Tag Archives: nature

Western Canada: Day-2

On 31 May we traveled from Fort Nelson, British Columbia to Watkins Lake, Yukon. The day “looked” like it would be aquick trip, but stops doubled the travel time. The highlight of the day was Pink Mountain. We drove to a height of over 8,000 feet where we were above the tree line. One ofContinue reading “Western Canada: Day-2”

Whitefish Point – Long-eared Owls

We are back at Whitefish Point, Michigan for a bit. It’s always nice when the drive from southern Michigan is easy and the weather is nice. Last night after walking to the point after dinner it had become quite cloudy with a moderate breeze from the west. This meant that any birds flying in theContinue reading “Whitefish Point – Long-eared Owls”

Whitefish Point – A rare bird shows up

You never quite know what to expect bird wise when you’re at Whitefish Point. I am always interested in what raptors appear, when they appear and in what numbers. Rough-legged Hawks seem to fly in any weather, regardless of the temperature or wind direction. The same applies to Sharp-shinned Hawks and Turkey Vultures. Red-tailed HawksContinue reading “Whitefish Point – A rare bird shows up”

Spring wildflowers in Michigan

We went to Hudson Mills Metropark in Washtenaw County yesterday searching for a special little spring wildflower that is typically the first of the flowers that we see each year in Michigan. We were not disappointed. Stoneflies are some of the earliest insects that we find in Michigan. Here are photos of possibly two species,Continue reading “Spring wildflowers in Michigan”

Traveling in the South – Staying on a cattle ranch

Before heading north, back to Michigan we spent a couple of days on a cattle ranch at the Florida-Alabama border. We had no Internet so couldn’t post anything. This place was wonderful. The ranch/farm was some 300 acres, which we had access to. This was our cabin, which was quite comfortable. and had all theContinue reading “Traveling in the South – Staying on a cattle ranch”

Traveling in the South – Dauphin Island plants and birds

Finding interesting plants, especially fragrant ones is always fun. This is wisteria, an non-native vining shrub. The flowers are attractive and hava an amazing scent. This is red buckeye, and native shrub with attractive flowers that are scentless. Candyroot is a pretty little flower, less that 3-4 inches at the tallest. Being on the GulfContinue reading “Traveling in the South – Dauphin Island plants and birds”

Traveling in the South – getting to Dauphin Island

No matter how hard I try my days start early. We were staying in Saraland, just north of Mobile less than two hours from our destination on Dauphin Island. We had breakfast at the motel around 6:30 AM and were packed and ready to go by eight. Since we would be way too early toContinue reading “Traveling in the South – getting to Dauphin Island”

Traveling in the south – almost to Alabama

On our way to Alabama we stopped at the Blackwater State Forest visiting several sites that had the potential for interesting plants and birds. The dominant warbler of the day was Pine Warbler while the most common woodpecker that we saw was Red-Headed Woodpecker. Blue corporal dragonflies were quite common, especially near the wetlands. MischievousContinue reading “Traveling in the south – almost to Alabama”

Traveling in the South – birds in flight and more

We spent another great day looking at nature, this time with our longtime friends Roger and Dawn. WE were at Orlando Wetlands. This is an Anhinga heading to a nest. Here’s a Northern Harrier looking for food. A Tricolored Heron heading to it’s nest. I learned this bird as a Louisiana Heron many years ago.Continue reading “Traveling in the South – birds in flight and more”