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 weekly report on the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is showing an increase in cases in the U.S. and Canada. This was expected, as the new Omicron variant is spreading. Data from Friday shows that the number of cases is increasing in both the U.S. and Canada. Stay tuned for more reporting in the future, and getContinue reading “A war, a virus, birds and more”

Just about that time of year when the Little Brown Jobs (LBJs) start appearing. But here in the far north it’s snowing and rather gloomy. So, what to do? It’s time to drive down a nearby road looking for grouse. While you probably can’t see it, there is a Spruce Grouse about 150 meters downContinue reading “No grousing about the weather”

Bears will be coming out of hibernation any day. It’s time to keep a close eye on the bird feeders. The highest observation deck is what I have named “The Raptor Roost.” That is where I normally watch migration from. This season has been quite slow so far with Red-tailed Hawk, Bald Eagle, Golden EagleContinue reading “Whitefish Point, with or without hawks”

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”

Starting out trip north across the Mackinac Bridge. Almost at St. Ignace. Now, on to King’s in Moran for some whitefish then to the cabin. We stopped at the post office to collect out mail. There was a strange little sticker on the boxes the “R” of Paradise. Blowing up the sticker it appears toContinue reading “Whitefish Point where it’s still winter”

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”

Susan, Linda and I went downtown for the start of Fool Moon night. We spent a few hours walking around downtown watching events that would precede the luminary parade. Walking around I managed to take photos of some fairly new businesses and street art. A street angel and a cinnamon roll shop, how had IContinue reading “Ann Arbor – Fool Moon”