Sunday, March 6, 2011

Signs of Spring

Recent reports on the Saginaw Bay Birding webiste indicate that both Sandhill Cranes and Red-winged Blackbirds have been spotted in the Saginaw Valley area of Michigan.
 Check out this website for additional bird sightings. www.saginawbaybirding.org

Male redwings arrive on the breeding grounds a few days to a few weeks before the females return. Females look like large sparrows, so are often unnoticed.

The first image is of a male Red-winged Blackbird and the second is of a female Red-winged Blackbird. 

Spring is just around the corner but as my friend Denny so nicely pointed out.... "it's a long way to that corner!!"  



Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Maple Sugarhouse

This Sugarhouse is located at Chippewa Nature Center.  The log sugarhouse was originally built by Nicholas Shoff in 1868 as a home for his family. In 1978, volunteers dismantled the building on its original location near Clare, Michigan and transported it to Chippewa Nature Center. Rebuilt into a sugarhouse, a cupola was added to the roof for steam to escape during the sap boiling process. For more information visit www.chippewanaturecenter.org





Sunday, February 20, 2011

Meet Riley

 This is my friend Lori's cat, Riley.  I was at Lori's one day, taking photos of her two dogs, River and Lucy and  Riley followed us out to the pond.  I hadn't expected to photograph Riley that day but as I was taking photos of the two dogs I noticed Riley hiding in the understory.  I turned, had the chance for a quick shot, and this photo became one of my favorite photos of the day.  In a later post I'll introduce you to Lucy and River.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Sandhills

According to my brother Keith, once the sandhill cranes arrive back in Michigan we have one more snowstorm.  I certainly hope they arrive soon as I'm ready for spring!!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Think Spring!!




In every walk with nature
one receives more than he seeks.

John Muir




Sunday, February 6, 2011

Dreams

Hold fast to dreams, 
For if dreams die, 
Life is a broken-winged bird, 
That cannot fly. 

Langston Huges


Wednesday, February 2, 2011

American Flag







How Bright Our Flag


James Kuehn, Rocky Point NY


How Bright Our Flag
Against The Sky
Atop Its Flagpole
Straight and High!

How Bright The Red,
The White The Blue,
With What They Stand For Shining Through

More Meaningful
As Years Go By
How Bright, How Bright
The Flag We Fly.