Birding In Michigan

Love me some Chickadee!

2012-01-10T17:49:00.003-05:00

How is your winter birding going so far? Have you seen a snowy owl? I've been over-run with Chickadees but I don't mind....

Snubbed

2011-10-14T16:15:00.002-04:00

So I finally found one of my "lifer" birds - the Eastern Bluebird. I took close to 30 photos chasing him. All terrible. The only half-way decent shot was this one - and you can see that he is snubbing me. That's okay - still exciting!

Meet my friend

2011-08-04T20:58:00.001-04:00

Meet my friend, the Blue Heron. And meet his unlucky friend, the fish.

What I do for Love

2011-07-05T19:00:00.004-04:00

I love my Loons. Anytime I get to see them is a miraculous and heartwarming moment for me. On the lake adjacent to ours, their nesting is usually successful. I headed out early this morning on my kayak in search of the newly hatched baby. Hubby scanned the lake with his binoculars and they weren't near the boat launch - I was going to have to kayak across 300 acres to find them.

I should my mention my allergies were bad. I had put eyedrops in one of my eyes and for some reason the sun was scorching and blinding that eye. Still, I paddled on.

A boat cruised by (violating the no wake rule before 11:00 am) and sent my kayak rolling as I desperately hung on to my camera and silently cursed that boater. No loons yet.

I'm halfway across the lake and all of a sudden I feel nauseous. Now I'm blind,tired and sick! Still I paddled on. No sounds of the Loons yet.

I make it all the way to the end of the lake, constantly scanning the shore - no Loons and I feel like I have to throw up. Another cruising boat (VIOLATOR!) goes by and I am ready to shake my fist at the sky. I decide to paddle back, today was not my day.

Halfway back across the lake, I stop because I think I'm going to be sick. And then all of a sudden, this welcome sight pops 2 feet in front of my kayak.

It's the mama Loon. The lighting was not good for me to get this shot of her, but I was so happy to see her. The father and baby were no where in sight, but it didn't matter. This was good enough.

I sat still in my kayak and watched her as she peered into the water looking at fish. I was still blind and nauseous but was able to tough it out.

I started paddling the rest of the way back and she was headed off her own way. I was happy. (Sick, nauseous, tired and thinking of ways I could ticket those boaters...but still happy.)

I get back to shore where hubby is waiting for me. The first thing he says is "As soon as you left, the father and baby swam by." "Of course," I said, "of course."

Tree Swallow Chicks

2011-06-26T20:28:00.002-04:00

My babies have hatched! I'm not ashamed to say that I almost had tears of joy in my eyes as I saw these little heads popping out the house.

Here's a closer peek - isn't his face sweet?

And here's mama (or papa) coming to feed them. Nature is miraculous.

2 New Friends

2011-06-18T21:01:00.002-04:00

I have two new friends! Would you like to meet them?

First is Mrs. Tree Swallow who is a welcome occupany in one of our bird houses. She's definitely the most calmest nesting bird I've ever witnessed.

2nd friend is the yellow warbler. First time I've seen one! Hopefully not the last.

So, have you made any new bird friends this summer?

Grosbeak Madness

2011-05-31T21:18:00.003-04:00

The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have returned to northern Michigan and are regular visitors to the feeder. I should mention that they are there ALL DAY! I don't mind of course. I love them. Even though I will now need to pick up another job to be able to feed them...ha,ha!

The sweet female...

Here's a juvenile male Rose-breasted Grosbeak. He's still cute even with those spotty feathers.

Not the best looking chickadees

2011-05-22T18:39:00.002-04:00

To be fair, the rain this morning didn't help but my Chickadees are looking rough. I submit the following as evidence:

Can somebody say helmet head??

I can't explain this. I'm not even sure I want to.....

Hubby's Photo

2011-05-19T21:14:00.001-04:00

Yes, I've brainwashed my husband. Not only does he identify birds, he now photographs them. Welcome to my bird world honey! (And nice shot of the red-bellied!)

It starts with a dream...

2011-04-25T18:48:00.004-04:00

The Loons are my favorite bird. Many of you know this (and suffer through this, ha!) Last year our lake had a nest failure and I was devastated. I had to satisfy myself with monitoring the Loons on a neighboring lake. Well it looks like I have a pair of Loons attempting to nest on our lake again....

(This is a photo from a few years back, I love to look at it and dream.)

By the way, as I was watching these Loons and watched them go ashore for a brief moment. It occured to me they only go ashore for two things....to nest and to....well you know......

... and yes, I know I'm terrible!!!

Yucky but exciting!

2011-04-14T21:40:00.002-04:00

Okay, if you don't want to see a hawk on deer carcass, then please look away from my page ASAP! If you don't mind, then look below to see my beautiful hawk. I'm just not sure what kind it is - a Broad-Winged? A little help from my birdy peanut gallery would be nice! :-)

Only me....

2011-04-01T18:42:00.001-04:00

So I come out from a restaurant after having lunch and here's what I find on the car.... Like I said, only me!!!

Next candidate for Weight Watchers....

2011-03-06T20:21:00.001-05:00

Seriously, how much birdseed has this fellow been eating?! :-)

Fiddler on the Roof

2011-02-16T20:44:00.002-05:00

If you've visited my blog before, then you know my Chickadees are pretty tame up at our log cabin. Some of them will land on my shoulders or head to scold me and a few will eat out of my hand.

Recently I have a chickadee that has the same M.O. He dive bombs me from the roof! I'll be filling the feeders and all the while he's watching me silently from his roof perch. Then when I least suspect it, he lands on my head scolding me (probably telling me to hurry up) and then heads to the feeder. Once he grabbed a seed and came back to try to eat it on my head. Lately he likes to perch on the roof and scold me. Here's a shot of my little Fiddler Chickadee......moments before the attack! (And yeah, I love it!)

Looking for birds

2011-01-25T21:51:00.001-05:00

I didn't find any woodpeckers this day, but I did get to admire their handiwork below.

Idea from the chicky poo.....

2011-01-14T20:55:00.002-05:00

So I've been thinking....thinking a lot about my bird blogging friends. Thinking, wouldn't it be great if some of us could get together for a birding adventure? Maybe attend a birding festival this spring?

And depending on who was interested, we could pick a middle ground. Since I live in Michigan, I am thinking of a Mid-west state. What do you think? Would you come? Do you have any ideas? Have you done something like this before? Email me: shelleyupnorth at gmail dot com. (Hoping to hear from Kelly, Heather, Betsy, Hannibal, Eve, Dawn, Mildred, Jen, Richard, Lynne, Joan, Jayne and many more.....)

Pat the belly

2011-01-11T21:40:00.001-05:00

Something about the birds puffing up in the winter that makes me want to pat their bellies........ You too?

The Awwwwww Pose

2010-12-17T21:08:00.000-05:00

An oldy but goody........Awwwwwwww!

Who scares you more?

2010-12-12T17:05:00.001-05:00

.....this intimidating Blue Jay?

....or the snow monster in my backyard?

A winter favorite

2010-11-28T18:22:00.003-05:00

I've mentioned before how our chickadees at the cabin are quite friendly. I love when they land on my shoulder while I'm filling the feeder. And of course my heart melts when they land in my hand to take that one perfect seed. The photo above is one I took of my husband feeding this angel when we were at Hartwick Pines State Park. They are such brave and nosey birds. I always laugh when I put out a new feeder and a chickadee will appear out of thin air to immediately investigate it.

P.S. Speaking of new bird feeders, where do you like to buy yours? I've been searching online for a good platform, fly through feeder that won't break the bank.

Winter Visitors

2010-11-15T20:14:00.003-05:00

There are many reasons why I love winter but one of the biggest ones is the birding opportunities it brings. I see an increase of some of my regular visitors and I have some winter ones to look forward to. Hoping the Redpolls and Pine Siskins come back and eat out of my hand this year. I am also hoping to see the elusive Snowy Owl this winter.....a girl can dream....

Here are some of my feeder regulars. What are you seeing right now?

My nutty White-breasted nuthatch. I love watching him store suet on the trees around our cabin property.

My chickadees are much loved and are very sassy, I can't tell you how many times they scold me when the feeder is empty. Some of them will even land on my shoulder and head as I'm refilling the feeders as if to say hurry up!

My sweet goldfinches are so shy. I love listening to their pretty chirps.

The purple finches are starting to come around more and may rival the chickadees in being a feeder hog.

My holy grail bird

2010-10-31T19:54:00.003-04:00

Do you have those one or two birds you are constantly seeking and when you do see it, you are in awe? I call those my holy grail birds. One of mine is the Pileated Woodpecker. Such a shy and alert bird - I can't tell you how many missed photo opportunities I have had with this fellow! I swear, it can hear me breathing even when I'm in my cabin, and if I dare to look at my camera, he flies away screeching in protest. Well yesterday I got my brief moment to memorialize him on film......I was doing the happy dance afterwards. (And of course he was screeching louder than my blue jays through the trees shortly thereafter.) So what's your holy grail of birds to see and photograph?

Downy Woodpecker enjoying Autumn

2010-10-07T07:02:00.002-04:00

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.

~George Eliot

A good investment...

2010-09-29T21:01:00.000-04:00

Sweet Chickadee

2010-08-29T20:41:00.002-04:00

Is there anything more sweet than a little chickadee?

Oh yes....young children discovering the beauty of the chickadee and trying to feed them by hand.

(My friend's son did have one land in his hand, but I wasn't quick enough with the camera!)

Quack Quack!

2010-08-19T22:12:00.001-04:00

Just peeking in to see if you're still here! Summer classes are over and I'm taking a fall break. More time for blogging! (Well that and other things of course!)

The invasion continues...

2010-07-26T18:09:00.003-04:00

We are being mobbed by Rose-breasted grosbeaks at the cabin. The other day I counted 7 babies crying on our deck railing to be fed by their parents. It's wonderful to see, but they are becoming little bullies at the feeders. I had to hang some new feeders in back of the cabin so the chickadees, nuthatches and finches could get some food. Take a look at my gang...

Isn't this guy a dashing fellow?

How many grosbeaks do you count in this photo?

A fat baby!

A baby fluttering his wings so his parents will see her and feed her.

Feeding a demanding baby....

And finally an evil grosbeak.....

I Love Loons

2010-07-19T21:56:00.002-04:00

My Loon pair still visit our lake but alas they did not attempt to nest again. Their night music is beautiful....I cannot think of a more beautiful sound to hear at the cabin when I am headed to sleep. (I've posted a video link I found on You Tube below so you can hear them.)

A little visitor

2010-07-11T16:50:00.002-04:00

My hubby opened the door to our cabin and a baby Chickadee flew in. He hit the window and was stunned. I put my fingers by him and he hopped right up. He clung to me for a while and kept panting, probably in shock. I checked him over and he looked okay. Of course you all know how much I enjoyed holding that little angel in my hand, I kept wanting to pet him like a dog, but I did refrain!

I took him outside and after about 5 minutes, he flew away. What was funny is earlier the adult chickadees kept landing on my shoulder while I was trying to fill the bird feeders. They really are cheeky little things!

From 2010_07_10

And winner of the biggest bird feed hogs goes to...

2010-07-08T10:17:00.003-04:00

....Mr. and Mrs. Grosbeak! Seriously, my Grosbeak family (they have 2 babies) are at the feeders from morning till night eating away. But I do love them!

My Nature Day

2010-06-20T21:34:00.004-04:00

I'm still in a birding drought at the cabin. Thought I would share what else was going on around me.

These are lily pads by our dock. Tons of frogs have been hopping around here. The Green Heron fishes here daily but I haven't been able to get a decent shot of him.

Even the turtles are hiding from me!

One of my favorite ways to photograph birds is by kayak. It makes it easy to stay quiet and get a little closer without being too intrusive. You can get a glimpse of my cabin to the right of this photo.

This isn't a nature photo, but I thought in the spirit of World Cup Soccer, I'd share my favorite soccer player...

Not a bird....

2010-06-15T21:16:00.002-04:00

...but a bird dog!

Couldn't resist posting a photo of my beautiful girl since I had no bird photos today. Scout is now 1 years old and a little over 75 pounds. She will continue to fill in so I believe she will hit 80 lbs +. She is so sweet natured and will still crawl into anybody's lap who will let her. And yes, I let her!

Nutty Birds

2010-06-13T14:48:00.001-04:00

No man in the world has more courage than the man who can stop after eating one peanut.

~Channing Pollock

Loon Fever

2010-06-11T16:29:00.003-04:00

How many photos can I snap of Loons? Not enough in my case! To me, they are such interesting and complex birds. I am fascinated by their behaviors and of course love their haunting calls across the lake. Here are some of the many faces of the Loon....

An alert Loon....

A sleepy Loon.....

A messy Loon....

A curious Loon! (When the female sees me on my dock, she actually swims toward me and hangs around in front of our cabin. The male is more cautious. I am careful to give them their space and am hopeful that they will try to nest again.)

Peek-a-boo

2010-06-08T19:46:00.001-04:00

Surprises at the Log Cabin

2010-06-06T18:42:00.000-04:00

If we are strong, and have faith in life and its richness of surprises, and hold the rudder steadily in our hands. I am sure we will sail into quiet and pleasant waters for our old age.
-Freya Stark

First surprise - seeing a fox for the 1st time in my life. She had a few kits with her too. We definitely locked eyes through my cabin window. I bet she could see me smiling....

2nd surprise was having baby Robins hatch in the eaves of our log cabin. Anytime I made a sound on the deck, 3 little heads would pop up looking for food.

And my best surprise........was my Loons coming back to our lake. I believe they are going to try to nest again. And I'm going to do whatever is in my power to help them. I am looking into getting an artificial nesting raft for my Loons as well as buoys to protect them. More on that later......but can you hear my heart singing once again? :-)

Birds that tease me

2010-06-03T12:53:00.002-04:00

Do you have birds that tease you? Well I do! Come meet some of my bullies.....

Why oh why does the Oriole have to hang out in the tops of tall trees, far, far away from me? One good close up photo, that's all I ask....

And this guy! He teases me with his incessant calls. Hush already! Your voice isn't that great!

And come on Mr. Purple Finch! Can't you look at the camera for one second so I can get a full frontal shot of your handsome face?

So, who are some of your bird bullies?? :-)

Broken Heart

2010-06-01T11:17:00.004-04:00

See the 2 beautiful Loon eggs in the nest above? It breaks my heart to know they will never hatch due to the unfortunate (and dare I say it - IDIOTIC) actions of a person who got too close to the nest. On the day I found the nest, I posted signs at the boat launch warning everyone and to please give the Loons their space. According to one resident on our lake, it was the first time in 30 years that the Loons had attempted to nest on our lake.

I found the nest last Sunday, came back to the cabin on Thursday and found no Loon parents. After investigating, I inadvertently found out who the culprit was who got too close (I'm pretty sure, but have to admit other factors go in to Loons abandoning the nest) and was just devastated. I admit, I went inside my cabin and cried. (I know Bird Girl will know how I feel, I still remember when her bluebird babies died.) My heart is completely broken...

What happens when a Loon sees an Eagle......

2010-05-25T14:42:00.005-04:00

Loons will give a yodel or tremolo call when they feel threatened. They will also rise up out of the water, possibly row across the water too while doing a penguin dance. If you see a Loon do this and there is no other danger around, then it means YOU are too close and need to back off. These particular photos I shot from a distance as an eagle flew overhead. Eagles are a big predator of Loon chicks.

P.S. Some fantastic news, the Loons are building a nest right at the end of my dock at the log cabin. It's on a grassy tuft that is about 5 feet away from shore. I never could have dreamed that something this spectacular would happen to me! (By the way, our log cabin is named "The Loons' Nest" - ironic, eh?

Look what I found!

2010-05-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

I'm in Loon heaven right now! I'll be posting more photos when I return from the cabin tomorrow. Looking forward to catching up with all of you. The Loon Lady is back!!!

Baby Mourning Dove

2010-05-14T21:41:00.002-04:00

For the past 4 years, I've had baby mourning doves hatch in our home gutters. They make a huge mess but they still bring smiles to our faces. Check out my new addition!

Well hello baby!

You're so vain....

2010-05-10T19:34:00.000-04:00

Stalking the Evening Grosbeak

2010-05-06T08:10:00.002-04:00

I went to Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, MI a few weeks ago. The highlight of the park is the forest of virgin white pines. Another highlight FOR ME is also the visitors center where they have window bird feeders.

From 2010_04_16

So I go to the window and I see this bird sitting INSIDE the feeder. I must admit, I first thought it was dead and was ready to start crying in front of 100 other people that would recognize that there was a crazy bird lady in their midst.

Then, a glorious thing happened, she turned her head to look at me! No, this female Evening Grosbeak wasn't pretty (she had seed shells on her face and what looked like to be eye disease in her left eye.) But she was alive, I was happy! (And of course I start talking to her, and people in the visitor center have now confirmed I am a crazy bird lady!)

She flew down to the pond to clean herself - thank goodness! She isn't going to get a mate looking like that I don't think.

I just couldn't stop watching her. I kept thinking about whether she would survive with this eye disease. Would she find a mate? Would she keep herself clean and not leave seed shell remnants on her face anymore? I think she was getting ready to file a restraining order against me...

She wasn't as pretty as the other Evening Grosbeaks that came to feed on that day. But it was her who captured my heart.

Bad Virus

2010-04-19T22:11:00.002-04:00

Got a bad virus on my computer from facebook. Hope to have my computer fixed soon and will be by to visit you all!

This is what happens.....

2010-04-09T09:12:00.002-04:00

This is what happens when you're not quiet enough walking down the dock to get a photo of migrating Common Mergansers.

My Robin Friend

2010-04-06T16:37:00.000-04:00

A Robin Redbreast in a cage
Puts all Heaven in a Rage.
~William Blake, Auguries of Innocence

Birdy Questions of the day

2010-03-18T15:37:00.002-04:00

Which one of these birdys is not like the other?

And which one has the biggest butt? :-)

You know what spring time means.....right?

2010-03-04T15:45:00.002-05:00

Spring time means my Loons are coming back soon!

I can't wait to hear their haunting cry across the lake.
I can't wait to see them run across the lake faster than a jet plane on a runway.
I can't wait until they sit on their nest again.
I can't wait till they have babies and I start stressing out and yelling at every boater to watch out.

Ghetto Bird Feeder

2010-02-17T15:55:00.002-05:00

Okay, now I want you to admit it. Do you have a bird feeder that is in bad shape but you're still using it even though you know you should've put it in the trash long ago? Well that's my story...but I don't have the heart to throw this feeder away. True, it's missing the plastic plexi glass on one side. And a squirrel has chewed the wood to smithereens. But the birds still seem to like it....

Here's my feisty Cardinal enjoying the feeder....

My Red-breasted Nuthatch has no problem with it...

...okay, maybe not everyone likes my ghetto bird feeder!

The early bird gets the nut!

2010-02-03T11:22:00.000-05:00

Top Chick Model

2010-01-22T07:11:00.007-05:00

I think my Chickadees know how beautiful they are. They seem to strike such perfect model poses.

"Nevermind the poop behind me. Aren't I cute?"

Check out my side profile!

I can even act shy and flutter my eyes at you!

Angry Downy Woodpecker

2009-12-14T19:06:00.001-05:00

"No! This is all mine Mr. Nuthatch!"

Need time to bird!

2009-12-06T09:01:00.002-05:00

Have I been the only bad birding blogger?! I'm hoping to make it to the cabin next weekend and do some serious birding and hopefully get some decent photos. I've been studying for finals and missing being outside in nature. Also - I'm missing all of you! I think I'll have to have a giveaway to make up for it.....stay tuned.

Suet cake for everybody!

2009-11-18T19:29:00.002-05:00

I want to keep him!

2009-11-02T06:13:00.003-05:00

It rained all weekend at the cabin making it difficult to get some good birdy photos without getting my camera wet. But I did manage to get this adorable goldfinch - doesn't his feathers looks so soft? I want to keep him!

My new boss - the Chickadee

2009-10-25T08:57:00.002-04:00

I've come to realize that the Black-capped Chickadees have become the boss of me. We go to our log cabin most every weekend. As soon as I step out of the car, I swear they start lining up in the trees and start chortling at me. I imagine them to be saying "Fill those feeders lady! Hurry!" And even as I'm filling them, they start surrounding me, a few land on my head or shoulders. I'll put a few seeds in my hand, and the brave ones will land on my hand, clinging to the end of my fingers and grab the seed they like best.

Here is what morning is looking like at our cabin right now.

Here is one of my bossy chickadees! Sometimes I think they peek into my cabin windows and start making their "fee bee" calls even louder to get me out there.

Feeling nutty...

2009-10-20T20:58:00.002-04:00

I love how the huthatches hang out with the Chickadees at the bird feeders. The chickadees have been quite bold and like to land on my head as I fill the feeders.

The leaves are at about 75%. Fall has been slow in coming. I'm looking forward to my winter bird arrivals!

I found a bird!

2009-10-18T22:23:00.003-04:00

Cold weather and lots of bird food seem to help! I was happy to finally have a bird to photograph. Doesn't the tufted titmouse remind you of the Conehead skit of the old Saturday Night Live show? Yep....I'm losing it....

Looking for birds.

2009-10-10T08:38:00.000-04:00

Bird Drought

2009-10-06T09:40:00.002-04:00

I am hoping the migratory birds make it my way. Seems like I've been in such a birding slump lately! I took some photos of the Downy woodpecker - but none were worth posting. At least I can always count on my little chickadees! How is autumn looking in your area? We're experiencing a late Autumn here in northern Michigan.

The Miraculous Pileated

2009-09-22T09:02:00.003-04:00

“Hope is the companion of power, and mother of success; for who so hopes strongly has within him the gift of miracles.” - Samuel Smiles

Seeing a Loon, Bald Eagle or Pileated Woodpecker feels like a miraculous event for me. I'm always searching for them and always hoping to capture that moment on film. I've been pursuing the Pileated Woodpecker as of late and it's been a long summer. I always hear the Pileated Woodpecker near our log cabin. But as soon as I gather my camera equipment and head out to the deck to get a photo - the normally shy bird is gone in a big whoosh! But on this Sunday morning, I lucked out. I was able to get off two shots until she flew off across the lake. Until next time.....

My Loon baby has grown up!

2009-09-10T21:27:00.002-04:00

One of the most beautiful things to view in the morning is the Loon swimming in the lake mist. On this day I set out in my kayak to check on my Loon baby. I was unsuccessful the last few times (paddling all over a 240 acre lake does get tiring!) but at last my luck turned.

Looks like he has a foot cramp! I kept my distance as I didn't want to upset him or his nearby parents - so these photos will not be my best.

You can tell the juvenile apart from his parents by not only his size, but his feathers. They have more of a fish scaley look - not quite the nice and precise black and white patterns the mature adult has.

I'm so glad he made it through the summer. His parents will be migrating soon and the juvenile will probably linger a little longer before heading out. I'm already counting the days till next years babies!

I'll be back blogging regularly now. Hope you're still with me! (I've been adjusting to returning to school and having homework once again!)

My Field of Dreams

2009-09-02T16:09:00.004-04:00

If you fill the feeder.........they will come.

This is the 1st time I've been able to attract a hummingbird to our feeder at the cabin. It only took 2 summers...

*I've started classes so once I've "adjusted" - I hope to be back blogging regularly.

Birding by Kayak

2009-08-24T10:10:00.003-04:00

It was a nice day to go kayaking...

I saw Lynne's Turkey Vulture friend in the sky...

..and a Blue Heron with an itch.

He looks so regal standing on that tree branch.

What's a lake without a gang of Mallard Ducks?

And who better to sing to me from the trees as I paddle by than my little Chickadee friend.

Look out below!

2009-08-14T14:30:00.002-04:00

Bird Humor

2009-08-11T16:59:00.004-04:00

How to tell if you're mom's favorite!

*My mom sent this to me so I'm not sure who to credit for this photo. Hope this gives you a good laugh today! Now I have to email this to my sister and break the bad news to her.......ha,ha!

Birdy Winners!

2009-08-09T20:24:00.004-04:00

I decided to break the rules and draw FOUR winners instead of three! Here are the 4 lucky people drawn randomly by my hubby (a.k.a. charming birdy assistant!)

Ms. K at Dog Daze
Tina at Tina's Bird Yarns
Adrienne at Adrienne in Ohio
Bird Girl at My Bird Tales

Ladies, please email your address to shelleyupnorth at gmail dot com. Congratulations!

P.S. This was a lot of fun, so for those of you who didn't win this time, be sure to check back for a fall giveaway too! :-)

Bird Dog

2009-08-07T14:26:00.005-04:00

Sleeping with her stuffed goose...

Giveaway for my birdy blogger friends!

2009-08-04T16:51:00.003-04:00

I was just thinking today of all the great people I have met through my birding blog (some of them even in person) and how grateful I was. I enjoy seeing everyone's photography and learning more about birds. So in order to show my appreciation - I am going to have a giveaway!

I'm going to give away a few token items (birdy and nature related) from my nature store. All the gift items on my store feature my photography. So you may get a greeting card, or a magnet, or a tote bag, etc. - who knows! It's a surprise! I will draw three winners. Here are the rules:

Must be a U.S. or Canadian resident. (Sorry - it's easier for me to ship!)
Must have a blog.
Leave your name and blog address on this post if you want to be entered. Anyone who's a follower automatically gets 3 entries. (Please let me know if you are!)
Deadline to enter is midnight August 7th. I will randomly draw THREE winners on Sunday, August 9th.

"The language of friendship is not words but meanings." ~Henry David Thoreau

Mystery Bird

2009-08-02T16:38:00.004-04:00

I'm hoping you can help me! Do you know what baby bird this is? It has a pretty long body. Possibly a baby Flicker? But then the colors are so muted.

Thank you in advance for your help! I'm back from Wisconsin and will now be catching up with all of your blogs!

UPDATE: Thank you everyone for identifying this bird as a baby Starling!!!

Piggy

2009-07-27T17:01:00.003-04:00

What's special about this Female Grosbeak? Well she stayed on my feeder for about a half hour straight gorging herself.

But I must point out that she was very kind and allowed the Chickadees to dine with her. But only so long as they stayed on the opposite side of the feeder. Ha!

Another scene from the Exorcist?

2009-07-25T09:42:00.003-04:00

Have you ever seen a Mourning Dove turn its head 360 degrees and then go to sleep?!

(Remember that horror movie the Exorcist when Linda Blair turned her head all the way around? That movie scared the heck out of me! Anyways, it was the 1st thing I thought of when I saw this Dove. Yep, I need help!)

Loon Family

2009-07-24T09:27:00.004-04:00

I have to forewarn you - these are not my best Loon photos. But getting the best shots was not my purpose on this day. I just wanted to experience seeing the Loon family without disturbing them. Loons are highly sensitive during nesting season and with newly hatched Loon chicks. I shot these from a distance in my Kayak with my 300mm lens and severely cropped these photos. When the loon chick is older and more independent, I hope to get better and slightly closer shots.

The parents swim tightly together keeping the baby between them.

The parents keep a constant look out for danger to their loon chick. Predators include Eagles, turtles and even a large Pike fish.

The loon chick is brownish in color right now and very fuzzy. The parents will be teaching him how to do deeper dives and how to fish for himself. For now, mom and dad takes turns feeding him small fish.

The whole world awaits you little one....

First glimpse of my Loon chick

2009-07-17T16:59:00.003-04:00

(Click on photo to enlarge)

It's been a great week at the cabin and I am looking forward to getting back on Sunday and catching up with all of my birdy blogger friends!

I was excited to find my Loon chick a couple days ago. He did have a sibling that hatched but sadly did not make it - I believe a predator must've gotten it. (I've seen a bald eagle in the vicinity.)

This baby is doing very well for 3 weeks old. He's already able to do shallow dives in the water. I'm praying the boaters and jet skiers heed the posted signs and are careful to watch out for him as he still can't dive deep enough to avoid them. I will have more photos upon my return. Hope all of you have had a great week!

The reddest Cardinal I've ever seen

2009-07-09T22:13:00.004-04:00

The sound of birds stops the noise in my mind.

- Carly Simon

Bird Drought

2009-07-08T09:00:00.002-04:00

I feel like I've been in a birding drought the past couple weeks. Even Bob the Mourning Dove hasn't been sticking around for good photos. Hopefully my luck changes this week at our cabin. This weekend I hope to get some shots of the new Loon baby (I think only 1 survived unfortunately.) Wish me luck!

Baby Blue Jay

2009-07-01T14:00:00.003-04:00

This baby Blue Jay was causing a racket in one of my pine trees!

Yes, I see you too!

My puppy Scout

2009-06-28T21:04:00.002-04:00

Sorry I haven't been posting or visiting you these past couple days - our new puppy Scout is keeping me busy! I've been wanting a Bernese Mountain Dog for so many years and still cannot believe she's finally here! I'm working on the housebreaking (fun!) I will be over to visit you in the next couple days - promise!

Nesting Loons

2009-06-25T17:11:00.004-04:00

One of the things I've always wanted to witness was a nesting Loon.

It's difficult for 2 reasons: 1. They're hard to find and 2. You have to be extremely careful and keep your distance, if you get too close and disturb them, they will abandon the nest.

These are my Bradford Lake Loons. This nesting raft was made by my fellow friends and Loon Rangers to help them successfully nest after previous nest failures. I believe this will be the 9th year this pair has successfully had babies. The loon chicks will be hatching this weekend but unfortunately I won't be there to witness the event as I have to go home and pick up my new puppy. Alas, there's always next year.

I used a combination of Lenses. I really need to get a tripod for my Sigma!

Here's mama Loon sitting on the eggs while daddy fishes. Later on in the day, they will switch spots so mama Loon can get her fishing time in!

She's constantly on guard for predators - always looking around her nest.

She likes to keep her nest nice and will tidy up while she's sitting on her eggs.

She keeps her mouth open to help keep her cool while she's sitting on the nest. Loons typically lay two eggs. Here's hoping both babies hatch!

Chickadee Exercises

2009-06-22T19:23:00.003-04:00

Look up!

Look down!

Look all around!

You might be a Birder if....

2009-06-19T07:56:00.004-04:00

You might be a Birder if...

You might be a birder if you can say exactly where you saw a dozens of lifebirds but don't recall exactly where you first met your spouse.

You cringe when friends tell you they saw a ruffled grouse or a seagull.

The roads around your favorite birding spot are completely covered with skid marks.

No, you don't think all those little brown birds in the field guide look the same.

You try to convince your child to go to college in Southeastern Arizona, for "special reasons".

You might be a birder if you're all the time wanting to stop the car, and your riders are saying "What are you stopping for?"

*Bird humor from Bowman's Bird Stuff

Whining Baby Grackle

2009-06-16T21:35:00.002-04:00

You're so vain...

2009-06-14T20:11:00.003-04:00

"Who is that handsome guy looking at me? And why do I hear that Carly Simon song in the background?"

Have you missed me?

2009-06-10T12:53:00.002-04:00

Doesn't Bob look pleasantly plump? His missus is laying on the nest again which leads me to sadly conclude that the other baby didn't survive and they have laid new eggs.

I have taken down my feeders for right now since that brings the Blue Jays in. I will wait till after the Mourning Dove babies can fend for themselves before I hang them back up. Someone had mentioned on a previous blog post about Blue Jays eating the babies - they don't. They just peck them to death probably due to nest competition.

I am headed out to Tennessee for business and will be back to check your blogs on Monday. By the way - I'm meeting Betsy & Leedra for lunch on Friday! Watch out Ladies - here I come!!!

Barred Owl

2009-06-08T22:09:00.002-04:00

Never does nature say one thing and wisdom another.

~Juvenal, Satires

Have you seen my mommy?

2009-06-08T08:16:00.001-04:00

* I know it's time for these baby Robins to fend for themselves, still I feel a wince of sadness when they are looking and calling for their mommy!

Bird Humor

2009-06-05T08:46:00.002-04:00

I'm headed to the cabin this weekend and participating in a craft show on Saturday (in downtown Gaylord, MI in case you're in the area!!) I thought I would leave you with some bird humor! I'll catch up with all of you on Monday.

Burkett's laws of birding

*The First Law of Birding: The greater the time spent searching for a rarity, the greater the chances it will be sitting on your car when you return to the parking lot.

*The Second Law of Birding: There are two sides of a tree; the side facing you and the side where the bird is.

*The Third Law of Birding: When you see the bird that you have always wanted to see, it will be in the last spot you thought of looking for it.

*The Fourth Law of Birding: The best bird seen during a trip is usually seen in bad light, isn't calling or singing, is seen for less than a second, and is the last "trip bird".
-- by Cody Burkett, Phoenix, AZ

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You just might be a bird lover and squirrel hater if... (#6)
1. You always wait for all of the birds to fly away before running outside and chasing squirrels from under your bird feeders.
2. Sometimes you forget to put on your slacks before running outside and chasing squirrels from your feeders.
3. You chase squirrels from your feeders by standing at your open patio door and barking loudly at them.
4. Squirrels run away when you bark at them but the birds at your feeders have learned to ignore the barking.
5. Your neighbor asks how you trained your dog to scare the squirrels away from your feeders by barking loudly at them from the patio door and you don't have a dog.
6. You chase squirrels from your feeders by running through the yard, yelling wildly, and squirting them with the water pistol you bought for your grandson's birthday next month.
7. You decide to keep the water pistol you bought for your grandson's birthday and get him another gift because squirting squirrels is both effective in chasing them away from your feeders and a whole lot of fun.
8. The birds in your backyard have become so accustomed to seeing you chase squirrels that they no longer bother to fly to nearby trees.
9. When running after squirrels and squirting them with your water pistol, you never notice you've forgotten to put on your slacks until you're in the far back corner of your yard.
10. It's laugh-out-loud funny to see a squirrel running away from the feeders and falling head-over-heels over the bird water dish that you placed in the grass between the feeders and the tree.

--- from Anita Riechers, retired pre-birder from the greater St. Louis area

Feed Me!!

2009-06-03T21:10:00.004-04:00

This baby Robin was relentless! He chased his mom all over the yard begging to be fed.

She complied but told him he needs to grow up and get his own food!

Angy Goldfinches

2009-06-02T07:52:00.006-04:00

Is it just me or do all my Goldfinches look angry????

Sleepy Loon (and some Loon videos!)

2009-05-31T21:24:00.005-04:00

"I'm getting very sleepy....."

Zzzzzz!!

I wanted to share a few Loon videos with you. This first one shows a nesting Loon, if you watch closely, you'll see the loon chick come out from underneath its mother's wing.

And here's a "Loon Concert" for your listening enjoyment.

And now my Loon week has truly ended! I need to start paying attention to my other birds as well. Bob the Mourning Dove is getting cranky! (P.S. His baby is doing well! I'll try to get photos this week.)

Nothing to do with birdwatching....

2009-05-30T21:50:00.003-04:00

But here's my future bird watcher - my Bernese Mountain Dog puppy!

She is 4 weeks old and will be ready to come home at the end of June. I'm hoping I can take her in the kayak with me to look for Loons....

P.S. If you'd like to see what a Bernese Mountain Dog looks like once they are all "grown up" - CLICK HERE.

Loon Togetherness (and a Loon Poem!)

2009-05-29T05:46:00.000-04:00

Loon week is almost coming to an end (sadly - but you know I'm going to post 10,000 more Loon photos before the summer is over - ha!)

I wanted to share a Loon poem with you that my good friend Michele wrote for me. She is such a talented poet, please visit her HERE and read this special poem first. This will set the "Loon mood."

One thing that always touches my heart about the Loons is the tender relationship that the male and female Loon have with each other. They are always together, always looking out for each other.

I love how they constantly swim so close to one another....

When one of them is fishing, the other one keeps an eye out for danger.

And they enjoy relaxing together, thinking about all the fish they are going to catch and how they are going to protect their Loon chicks once they are hatched. It's true Loon love!

Male Model Loon

2009-05-28T07:40:00.004-04:00

The male and female Loon have the same feather colors but you can tell them apart by the following:

The male's body is larger than the female
The males beak is longer
If you see/hear the Loon yodeling, then it's the male since they are the only ones who do that particular call. It's their territorial call.

Please take a look at my male model...

Isn't he just gorgeous with that sunlight dancing off that long beak?

The Loon's Morning Stretch

2009-05-26T20:30:00.005-04:00

It's Loon week on my blog! (I promise not to post all 185 photos! Ha!) I'm hoping I will be able to show you through my photos why I have such passion for these birds.

If you would like to hear some of the Loon's different calls - click HERE. Once you are on this page, you have several different loon calls to choose from. My favorite is the 'Wail'- I typically hear it in the early evening on our lake. Which call is your favorite?

Look what I found this morning...

2009-05-24T17:00:00.004-04:00

After kayaking my arms to exhaustion all over a 230 acre lake and trying to follow the loons' call to see where they were located, I finally found my beloved loon pair pictured above. Now who's going to tow me back to shore? :-)

*I headed to the local coffee shop and took advantage of their WIFI. I just couldn't wait until Tuesday to post this. I took over 185 photos and I will probably take more. I may have to make this Shelley's Loon Week!

Have a Nice Memorial Weekend!

2009-05-23T20:19:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone has a safe and nice Memorial Weekend! Remember those servicemen who sacrificed for us and those who continue to do so!

My internet access at the cabin will be sporadic - I will check in with you on Tuesday!

More "Cherry Picked" Photos

2009-05-22T19:00:00.001-04:00

I call these my "cherry picked" photos, because I photographed these birds at a festival where they were being exhibited by a Wildlife Rehabilitation Organization. How I would love to see these in the wild and be able to capture photographs of them in their natural settings!

Here's a Kestrel that was hit by a car and ended up being blinded in one eye. He will not be able to be released back into the wild but is now part of the education program. This was a treat for my husband to see as this is his favorite bird.

Here is a Rough-legged hawk. I believe this one had an injured foot/claw so he would not be able to grasp his prey in the wild. He was very vocal and loved showing us how beautiful his wings looked spread out.

I Apologize

2009-05-22T10:58:00.004-04:00

I apologize.

As some of you are aware, I recently did a post on saving a baby mourning dove. It upset some people when I wrote about protecting the remaining baby from a Blue Jay with a bb gun. Please note the following:

I will not be harming or shooting the Blue Jay or any bird, nor am I an advocate for doing so. I am well aware of the laws.
The post has been removed.
This post was written in the heat of the moment. It was a thought written - not an action. I should have been more clear and given more thought before posting this. This blog is me, I find humor in my birds and I love birds. A blog is a personal journal of thoughts and feelings. However, it is not my intention to upset or offend anyone.
It goes without saying that I love birds and am a big advocate for them. It is why I write this blog. It is why I am a member of the Michigan Audubon and Michigan Loon Preservation. My money, my time and photos have been dedicated towards the preservation of birds and their habitat and will remain so.

Sincerely,

Shelley

Portrait of a Female Grosbeak

2009-05-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

Are you looking at me?

The Early Bird...

2009-05-20T07:02:00.003-04:00

The early bird.....

...gets the worm! It's true!