Showing posts for '#sony a1'. Clear search

Harmony

September 22, 2023 - What could be better. A butterfly and a honey bee sharing the same blossom on our butterfly bush to feed and to pollinat...
Read the Full Post »

Bee for Me

September 18, 2023 - The feeding activity for the birds, especially the hummingbirds, has increased significantly over the past couple of wee...
Read the Full Post »

In the Mix

September 12, 2023 - Here's a familiar backyard bird that usually is attracted to see feeders. In fact, it usually is the first bird to disco...
Read the Full Post »

Ready to Fish

September 11, 2023 - This osprey seemed to appear out of nowhere and alighted upon a branch at the end of the lake. Given its exceptional eye...
Read the Full Post »

New Nectar

September 08, 2023 - Until this week the coleus has not blossomed, but as soon as it did, the bees and the hummingbirds were soon there extra...
Read the Full Post »

Priming the Tongue

September 06, 2023 - While hummingbirds have proportionately long beaks, it is their tongue that is used to extract nectar from the flowers o...
Read the Full Post »

Checking the Plant Selection

September 05, 2023 - It has become apparent that colder weather will be arriving soon. The hummingbird feeding activity has increased both in...
Read the Full Post »

Amazing Migration

September 01, 2023 - Monarch butterflies are the only ones to complete a two way migration as do some birds. While Monarchs normally fly at a...
Read the Full Post »

Butterfly Bush

August 30, 2023 - From this perspective you can get a sense of how large the wingspan of this male eastern tiger swallowtail is. The femal...
Read the Full Post »

Profiled Swallowtail

August 28, 2023 - The eastern tiger swallowtail is very common throughout the eastern US. It is large with a wingspan of 3-6 inches and br...
Read the Full Post »

Papilio Glaucus

August 25, 2023 - The swallowtail butterfly are the second most easily recognized butterfly in the US. It is only second to that regal mon...
Read the Full Post »

The Monarch

August 23, 2023 - Several weeks ago the milkweed began to bloom in the wetland area behind our home. Shortly afterwards, first one monarch...
Read the Full Post »

The Getaway

August 18, 2023 - For the second time this week, the doe and her two fawns showed up in the wetland behind our home. This time as they app...
Read the Full Post »

The Great Pollinator

August 16, 2023 - Honey bees are very important pollinators for flowers and fruit and vegetables making them "Super Pollinators". They tra...
Read the Full Post »

Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus)

August 14, 2023 - A year round Michigan resident. Even though its name implies that it is purple in coloring actuality it is reddish. The...
Read the Full Post »

Newborn

August 09, 2023 - For the second time since returning back here in mid-April, the deer herd has expanded. Just within the past few days, a...
Read the Full Post »

Catching the Light

August 07, 2023 - While I am not a big fan of photographing birds on feeders, I couldn't resist sharing this capture as the light was just...
Read the Full Post »

Busy Bee

August 04, 2023 - Worker bees cannot carry very much pollen from that many flowers at any one time. As a result, a worker bee will visit b...
Read the Full Post »

All Natural

August 02, 2023 - I took a chance last winter and left a planter on the deck with the remnants of a bee balm plant hoping it would come ba...
Read the Full Post »

The Host

July 31, 2023 - When we smell and taste we are actually sensing chemicals in our environment. To accomplish this task, we have chemorece...
Read the Full Post »

Monarch or Viceroy (?)

July 28, 2023 - A few facts about the monarch butterfly like the female shown in this photo. The main difference between the female & m...
Read the Full Post »

Fishermans Delight

July 27, 2023 - The wind direction and the incoming tide made for great fishing action this morning as evidenced by the number of fisher...
Read the Full Post »

The Great Debate

July 24, 2023 - When the finch flock shows up to feed and there are 5 or 6 attempting to feed at the same time, the branches above the f...
Read the Full Post »

Refueling Stop

July 21, 2023 - With it's back toward the finches and orioles debating over the grape jelly, this hummingbird kept coming and going undi...
Read the Full Post »

Not Here

July 19, 2023 - Recently, the finches have discovered the grape jelly enjoyed by the Baltimore orioles every day. When it began, only 1...
Read the Full Post »

On the Edge

July 17, 2023 - Standing above the rocks watching the ebb and flow of the tide while relaxing was a great way to start the day. After a...
Read the Full Post »

Dining Together.

July 14, 2023 - Just before the thunderstorms began, the orioles worked hard to empty the feeder of all the grape jelly that was put out...
Read the Full Post »

Reaching Out

July 12, 2023 - As the sun moved across the pond, the waterlilies leaned word the warming rays and began to spread their petals as if to...
Read the Full Post »

Fast Approach

July 05, 2023 - This ruby throated hummingbird suddenly appeared as it came up from below the deck railing. Without hesitation it procee...
Read the Full Post »

Cautious Approach

July 03, 2023 - Before heading down to feed, this ruby throated hummingbird took the cautious approach and surveyed the area around the...
Read the Full Post »

Breakers

June 28, 2023 - With gusting winds and a strong incoming tide, the air was full of ocean spray. Another great way to wake up - - fresh s...
Read the Full Post »

Standing Out

June 27, 2023 - One of the most beautiful lakes in southeast Florida is Blue Cypress. Not only is it calm, but you can peacefully drift/...
Read the Full Post »

Tranquility

June 21, 2023 - Sitting on the deck with my 2nd espresso watching the sun come up on a clear, cool morning. It is very quiet and peacefu...
Read the Full Post »

Patriotic Perch

June 12, 2023 - This osprey found the ideal perch, where the inlet broadened into a small harbor, to search for its next meal. I was for...
Read the Full Post »

White

June 05, 2023 - This white heron fun a spot in the sun between the shadows cast by the mangrove trees. My best guess is that it knew the...
Read the Full Post »

Deadliest Catch

May 19, 2023 - Great eyesight, phenomenal speed and sharp talons with an opposable one like our thumb, make for a very high catch rate.
Read the Full Post »

Breakfast Awaits

May 17, 2023 - Out on Silver Springs River in Florida on a trip successfully photographing Macaque Monkeys. Eventually we drifted aroun...
Read the Full Post »

Up, Up and Away

May 15, 2023 - Always exciting to watch an osprey focus on a target (who knows how far away) with their laser-like vision and take off...
Read the Full Post »

Hawkeye

May 12, 2023 - Slowly drifting down the Silver River when we had a chance encounter with a red-shouldered hawk. Surprisingly it perched...
Read the Full Post »

Woody

May 10, 2023 - I only have since a pileated woodpecker near my home in MI one fall season. Today I saw 5 within a 1/4 mile along the Si...
Read the Full Post »

True Blue

May 08, 2023 - After the sun came up, the wading birds, including this blue heron, came out to begin the day. This heron was out lookin...
Read the Full Post »

Going for A Boat Ride

May 05, 2023 - Latin name is Minus polyglots which actually translates to "many tongued mimic". These birds reportedly are known to si...
Read the Full Post »

Warming Up

May 03, 2023 - Now you can get a good look at one of the bigger 'gators we saw as the morning warmed out and they came out to catch the...
Read the Full Post »

Young & Old

May 01, 2023 - Once again while drifting along the banks of the Silver Springs River, I encountered a juvenile ibis alongside an adult.
Read the Full Post »

Challenging

April 27, 2023 - Here we go again. Took a couple of hours t explore some water out west of Vero Beach hoping to capture a few alligators...
Read the Full Post »

Alongside

April 24, 2023 - As we spent a few hours out on Headwaters Lake west of Vero Beach Florida, we encountered a lot of alligators, some real...
Read the Full Post »

Breezy

April 22, 2023 - I sat for almost 15 minutes watching this osprey stay perched above the inlet in Sebastian while the wind picked up. I w...
Read the Full Post »

Observation Tower

April 18, 2023 - Pole sitting on top of the bridge high above the inlet in Sebastian patiently searching for its next meal. With it's kee...
Read the Full Post »

Broadside

April 17, 2023 - As the morning progressed on our search for alligators, we not only found more, but they seemed to grow larger as time p...
Read the Full Post »

Watchful

April 15, 2023 - The mockingbird shown here is a great mimic. They memorize sounds from their surroundings from other birds to animals li...
Read the Full Post »

Gotcha

April 13, 2023 - To catch their prey, the wood stork submerge their beaks into the water effectively setting up a trap. While their beak...
Read the Full Post »

Where Are They?

April 12, 2023 - Wood storks are among the largest wading birds. To put them into perspective, n North America, only the great blue heron...
Read the Full Post »

Hidden

April 10, 2023 - From a distance I thought this might provide a good opportunity to get some floral closeups, but the gator fairly well c...
Read the Full Post »

Family Time

April 07, 2023 - Both the male (left) and the female (right) anhinga were close to home guarding the nest while awaiting the hatch.
Read the Full Post »

Breeding Season

April 07, 2023 - While out on Headwaters Lake, we found ourselves surrounded by nesting anhinga, aka Snakebirds, most of which were sitti...
Read the Full Post »

On the Nest

April 06, 2023 - While out searching for alligators to photograph, I found myself close to dozens of Anhinga sitting on the nest waiting...
Read the Full Post »

Portrait

April 05, 2023 - Tricolored herons are one of most abundant herons in the South. When stalking its prey, the Tricolored heron will go de...
Read the Full Post »

Go Away!

March 31, 2023 - This mockingbird seemed to be looking at its reflection in the chrome steering knob of the steering wheel in the boat to...
Read the Full Post »

In Flight Profile

March 24, 2023 - This great blue heron posed for a bit before taking flight. In both cases, stationary or in flight, it is a very stately...
Read the Full Post »

Searching

March 20, 2023 - Cormorants are a group of aquatic birds containing about 40 different species. Like many other aquatic species, these b...
Read the Full Post »

Still Life

March 17, 2023 - Great blue herons are large birds standing between approximately 3 feet and 5 feet tall. Surprisingly they typically wei...
Read the Full Post »

Turning the Catch

March 15, 2023 - Once the prey has been caught and the osprey is off to ha higher perch to eat its meal, it will gradually turn the fish...
Read the Full Post »

Perched & Alert

March 13, 2023 - A few seconds before capturing this osprey locking on to its prey, this osprey was lower on the tree top and appeared t...
Read the Full Post »

Almost Hidden

March 10, 2023 - Great horned owls have the largest and widest distribution range of any American owl. They tend not to migrate, but rema...
Read the Full Post »

Breeding Season

March 08, 2023 - Once again out at Stick Marsh photographing the birds from the shoreline. The rookery is very active primarily with spoo...
Read the Full Post »

Diving Ducks

March 06, 2023 - The lesser scaup is a small North American diving duck also known as the little broadbill or bluebill. These are small...
Read the Full Post »

Great Catch

February 27, 2023 - I have watched this osprey come and go for several weeks now, always circling the small harbor off the Indian River. Mos...
Read the Full Post »

Oh What A Web

February 15, 2023 - This large spider has three different names, the golden orb spider, the giant wood spider, and the banana spider. The g...
Read the Full Post »

Natural Setting

January 20, 2023 - Early Morning drifting along the edge of Lake Lochloosa waiting for the sun to burn off the fog so the eagles would beco...
Read the Full Post »

Belted Kingfisher

January 16, 2023 - The sun finally broke out after a couple of hours drifting around in the fog. While waiting we were fortunate enough to...
Read the Full Post »

Wolf Moon - 2

January 08, 2023 - While more commonly known as the Wolf Moon, this month's moon also is known as a micromoon as it is at its farthest poin...
Read the Full Post »

Wolf Moon - 1

January 07, 2023 - The full moon on January 6th is thought of/named the Wolf Moon because are frequently heard howling at this time of year...
Read the Full Post »

Who is This

December 23, 2022 - Once again, early morning in the fog drifting around the edge of Lake Lochloosa. It was low light and a bit eerie given...
Read the Full Post »

Leaving Home

December 21, 2022 - Just as the fog started to lift this great blue heron decided it was time to leave its resting place among the cypress t...
Read the Full Post »

Incoming

December 19, 2022 - The great blue heron we had been photographing among the cypress trees had just taken flight. Just as we were about to l...
Read the Full Post »

Who's Watching

September 30, 2022 - In the kitchen one afternoon when this red tailed hawk landed on the neighbors tree. I'm guessing it was a scouting perc...
Read the Full Post »

Refreshed

September 12, 2022 - Hummingbirds are not very social. Like most other birds in migration, hummingbirds do not fly in flocks. They fly indivi...
Read the Full Post »

Wind Beneath My Wings

August 17, 2022 - Soaring over the lake, this young eagle fully spread its wings to take advantage of the air currents and conserve energy...
Read the Full Post »

Flight Formation

July 27, 2022 - Heading north after a day of fishing the inlets, the power plant and the fishing docks around the Ft Pierce area and Hut...
Read the Full Post »

Lift Off

July 25, 2022 - Don't let their size fool you. Hummingbirds have stamina and fly very fast. In fact, they have been clocked at 30mph whe...
Read the Full Post »

Reenergizing

July 22, 2022 - For those who have fed hummingbirds over the years it becomes apparent pretty quickly that the hummingbirds are pretty p...
Read the Full Post »

Soft Landing

July 20, 2022 - Hummingbirds have a very fast metabolism, far faster than yours and mine and about 100 times faster than that of an elep...
Read the Full Post »

The Approach

July 18, 2022 - How did it acquire its name? It's not from the call they make; it's from the sound their wings produce when in flight....
Read the Full Post »

Look Out Below

July 08, 2022 - Surprisingly, Baltimore Orioles, like this female, really are not members of the oriole family. They really are in the b...
Read the Full Post »

The Crane Family

June 16, 2022 - These sandhill cranes can be found in freshwater marshes, pastures and open woods throughout Florida. People who feed th...
Read the Full Post »

Easy Meal

June 15, 2022 - This juvenile eagle decided picking up a floating shrimp was an easy meal - - maybe appetizer -- as it searched for food...
Read the Full Post »

Target in Reach

June 13, 2022 - Having just left its nest, this adult American Eagle headed straight for the lake in search of breakfast. With its talon...
Read the Full Post »

Taking a Break

June 08, 2022 - Cleaning up on the beach after finishing off their morning catch. Smart enough to avoid catching a wave like some people...
Read the Full Post »

Grab & Go

June 03, 2022 - After coming in quickly from above, this juvenile American eagle grabbed a piece of floating fish from the surface of La...
Read the Full Post »

Returning to the Nest

May 31, 2022 - It started out as what appeared to be a quiet morning on Blue Cypress Lake, but when the ospreys started to take flight...
Read the Full Post »

Energy Drink

May 27, 2022 - Even though the weather has not been cooperative this spring with frequent below normal temperatures along with lots of...
Read the Full Post »

Be Warned

May 25, 2022 - This osprey was perched atop its large nest. As we drifted closer to get a better perspective of it from below, we got a...
Read the Full Post »

Ready to Depart

May 24, 2022 - Perched on top of its nest, as we quietly drifted closer, we did not escape its excellent vision, but managed a quick sh...
Read the Full Post »

Scouting

May 23, 2022 - The cold weather is lingering through April and the deer are returning to scout familiar territory for food. At this poi...
Read the Full Post »

Watchful Eyes

May 18, 2022 - Always on alert, these ospreys are either guarding the young or using their excellent vision to search for unsuspecting...
Read the Full Post »

Laser Focus

May 11, 2022 - Osprey vision is one of their attributes that make them such excellent fishermen. While their eyes are about the same si...
Read the Full Post »

Perching Duck

May 09, 2022 - Wood ducks often are referred to as "Carolina Ducks". They nest in trees typically in hollowed out nests of squirrels,...
Read the Full Post »

The "Look"

May 06, 2022 - When you become the subject of the laser focused stare of a raptor, you have to think about what it is like to be target...
Read the Full Post »

Meleagris gallopavo

May 03, 2022 - This wild turkey is a bird native to the US. It is considered a proud bird that has strong protective instincts. In face...
Read the Full Post »

Exploring New Waters

April 29, 2022 - This is a breeding Ring necked duck. They returned en masse a few days ago, stayed for a few days and disappeared as qui...
Read the Full Post »

Happiness Is

April 05, 2022 - The look of pure joy after finding a piece of bread in the grass.
Read the Full Post »

Nature's Serenity

March 28, 2022 - Another serene spot beside a slow flowing, lazy river. Perfect for clearing the mind and reducing stress. Not only that,...
Read the Full Post »

Leading the Way

March 22, 2022 - Heading south early in the morning looking for fish as they work their way toward the usual daytime feeding area. They w...
Read the Full Post »

Sunbathing

March 21, 2022 - Alligators have a lot more teeth than us. In fact, they have about 75 teeth. Again, unlikes, when their teeth wear out o...
Read the Full Post »

Settling In

March 18, 2022 - Although they were not in great numbers yet, the roseate spoonbills that were in the rookery were active enough to captu...
Read the Full Post »

Patiently Waiting

March 16, 2022 - Frequently found on the Florid beaches between August and May. These Ruddy Turnstones were carefully watching for the ti...
Read the Full Post »

It's Mine

March 15, 2022 - This squirrel had just found a piece of bread in the grass just off the beach. It quickly scampered on top of a wood pil...
Read the Full Post »

Snakebird

March 11, 2022 - The anhinga was described as "snakebird" early on by the Native American Indians as the shape of its head and neck look...
Read the Full Post »

Lazing in the Sun

March 09, 2022 - The American alligator is a cold blooded reptile living in wetland areas. It can grow between 6 and 11 feet long and art...
Read the Full Post »

Nest Building

March 04, 2022 - In addition to bringing materials to enhance the nest, it looks like there was some food delivery taking place. Given th...
Read the Full Post »

Returning to the Rookery

March 01, 2022 - Mid February and the roseate spoonbills are just arriving to begin mating and nest building. Only a few were clearly vis...
Read the Full Post »

Can't Fool Me

February 28, 2022 - Sometimes the best plans to deter wildlife end up being a great place to stop, rest and maybe even take time to air dry...
Read the Full Post »

The Morning After

February 27, 2022 - After three days of wind and rain the sun broke out for a couple of hours in the early morning. I couldn't wait to get o...
Read the Full Post »

Glossy Ibis

February 23, 2022 - Another Florida resident, most commonly found in central and south Florida in coastal and freshwater marshes and ponds.
Read the Full Post »

Showing Off

February 22, 2022 - Another Florida resident commonly seen circling above the roadways looking for carrion and road kill. With a 6 foot wing...
Read the Full Post »

Ibis Family Member

February 21, 2022 - A Forida resident that normally breeds from down in the everglades as far north as Tampa Bay on the west coast and Merri...
Read the Full Post »

In the Garden

February 17, 2022 - Whenever I find a quiet spot with flowing water, I let the stress go with the flow. It is a magical feeling.
Read the Full Post »

Finished Feeding

February 15, 2022 - These brown pelicans often can be found as part of a colony nesting in trees. This is where they also rest when not fly...
Read the Full Post »

Florida Resident

February 14, 2022 - This Plegadis falcinellus, otherwise known as a glossy ibis, is about 2 feet in length. In winter the adult wings and bo...
Read the Full Post »

Whistling Skein

February 11, 2022 - These boisterous black bellied whistling ducks were calm floating on a small pond and suddenly burst up overhead. It was...
Read the Full Post »

Dressed in Pink

February 10, 2022 - This roseate spoonbill is a member of the Ibis Family. It is resident in Florida where it lives in the coastal flats, la...
Read the Full Post »

The Raft

February 09, 2022 - This flock, or "raft" of black-bellied whistling ducks was very boisterous.It often is referred to as part duck and part...
Read the Full Post »

Grus Canadensis

February 08, 2022 - A sandhill crane looking for a meal - - mainly seeds and tubers - - located in a wetland area west of Vero Beach.
Read the Full Post »

I See You

February 05, 2022 - While bucks and does normally remain separate from each other except during the mating season the doe was feeding about...
Read the Full Post »

Great Expectations

February 02, 2022 - Given the action of the water coming out of this pipe, it appears as though this Great Blue Heron expected its dinner to...
Read the Full Post »

Wild Orchids

February 01, 2022 - Epiphytes are a fascinating group of plants, which include many species from the bromeliad family and the orchid family.
Read the Full Post »

Mimus polyglots

January 27, 2022 - As soon as the red tail hawk departed this courageous mockingbird to up the high perch to see who it might target to cha...
Read the Full Post »

Changing Conditions

January 25, 2022 - It was overcast, and pretty windy with temperatures in the mid-50's, While a bit chilly, Schatzi and I enjoyed our morni...
Read the Full Post »

Who's Your Daddy

January 23, 2022 - Here's a brave little lizard (brown anole) riding on the nose of a 'gator. Fortunately it was a lawn ornament and not th...
Read the Full Post »

Water Landing

January 20, 2022 - Softly touching down to join the other white pelicans feeding nearby on the intracoastal waterway.
Read the Full Post »

Northern Cardinal

January 19, 2022 - I see these beautiful birds pretty much wherever I travel in the US, but the setting was a bit different so I couldn't r...
Read the Full Post »

Anolis Sagrei

January 19, 2022 - This male Brown Anole lizard, which is very common on both coasts of Florida, is seen displaying its reddish-orange thro...
Read the Full Post »

Lurking

January 18, 2022 - Looking docile when floating around the lake, but 'gators can be very aggressive and vicious when approached. Sitting in...
Read the Full Post »

Florida Resident

January 17, 2022 - Lots of these black skimmers were resting on the beach along with a multitude of other gulls and terns. One big happy fa...
Read the Full Post »

Squid Lips

January 15, 2022 - From the name of the restaurant to the signage, you know you are going to relax and have fun while enjoying the outdoor...
Read the Full Post »

Morning Breaks

January 14, 2022 - Off to the beach to watch the birds, the waves, the treasure seekers, the fishermen and,of course, the sun bathers.
Read the Full Post »

The Way It Was

January 13, 2022 - After continuing to go deeper into the area, I must admit, I gave up after the first two dozen mosquito bites. That doe...
Read the Full Post »

Back in Time

January 12, 2022 - Heading into a new area to explore an relatively untouched area. Looks like a totally unspoiled, untouched area. Wonder...
Read the Full Post »

Going Deeper

January 11, 2022 - Continuing along the trail while checking for creepy crawly things on the ground. It sure is silent. Not even a bird sin...
Read the Full Post »

Deep in Nature

January 10, 2022 - The sound of silence is "deafening". About the only thing stirring are the dragonflies and there seem to be hundreds fly...
Read the Full Post »

Sneak Peak

January 07, 2022 - Another day, another boardwalk. Only this time, I know there I am headed. It's a beach exploration to check out the surr...
Read the Full Post »

Unknown Path

January 06, 2022 - Following the Florida nature trails with absolutely no idea of what may be around the next bend. Mysterious and full of...
Read the Full Post »

Daybreak

January 05, 2022 - Just after sunrise on a rare overcast morning. Here I don't consider it dark and gloomy, but an opportunity to capture a...
Read the Full Post »

Looking for Lunch

January 04, 2022 - This American Alligator, formally known as Alligator Mississippinsis, tens to hibernate in the cooler months in Florida.
Read the Full Post »

Sandpiper Family

January 03, 2022 - Off by itself, this Ruddy Turnstone inhabits the beaches of Florida.
Read the Full Post »

To the Beach

December 31, 2021 - Another early morning adventure on the beach. Schatzi already understands what lies ahead and is getting ready for her "...
Read the Full Post »

Great Egret

December 30, 2021 - This egret was patiently awaiting the ebb and flow of the tide to bring its potential meal to it. Apparently it was savi...
Read the Full Post »

Before Sunrise

December 29, 2021 - Sneaked away a little earlier this morning while my ladies were soundly sleeping. Most days have had no cloud coverage s...
Read the Full Post »

Juvenile

December 28, 2021 - This little egret can be identified as a juvenile due to its yellow legs which will become all black (like the front par...
Read the Full Post »

Ready to Strike

December 27, 2021 - This great egret was patiently awaiting an unsuspecting fish to come a bit closer before enjoying its next meal. A perfe...
Read the Full Post »

6 Point Buck

December 24, 2021 - White-tailed deer feed starting before dawn until a few hours after the sun has risen, and again in the late afternoon u...
Read the Full Post »

Flight Formation

December 23, 2021 - These black skimmerss were part of a flock of mixed shorebirds that I encountered on a quiet beach protected by a rock b...
Read the Full Post »

Arenaria interpres

December 22, 2021 - My first encounter with a Ruddy Turnstone. This bird inhabits beaches and mudflats, so I was surprised I never had encou...
Read the Full Post »

Landing

December 21, 2021 - Incoming brown pelican as it landed. The wingspread is what caught my attention.
Read the Full Post »

Egret in Flight

December 20, 2021 - I was relaxing watching egrets fish along the rocky shoreline along the Fort Pierce inlet. Theyir wingspread of about 4...
Read the Full Post »

Touch Down

December 17, 2021 - I always have found Florida's brown pelicans interesting as they circle and dive for their meals. Their flying formation...
Read the Full Post »

Scattering

December 16, 2021 - As I was settling into position and slowly approaching this group of shorebirds, including laughing gulls, black skimmer...
Read the Full Post »

Birdmania

December 15, 2021 - There were so many shorebirds coming and going, I was beginning to wonder if Alfred Hitchcock's spirit was present. It f...
Read the Full Post »

Busy Bee

December 14, 2021 - And the work goes on throughout the year down here.
Read the Full Post »

Raindrops Keeps Falling

December 10, 2021 - As the day was breaking, there was a brief break between the rain showers. Couldn't resit the opportunity to capture the...
Read the Full Post »

Preening

December 08, 2021 - The Little Blue Heron is probably a close relative of the Snowy Egret. Like the Snowy Egret, it is all white when it is...
Read the Full Post »

"Ebony and Ivory"

December 03, 2021 - White pelicans feed differently than brown pelicans. The brown pelicans dive on the fish. The white pelicans float on th...
Read the Full Post »

The Gathering

December 01, 2021 - There are several names for groups of pelicans. These include squadrons, pods, scoops and briefs. For me, after watchin...
Read the Full Post »

Balancing Act

November 30, 2021 - The Little Blue Heron is a stand-and-wait predator as opposed to being a predator that dashes around looking for its pre...
Read the Full Post »

Soaring

November 29, 2021 - Of the 8 species of Pelicans, only the Brown Pelican lives primarily on coastal shores and is one of only two of the spe...
Read the Full Post »

"Mergie" Female

November 29, 2021 - More formally known as a female Hooded Merganser, this small member of the merganser species is very adept at diving and...
Read the Full Post »

"Mergie" Male

November 26, 2021 - More formally known as the Hooded Merganser or officially as the Lophodytes cucullatus. It is the smallest of the mergan...
Read the Full Post »

Dinnertime

November 24, 2021 - Our wetland was trimmed down to the legal limit last week and the deer have become exposed. This buck returns daily to f...
Read the Full Post »

"Lefty"

November 23, 2021 - This whitetail buck should have been a 6 pointer, but lost half its rack. I have been walking the trails looking for the...
Read the Full Post »

Falling Leaves

November 22, 2021 - And here we are again. The wind has started, the rains are coming in and the leaves are falling down all around us. Look...
Read the Full Post »

Country Roads 3

November 20, 2021 - Cresting this hill brought us another beautiful scene. This time there was no traffic in either direction so I could spe...
Read the Full Post »

Country Roads 2

November 16, 2021 - Another back road and another beautiful encounter with the world around us.
Read the Full Post »

Country Roads 1

November 12, 2021 - The beginning of our Sunday afternoon adventure exploring the local are to take in the beauty of the season surrounding...
Read the Full Post »

Fall Colors

November 11, 2021 - When the sun breaks through the overhead branches the fall colors really glow. Nature's pallet is amazing.
Read the Full Post »

Autumn in Michigan

November 10, 2021 - Before the wind and the rain rolled in and pretty much stripped the trees, we had the opportunity to cruise around and t...
Read the Full Post »

Start of Color

November 09, 2021 - This is where it begins. I watch the colors begin to change at home, and then begin exploring the back roads and the loc...
Read the Full Post »

Hit the Brakes

September 17, 2021 - As we enter the fall season and the temperatures cool down, the competition for nectar and the sugar/water at the bird f...
Read the Full Post »

Patient Fisherman

September 16, 2021 - First time I ever have seen a Green Heron visit behind our home. Although a juvenile, its instincts were obviously fine...
Read the Full Post »

Ouch

September 14, 2021 - Looks like the yellow jacket may have stung the hummingbird as the hummingbird appears to be jumping off the feeder and...
Read the Full Post »

The Bird & the Bee

September 13, 2021 - The yellow jackets have now discovered the sugar water in the hummingbird feeder and seem to be bothering every hummingb...
Read the Full Post »

Wary Approach

September 10, 2021 - The hummingbirds had occasionally stopped by the oriole feeder and sampled the grape jelly before moving on to their own...
Read the Full Post »

Pollinator

September 09, 2021 - So glad to have planted several butterfly bushes earlier this year. They have been blooming for months and they attract,...
Read the Full Post »

Spreading the Pollen

September 08, 2021 - This swallowtail was very actively spreading pollen from one flower to the next on our butterfly bushes. Not only do the...
Read the Full Post »

High Noon

September 07, 2021 - In the shade of the towering cottonwood trees, the sun broke through the branches and cast its light on one particular w...
Read the Full Post »

The Great Pollinator

September 06, 2021 - These ruby throated hummingbirds never slow down. They are at the fire stick plant soon after sunrise and continue to re...
Read the Full Post »

Not Just for Bees

September 03, 2021 - The bee balm plants are not only attracting the bees (no big surprise), but they also are attracting hummingbirds, monar...
Read the Full Post »

Bee Balm & Bee

September 02, 2021 - The bee balm that was transplanted from our deck last year to the lower level has taken hold and has started flowering....
Read the Full Post »

Whoopee!

September 01, 2021 - Trying to anticipate which direction the hummingbird will take always is a challenge. Capturing one in flight coming str...
Read the Full Post »

Refreshed

August 31, 2021 - These day lilies welcomed seemed to be refreshed by the early morning rain.
Read the Full Post »

Milkweed & Monarch

August 30, 2021 - The monarch butterflies have been very active recently flitting from one milkweed plant to another. Hopefully this will...
Read the Full Post »


Multiple Choice

August 26, 2021 - This vermillion air or fire stick plant has produced hundreds of blossoms this season. It has turned out to be the best...
Read the Full Post »

Raindrops on My Bloom

August 24, 2021 - I already was pretty wet from getting caught in a rainstorm at the Detroit Zoo. Figured I couldn't get much wetter so st...
Read the Full Post »

Evening Glow

August 23, 2021 - As the sun sets in the sky, its fading rays cast light on the garden flowers. It was like kissing them goodnight.
Read the Full Post »

Juvenile Gull

August 20, 2021 - While there were not a lot of birds out and about during our drive through the Shiawasee National Wildlife Refuge, at le...
Read the Full Post »