Author Archives: makielb

The weekly pandemic statistics. Both cases and deaths are decreasing in the US. Europe and Brazil are increasing in the number of cases. This Least-marked euchlaena was one of the new recent moth additions for the year. Morrison’s pero was another recent addition. Saddled heterocampa was a delightful addition to the year moth total. AnContinue reading “Another day filled with moths and orchids”

Nightmares are terrible. When reality is the living nightmare it is even worse. Too many people do not remember what the past was like. But, how many of your mothers or aunts had D&Cs, which amazing dropped dramatically when abortions became legal. Interesting isn’t it. Hmm, lying under oath is illegal isn’t it? The “FifthContinue reading “Sunday editorial page”

Before you start looking at insects you had better become familiar with some getting to know them on a first name basis. Today started out as our typical mornings do – with moths. We never tire or Luna moths. We had our first Azelea sphinx moths of the year. Rosy maple moths are always anContinue reading “Insects and orchids”

The day started with so much promise. It was a beautiful sunrise. This Spotted tussock moth was among the many new species for the year. Blinded sphinx moth south signify the start of the sphinx season. The gem of the day was this Polyphemus. I thought that this would be the worst news of theContinue reading “A nice day ruined by an extremist court”

The blue flag are now in bloom between the cabin and the point. But when walking to the point it’s hard to miss all of the shrubs and small trees with leaves chewed on by some insect. The culprit is a small green weevil, Polydrusus formosus. Not only did we find many individuals, but alsoContinue reading “Botany, bugs and wood”

Yesterday it was 95F in Ann Arbor, today we arrived at Whitefish Point where it is a refreshing 60F. Now we are already searching for insects. Crossing the Mackinac Bridge around one was beautiful as ever. We stopped just east of Moran for Showy ladies-slippers, then lunch at King’s. If you ever travel on M-123Continue reading “Escaping the heat”

Looking out at the pong I could see that both swans were there. There was a gray little fluffy thing at the feet on one – cygnet number one. Going left to right was a Great Egret, then one swan and finally the other with a cygnet. Waiting a minute a mallard rose from theContinue reading “Some new birds in the neighborhood”

It’s time to get the garden ready for the heat that’s coming. Weeding, watering getting the water-bath filled for birds. Also picking some dill and basil for meals. This part of the garden is in shade for part of the day and is still doing quite well. Peppers, tomatoes and eggplants are all in flower.Continue reading “Back in the garden”

Last year Junteenth became a federal holiday. This brings back the issues that existed before the Civil War and after. This should v=never happen again, not that it ever should have. In the 1950s I knew older black men who were in their 70s, and were most likely the sons of slaves. That is soContinue reading “Father’s Day – Juneteenth”

On 18 June 2021 I photographed this Mississippi Kite at Cherry Hill Nature Preserve. Interestingly, in 2015 I saw one at Whitefish Point. Strange coincidence. Last June we were following the emergence of 17-year cicadas. I even bought a can of Brewed X coffee, which was a fun way to celebrate the event. Susan andContinue reading “Last year versus today”