In another week I will be heading to the Pantanal, Brazil. I have all the vaccinations that I will need. Actually I’ve had them for years since I traveled to Panama. The main ones for that trip were Hepatitis-A & B, as well as Yellow Fever. So I am not worried about those. What doesContinue reading “Thinking about diseases as I get ready to travel”
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The Urban Gardener – Late September
Our vegetable garden is down to mostly flowers, herbs and kale. We will probably get tomatoes for another 2-3 weeks and maybe one last picking of green beans. In 3-4 weeks the garden will be put to rest until next year. At least a weeks worth of green beans picked yesterday along with a bunchContinue reading “The Urban Gardener – Late September”
A few plants from last week
On our way home from Whitefish Point we stopped at Pointe Labarbe near St. Ignace, Michigan. There were two reasons that we were there. Plants and raptors. When we left Whitefish Point it was quite foggy. When I got up I knew it was foggy before looking outside – distant fog horns on the bayContinue reading “A few plants from last week”
It’s caterpillar season
We just got back from Whitefish Point. Where ever we are at this time of year it’s when we end up finding a lot of caterpillars. I’m not saying that we didn’t find a lot during the summer, but there are more now as many species are in their final instar (molts) and are gettingContinue reading “It’s caterpillar season”
A busy three weeks
We’ve been on the move more or less since late August, We spent a week at Whitefish Point, then went to visit Martin and Catherine in Douglas and give a talk on the Yukon to the Holland Audubon Society. After a few days in Ann Arbor we had to get back to Whitefish Point sinceContinue reading “A busy three weeks”
Cicadas and figs
Dog-day cicadas are in prime sound right now. We have been finding cicada exuviae all over Ann Arbor. This cicada shed is on a fig leaf in our garden. The two figs in the garden showing some of the figs. So why didn’t my figs produce fruit before this year? I have three ideas –Continue reading “Cicadas and figs”
Moth night in Paradise
Last night, before the rain came we did a moth night for the Friends of Whitefish Point at Sawmill Creek Park. We had about 25 people show up, some with kids and it was a lot of fun. Typically I take a bunch of pictures while we are telling people what to expect, but lastContinue reading “Moth night in Paradise”
A surprise in the garden
About 5 years ago on a win I planted two fig trees that are supposed to be winter hardy. Over the years they have grown and died back in the winter, always look good in the summer. But no figs. Then two years ago we saw somebody on one of our morning walks that hadContinue reading “A surprise in the garden”
Furstenberg moth night – July
Before we headed north to Whitefish Point we took part in another moth night in Ann Arbor. As always it was nice seeing friends and people who are not yet friends. Besides the organizers who set up sheets and lights (5 of us) there were an additional 35+ people. The evening ran from 9PM untilContinue reading “Furstenberg moth night – July”
Looking for orchids in July
As the years gets hotter finding many flowering plants becomes easier, while finding some can be quite a challenge. Knowing where to look for unusual plants and animals is always helpful. So late last week with out friend Mary we headed out to southwestern Michigan to a bog we know about in search of orchids.Continue reading “Looking for orchids in July”
Michael's Place 