nature – Page 14 – Michael's Place

Day-6: Merritt Island, Florida

We left our 1950s-era motel in the St. Augustine area and headed over to New Smyrna Beach where we are staying with our friends Don and Loree. When we got there Don immediately took us to Merritt Island. On our way to Merritt Island we stopped to see a Bald Eagle nest, which was quiteContinue reading “Day-6: Merritt Island, Florida”

Day-4, Congaree birds, plants and a reminder

We spent a second day at Congaree National Park, walking the boardwalk and the trail to Lake Wise. I always think it’s a good day when I find Yellow Jessamine. It is so bright and vibrant when little else is flowering. Winter Wrens were singing and allowing great views today. Pileated Woodpeckers was also common,Continue reading “Day-4, Congaree birds, plants and a reminder”

Day-3, Congaree National Park

We left Mark and Adrienne’s in the morning and made our way to Columbia, South Carolina where we will be staying for two days while we visit Congaree National Park. Finding nesting Northern Mockingbirds is always fun, as they can be quite tame. The boardwalk loop at Congaree is quite spectacular. I highly recommend itContinue reading “Day-3, Congaree National Park”

Ann Arbor, viruses and moths

Back in Ann Arbor where we found a yard full of flamingoes with hats and scarves. There is currently an uptick in Covid cases and hospitalizations. The current situation in Ann Arbor (from the Ann Arbor Observer). More worrisome is the situation with influenza. So far this flu season 5,000 people have died. So, be careful outContinue reading “Ann Arbor, viruses and moths”

Best birds of Oaxaca

Where do I start, what do I include? I hadn’t been to Mexico since 1996. I was so excited to be back where days included great birds and natural history, excellent food and mezcal! Also birding with old friends and new friends. It couldn’t have been better. Here are a few highlights from the trip. Let’s start with my favoriteContinue reading “Best birds of Oaxaca”

Oregon lichens and mosses

The perfect habitat for lots of lichens and mosses Oaks in the fog at Mt. Pisgah. Oregon white oak with mistletoe at Mt. Pisgah. Trees “dripping” with Usnea lichens. A gift from Alexis who knows that I love lichens. The pale one is perhaps hammered shield lichen. At this time I do not know the otherContinue reading “Oregon lichens and mosses”

Traveling north

Crossing the Mackinac Bridge, no snow, no ice on the lake. A collage of six photos showing some of the 10,000+ Redheads (and at least 1 Canvasback) on the east side of the bridge in Mackinac County. Looking, without luck for Snowy Owls at Rudyard. Heading north from Rudyard. Some of the 1,000+ Bohemian WaxwingsContinue reading “Traveling north”