chased many birds, some dragonflies and even butterflies. Last year was the first time that I chased a moth with Susan. What could go wrong it was near Emu Dr. Was that the Drive named for a bird or Eastern Michigan University.Continue reading “Chasing an unusual moth”

It seems that editorial cartoonists always hit the high points of the week. How can Thomas possibly be involved in any rulings in the future? Supposedly, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is refocusing its invading forces to the far east of Ukraine. The Russian casualties are mounting with dead, wounded, captured and defections all increasing.Continue reading “The world, and escaping it”

The current status of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Not a lot changing, but the Ukrainians seem to been holding their own. The current situation of SARS-CoV-2. The new Omicron BA-2 variant is now in Michigan and Washtenaw County. Now for some bird humor and birds. That is a slippery slope. It took me aboutContinue reading “Birds and more”

But first, what’s happening in the Ukraine. The attack on the nuclear power plant is both scary and unimaginable. I hope that this is all resolved soon. In 2013 I was invited to an Anatomy & Physiology meeting in New Orleans. Susan was able to attend with me. She was able to wander town whileContinue reading “New Orleans meeting – 2013”

This is ll too familiar a problem. I went through a lot the same issues several years ago, Fortunately, I am still here to annoy people with my writing and photos. Right now the garden consists of enough kale plants to get us through the next couple of months. But it’s time to plant nextContinue reading “Walking in the neighborhood and thinking about the garden”

On this beautiful winter day I have been looking at some drawings that I did last spring. I was drawing the spring ephemerals as I has seen them. Here are a few violets. I’m thinking of redoing these drawings, but in color. Long-spurred violet is perhaps my favorite violet to find in the spring. WeContinue reading “A beautiful winter day in Ann Arbor”