Snow Geese and Swans

The pics are not great, just a few snapshots I took on a recent birding trip with my wife.  The first two are a couple of snow geese.  These birds are only found around here during migration season, and it was the first time either of us had seen them.  The shot is of a group of Tundra Swans, another species found during migration. 

Super Moon

The recent full moon received a lot of attention, because it was the closest the moon was to Earth in quite a few years.  This resulted in its looking 14% larger than normal, and its being given the name “Super Moon”.  I do not know if it was super, but it was very pretty.

Saturday Morning at Nayanquing

After too many weeks, I have finally managed to get out for an early morning photo safari.  Yesterday morning I went to one of my favorite local haunts, Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area, north of Linwood Michigan.  I was a little early for the best of the spring migrant waterfowl, but I still found plenty of wildlife to photograph.

I spotted my first wildlife as I was driving into the area.  Ok, she is not exactly a puma, or even a bobcat.  But she is an animal.

The low, direct light of the sunrise made for some interesting exposures, but I made the most of what I had.  Even backlit they way they are, these two mute swans make for a lovely picture.

I saw quite a few geese flying overhead, and even spotted this pair of swans flying into the wildlife area.

Speaking of flying waterfowl, these two Canada geese decided to leave when I came to take their picture.

This goose (and its mate, who is just out of the picture) appear to be much more willing to be photographed.  Don’t believe it, they were honking and squawking to no end when I was near.  Maybe they had cold feet?

Thanks for stopping by.  I have some more pictures from a birding trip later that day with my wife.  I will hopefully get those up soon.  Stop by again soon!

Spring

Mother Nature is waking up from her winter rest, and her pets are out playing.  A slow drive down a country lane through a wildlife refuge, a camera in my lap, and I am in heaven.

My favorite harbinger of spring, the Red Winged Blackbird, was out in full force, singing and strutting their stuff.

The highlight of this trip was this little fellow foraging along side the ditch.

“Dahling…Don’t you just adore my beautiful mink coat?”

This ring neck pheasant and his lady friend were out for a walk.  They were not too happy with my presence though, and they disappeared before I could get her picture.

The flocks of geese moving in are further proof that yes, eventually, even in Michigan, Spring does arrive.

Thanks for visiting.  I have been away for too long.  I was lucky to catch all of these creatures in a half mile stretch of road.  This is the first time I saw a mink in the wild, and was pleasantly surprised that he let me take his picture like this.  I will be returning soon, and will spend more time exploring and admiring this world around us.  And yes, I will get out of the car next time.

Another Update

This past week I learned that I have accomplished a new first in my amateur photography “career”.  I sold my first photograph this week.  I am thrilled that someone liked one of my pictures enough to buy it.  Thank you to the unknown man that bought my picture of the red wing blackbird, I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed taking and showing it.

 

Update

Or, why I haven’t posted lately.

Hi Friends!  I know I have not posted any new pics in a while, and for that I apologize.  This time though, I cannot blame it on the weather, or work, or even laziness.  Actually, we are knee deep in a redecorating project that is taking most of my free time.  I hope to get out this weekend and snap a few, but we will see if it happens.

In other news, my exhibition of my photos in downtown Bay City has come to an end (for now).  My one-month showing turned into a two month showing, but it finally was time to take them down and make room for someone else.  I want to give my deepest thanks to Rob at the Sweet Boutique for giving me the opportunity to show my pictures.

Thanks for you patience my friends, I will get some new pics up as soon as I can.