An interesting week

The first layer of asphalt has been laid on most of Saunders Crescent and Hatcher Crescent. Supposidly the entire project will be done by Saturday. This project started in late March, so it will be a relief to everybody on the “Crescents” to see it completed. It’s been interesting watching the asphalt being put down.Continue reading “An interesting week”

Whitefish Point – more birds

Everybody gets excited when they see a Spruce Grouse. I understand that, remembering the days before we had our place here. But, in reality they are surprisingly common – if you know where to look. Personally, I get equally excited when I find a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that I can photograph. Of course this frequently meansContinue reading “Whitefish Point – more birds”

Whitefish Point – September, 2024

The view south-west from the tip of Whitefish Point where we have been for the past week. Evening at the point looking northwest. It’s always fun finding interesting animal tracks. These are bear tracks. The photo on the right has Susan’s foo for some size comparison. Planting day at the habitat restoration site. People, leadContinue reading “Whitefish Point – September, 2024”

Searching for a rare bird in Michigan

The other day started out with a beautiful full Moon. Soon Susan and I were heading out to look for a bird that is a rare nesting species in Michigan. We were headed to Sharon Mills. There are nice trails that pass through grasslands and skirt the woods. Milkweeds had monarch caterpillars and milkweed tussockContinue reading “Searching for a rare bird in Michigan”

Another travel day, another unusual animal

We were traveling from Whitefish Point to Ann Arbor today. Typically, our travel days involve a small number of moths and sometimes butterflies that we see at rest areas along I-75. But today was different. We did have a very small number of moths but Susan finding a Five-lined skink was special. I’m not sureContinue reading “Another travel day, another unusual animal”

Another day, another new moth

It’s another beautiful morning at Whitefish Point, Michigan. Since the evening with the Black Witch it’s been rather slow with moths. Nothing big and spectacular, but some interesting smaller moths. The seemingly ever present sweetfern geometer. This is one of the first moths that we get in May and typically have it every week ofContinue reading “Another day, another new moth”

Bishop’s Bog orchids

We spent Saturday morning at Bishop’s Bog Preserve, in Portage, Michigan. It was a near perfect day. Normally I would have said that we were spot-on for seeing the orchids that we were searching for, but this year we were actually a week or two late for flowers. We were lucky though and saw aContinue reading “Bishop’s Bog orchids”

Moth night at Island Park, Ann Arbor

Our day started with the new moth trap set up. We got some moths and lost of aquatic insects. We had a spectacular dinner. Susan made falafel and we got tuum, humus, pita at El Harissa. I made mango-curried chickpeas and rice and this is what dinner looked like. Had to eat well since weContinue reading “Moth night at Island Park, Ann Arbor”

Summer viruses – 2024

With The Ann Arbor Art Fairs happening this week I am somewhat concerned about the spread of COVID in southern Michigan. Artists from all over the world, not just North America will be in town as will visitors from all over. This, as always is the perfect vector for spreading viruses. The current situation isContinue reading “Summer viruses – 2024”

Shorebirds at Whitefish Point

Spending a lot of time on the shore and sand dundes at Whitefish Point means that you will see a lot of shorebirds. The obvious target for the majority of birdwatchers is Piping Plover. But there are a lot of other shorebirds as well. Adult Piping Plover. Piping Plover chick running across the stones andContinue reading “Shorebirds at Whitefish Point”