Author Archives: makielb

Yesterday we spent a snowy morning at Hulbert Bog searching for Gray Jays without luck. Then we headed off to Whitefish Point. It was clear and sunny by the time we got to Whitefish Point. It was an easy drive and nice settling into the cabin. While it’s not necessarily warm, there is little iceContinue reading “Searching for birds near Whitefish Point”

Our day stated with breakfast at Frank’s Place on Portage Street in Sault Ste. Marie. Then it was off in search of birds. An interesting young Bald Eagle. A tree full of Pileated Woodpeckers (three in this tree, one in a nearby tree). Finally a Snowy Owl on M-129 south of 10 Mile Road. ThenContinue reading “Another day and more birds”

Heading north for winter birds. Crossing the Mackinac Bridge with no snow or ice . As we headed north into Chippewa County there was still no snow. Finally some snow, but not a lot. Bald Eagles are currently abundant from Rudyard north to Sault Ste. Marie. This week the Michigan DNR is asking for numbersContinue reading “Back in the land of snow”

That would be me. My attitude is that it’s a bird feeder, not a vegetarian bird feeder. Come one come all. Also me. If you’re doing some weird stuff medically, I sure don’t need to know. I’ll probably give you my opinion. One the same note – the score it infinitely in favor of science.Continue reading “Some humor for the first Monday of 2023”

A poem to end the year: The Death of the Old Year Alfred, Lord Tennyson – 1809-1892 Full knee-deep lies the winter snow,And the winter winds are wearily sighing:Toll ye the church bell sad and slow,And tread softly and speak low,For the old year lies a-dying.       Old year you must not die;       You came to us so readily,       YouContinue reading “The end of 2022”

Starting our year in Florida in late January, 2022 meant that we had the pleasure of seeing lots of anoles. Another Florida highlight were gopher tortoises. We are now pretty good at knowing how to find them. Congaree National Park in South Carolina has a delightful boardwalk. We were able to look down on manyContinue reading “Some animals from 2022”

well, here they are – the last four garden tomatoes of 2022. We picked these is late October when they were still green and let them slowly ripen. We’r4e hoping that one will last until Sunday, making it into 2023. I let you know if that happens. Now on to insects. A Julia and ZebraContinue reading “Some insects from 2022 and the last tomatoes from the garden”

I’m not sure that calling a lichen a plant is totally appropriate since it’s a symbiosis between algae and fungi. However, this particular one is called Christmas wreath lichen, which seems appropriate for this time of year. And as I am sitting here with the snow, wind and cold (1F outside) it’s a cheerful photo.Continue reading “A cold morning thinking about plants”

Somehow, this reminded me of The House of the Dragon on HBO. If you liked The Game of Thrones, you’ll probably like this. I’m currently reading the book that THotD is based on It starts some 120 years earlier when the Targaryen family brings dragons from Valeria to Westros. THofD is also set about 120Continue reading “Monday moaning as we head to 2023”

Our day started with Susan making popovers. Candle-lit breakfast with popovers, marmalade and applesauce. As always I was up well before dawn, taking Susan coffee when the bedroom light went on. All of our Christmas decorations are in the front window. Neighborhood decorations are looking quite nice with the snow. A small skating rink withContinue reading “Christmas 2022”