We spent part of yesterday morning at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. Not many bird migrants but a lot of interesting plants. Trilliums were one of the highlights yesterday. We had three species. Common trillium, prairie trillium and either drooping or nodding trillium. Prairie trillium. These can be found along the trails that border DowContinue reading “Nichols Arboretum: April, 2026”
Tag Archives: nature
Eagles at Whitefish Point
Yesterday was a funny day. Scattered birds throughout the day than a burst of activity in the mid afternoon. The flight, as it was consisted of a variety of raptors, but was dominated by eagles. That was nice since eagles, both bald and golden are some of my favorite birds. An adult Bald Eagle. WeContinue reading “Eagles at Whitefish Point”
Migration got going yesterday
With constant mild to moderate south-east winds yesterday raptor migration really kicked into high gear. I ad close to 1500 Sharp-shinned Hawks, and several hundred other raptors. Additionally Sandhill Cranes really started migration with over 1000 passing overhead. Things were so busy that I never took a photo. So, all of the photos today wereContinue reading “Migration got going yesterday”
It’s time for lichens
It’s a beautiful morning here at Whitefish Point. The first clear morning since we’ve up here this month. Clear at this time of year means cold. As I am sitting here and writing it’s 28F and fortunately with very very little wind. Yesterday on our walk to the point it was obvious that lichens wereContinue reading “It’s time for lichens”
Looking for signs of spring
Now that we’re back in Ann Arbor we are looking for signs of spring. Here that would be plants and insects as birds are still lagging compared to what we saw in the south. A couple of days ago we decided to go to Dexter Huron Metropark where spring ephemerals (plants) typically appear quite earlyContinue reading “Looking for signs of spring”
Splinter Hill Bog, Alabama
This is the third time that we have visited the Splinter Hill Bog in Alabama. It is noted for its great variety of carnivorous plants – 12 species. Yesterday we had perhaps the best day for seeing a nice variety. We had 4 species of pitcher plants, a sundew and a bladderwort. Not bad forContinue reading “Splinter Hill Bog, Alabama”
Dauphin Island, Alabama
Our Internet service has been rather sketchy recently. But right now it seems to be working so I had better write while I can. We’re leaving Dauphin Island, Alabama today starting our trip north. The birds have been somewhat disappointing, but that’s how migration goes sometimes. On the other hand the company and food hasContinue reading “Dauphin Island, Alabama”
Butterflies and thistle
Susan and I returned to Goethe State Forest yesterday, once it armed up around 1pm. We wanted to walk more of the road looking for insects. As a result I saw more Zebra and Pipevine Swallowtails in a day than in my entire life. The day started with a Carolina Mantis egg case where weContinue reading “Butterflies and thistle”
Goethe National Forest, Florida
We spent the morning yesterday with Tom, Kathi and Sue looking for birds and butterflies in Goethe National Forest near Dunnellon, Florida. Tom and Kathi, Susan and Sue. Sue is one of the few people that I have known longer than Susan. Tom and Kathi have been my friends for some 40 years. Wow, timeContinue reading “Goethe National Forest, Florida”
Alexander Springs, Florida
Susan and I are always looking for interesting places to stop and walk looking for birds, plants and insects as we head from one spot to another. Yesterday to stopped at Alexander Springs on our way to see Tom and Kathi in Dunnellon, Florida. Variable dancer (left) and Cyprus clubtail (right) to nice Odonata. BarredContinue reading “Alexander Springs, Florida”
Michael's Place 