It was March 13th, the first long and leisurely walk with my camera in 2025.
The day began early as a one-mile walk at Council Point Park, then three hours of traversing the trails at Lake Erie Metropark, finally topped off with a delightful trip to Dingell Park to view and photograph the ice floes and waterfowl. Whew! No wonder I returned home “in the pink”, not just from my enjoyable day, but with a mild sunburn.
This post focuses only on my walk taken at Lake Erie Metropark. Admittedly, it was not the most-scenic trip ever taken here. The now ochre-colored marsh reeds were bending slightly in the wind, most of the trees were still bare – there was not even a hint of color to be found. At least ticks were not a concern … surely our brutal Winter weather had zapped all of them?!
I wondered if I will see a Sandhill Crane “colt” this year?
Last year I aimed to find and photograph the offspring of the pair of Sandhill Cranes here at the park. When one crane was MIA on three visits to this venue, I was positive the Missus was sitting on a nest and I’d view their little darling(s) sometime in the Spring. But that didn’t happen? Perhaps this year?
As I neared their favorite hangout spot, I didn’t see the pair ambling about, but I pulled into the parking lot adjacent to the Offshore Fishing Bridge anyway – perhaps they slept in?
I figured IF they DID show up, a thought bubble would hover over their respective heads: “well, look who’s back – that pesky photographer!”
A little marsh madness ensued as the geese were fractious.
There were waterfowl amicably paddling about while nibbling on marsh reeds. The Mallards kept to themselves, while a few Canada Geese were disturbing the peace, honking at one another for no apparent reason. Geese are such drama queens sometimes.
Tucked into a corner, a pair of Mallards seemed oblivious to the noise and snoozed peacefully.
In between last Fall’s exploding cattails, I saw a beautiful Mute Swan.
Patiently I waited for it to move along, more out in the open – ahh, that’s much better.
It began diving, snowy-white tail sticking out of the water, not the most graceful sight for such a beautiful creature. There were no underwater treats to be found, so it righted itself, then gracefully glided under the bridge, thus forcing me to dash across, then down the road to catch up with it. Perhaps it left to escape the raucous geese?
After a long, cool drink, it paused, water dripping from its bill …
… then paddled over to wrangle, then munch on a dried stalk of some type – well it wasn’t appetizing as it dropped it a minute later …
… and took off for a more appealing breakfast.
Had I not been so judgy about the swan’s breakfast, I might have been able to take a photo of a new bird for me, a beautiful Bufflehead drake, very recognizable by its profile and large head. Unfortunately I must have spooked it as it took off in a tizzy.
The shoreline stroll was a bit boring, but the sun in my face felt good.
I returned to the parking lot, but there were still no Sandhill Cranes, so, having secured dozens of photos of my feathered friends, I decided to walk the pathway parallel to Cove Point. We’d had a lot of rain in recent weeks, so traveling on this pathway might be dicey from intermittent flooding, but the alternative, the Cherry Island Trail, might be muddy, so I set out, hoping I made the right choice.
I was pleased to see that improvements had been made to this trail. In the past, flooding was a problem, often resulting in pools of water over the asphalt and dodging the water meant sinking into the spongy grass, resulting in wet feet.
Who wants wet feet, unless you’re barefoot and wading in the water and enjoy it like these guys?
Not only was the new asphalt path smooth, but it was somewhat elevated …
… so happily I plodded along, noting another morning visitor had likely strayed into the mud, but returned to the path.
The recent rains had created some massive pools in low spots.
It was much too early for bird babies but I stepped around for a quick peek and confirmed the nest boxes were still empty.
Even though the nest boxes were built and erected by volunteers to entice Bluebirds, each year Tree Swallows misappropriate the boxes all along the Cove Point shoreline.
Feathery-looking Phragmites wiggled in the wind …
… while picnic tables stacked this way made the shoreline look even more desolate.
Well, this is a good idea for water runoff … hope it works.
There would be even more birds as I continued my walk ….
A Red-winged Blackbird swiveled its head around to check me out, since I had interrupted its preening session …
… but since any suspicions about me were unfounded, he went on about his business.
The wind picked up and the water was a wee bit choppy. A Ring-billed Gull positioned itself on a boulder for a nice profile shot, before it stared me down.
I saw a large bird’s shadow crossing overhead and, as I looked up, that bird settled down into a tree. I picked up the pace so I could get a look, albeit not a great look, at this rather disheveled-looking raptor, which I later learned was a one-year old Bald Eagle.
That got me thinking if the Osprey pair had returned to their nesting platform by the marina, so I decided to make that my final destination to check them out as I continued my journey along the asphalt path.
I spotted this ugly mess – someone needs to get some dirt, then mulch onto these exposed tree roots pronto, not to mention they are a trip-and-fall hazard!
Not a soul was fishing off the lookout platform – I didn’t need the scope as there were no boats nor sea birds to be seen with the naked eye.
The marina was devoid of boats – way too early to be boating anyway.
I just kept on walking, my eyes on the prize, i.e. the nesting platform which is just past the marina and yes, the Osprey couple had returned and were busy touching up their twiggy abode from last year.
I left them to their handiwork to begin my long walk back to the car.
I will be participating in Terri’s Sunday Stills Challenge: “Any Shade of Purple” on Wednesday with some photos of my Nelly Moser Clematis from my garden’s glory days, then I’ll put the long-ago garden photos to bed for good.
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
It was a great day for bird photos but it sure seems like it’s taking forever for buds to open this year.
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Yes, it was a great day for birds Ruth – that was that warm Thursday, one month ago today and we had two warm days in a row and I saw buds like on this tree and nothing has become of them. I hope they didn’t freeze in place as I see no trees leafing out which seems strange. I’ll bet you had to take all your pansies and put them somewhere warm for a few days.
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I actually left the pansies out last week when it went down to 18 degrees. They are survived and are thriving. 🙂
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That’s amazing Ruth! The pansies are true Michiganders, adaptable to any type of weather Mother Nature (and April) throws our way!
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That was an eventful walk Linda. Pity about missing the duck but swans can be distracting. Glad the Ospreys are back 😀
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Yes, it was Brian. I hope to see that Bufflehead again – it is unique looking, especially the male as it is so colorful. Swans are beautiful and always worth a second look. I am going to try to get back there again soon for the Osprey – we have rain off/on all week – it’s not a nice Spring here at all. I spent a lot of time watching that Osprey pair last Summer on their nest, or the other pair that built their home in the fire station siren. 🙂
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I love when you post pictures of reflections, that bridge looks awesome. You know how much I love your pictures of the swans too. I hope you can get a picture of the Bufflehead drake, I had to google it as I was so curious what it looks like and it is amazingly beautiful!!!! I’m glad the Osprey’s are back again this year.
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I like that bridge for its reflections too Diane – it is very pretty in the morning, especially when it is calm. Those Buffleheads males are very colorful. I have seen photos of them on the Detroit Audubon site which I follow on Facebook, plus I follow a birder who lives near Chesapeake Bay and she posts photos of birds and a lot of ducks I have never seen, nor even heard of. She has had Buffleheads too. Strange name for this pretty duck. I am pleased that Osprey are back too. I am going to go again in a week or so (after this rainy and stormy week we will be having) and see if I can get more pics. (Sorry – I replied to myself last nite.)
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It was a great day to be with nature!
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Yes it was – it felt like a Spring day with tons of things to see. (This time I am replying in the correct place, not to myself like last time.) 🙂
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Enjoyed this spring walk with you, Linda! I have no idea what a Bufflehead is, but I love the name!! The swans are gorgeous. And a mild sunburn is good to reacquaint yourself with the sun’s rays and you got your daily vitamin D!
I’m settling in for the first night of voting for the next American Idol tonight. I already have a favorite, but that could change as there is so much talent this year. I don’t know if you can stream it to vote? My NM friends watch and we text chat. It’s fun for me.
Have a wonderful evening. 😊
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Thank you TD – glad you enjoyed tagging along with me on this walk. I should have gotten a picture to show “what I missed” – they are unique-looking ducks with a big head and the males/drakes are very colorful.
I have never watched that show, but I’ve not had TV since I cancelled my cable in 2010. I can only watch some TV shows if I stream them (like through Amazon Prime or PBS).
Thank you – same to you. I hope the one you want to win, wins tonight!
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The neighbourhood is shaping up nicely Linda! That raptor btw,Is a one year old Baldie. The beak is black.
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Thanks for telling me that Wayne. I have edited the post. I had learned from the local photographer I follow on Facebook that the Osprey were back in all the locations I went last year (except the fire station), so that is why I assumed that was one of them. They are already busy assembling sticks for home sweet home.
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What a nice, sunny walk Linda! That park path looks very walkable. I love seeing those osprey! Looking forward to your WW post full of purple! 💜
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It was already one month ago today Terri – and a gorgeous sunny day. The local Facebook photographer I follow had posted pics of these Osprey and several other Osprey pairs where I had visited their platform nests last year … they were/are all hard at work gathering twigs. This new path is wonderful. I’ll bet the rollerbladers will like to try it out. I decided to show off my garden’s Nelly Moser Clematis from its glory days!
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I love when you post pictures of reflections. I like your photography of Birds.What a nice, walk Linda! That park path looks very walkable.
Thanks Linda 🙏
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Thank you Raj. I was lucky that the sun was out and I saw lots of birds to photograph, as late Winter/early Spring, the landscape here is very blah. It’s still blah, over one month later. We may have a touch of snow tomorrow.
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Welcome,Linda! You are right . It’s still blah over one month later Have a touch of snow any time.
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April is not my most-favorite month, primarily due to the weather … I’d like to bypass it and go right to May. 🙂
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That walk yielded great photos! Lots of interesting shots.
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Thank you Kate. It was a sunny day which helped the blah landscape, because if not for the birds, it might have been a dull post.
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Few things are more frustrating than missing a shot of something you really wanted to photograph.
I love the word “Bufflehead” I wish I had known that one when my kids were young and under the influence of the occasional stupid friend. “Don’t listen to that kid, he’s a bufflehead.” 🙂
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Yes I agree JP and I try to be quiet while on trails or near the marsh to avoid spooking the wildlife, but I guess this time my appearance started them. 🙂 I like the name “Bufflehead” too – to me, it seems like a more polite way of calling someone a “knucklehead”. I can’t remember the last time I heard someone get called a “knucklehead”.
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“Marsh madness.” I love the play on words!
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Thank you Linda – glad to give you a smile. When you hear the honking going by all those geese, if you get enough of them doing that it is deafening sometimes!
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Thanks for the beautiful nature tour! Your wildlife photos always show the personalities of your subjects and I love that. The swan dripping water is a favourite, but they’re all excellent.
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Thank you Debbie! It was surprisingly interesting at this large park for mid-March and the sun helped a lot, not to mention the nice collection of birds I saw along the way. That was my favorite photo of this post too and I debated whether to use it as the featured photo or not. Swans are such graceful birds. As to their personalities, I swear if you watch these critters a few minutes, they take on different personalities, from a quiet demeanor one moment to a loud and raucous demeanor the next, especially the geese. One minute they are peacefully paddling in the water, then one rises up, hisses, then flaps its wings and its “game on” and it chases after the other one.
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Still cold here in PA, but the flowers seem not to care. Thanks for sharing, Linda.
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Well, it’s mid-March and we could use some color and flowers here Pam. The color we will see next is a wintry mix and a dusting of snow Tuesday morning as Winter hangs on!
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I wish you a breath of spring soon, Linda.🙏
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Thank you Pam – I hope so too.
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Lovely walk you had Linda some great views. Had to view post on my phone would no load today on my laptop one of those odd WordPress glitches!
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Andy, I have had problems with WordPress for months as to “liking” posts – it turns blue, then fades away. I was happy to see the variety of birds as the landscape was still blah looking; as a matter of fact, it is mid-April and it looks about the same – we even have a touch of snow coming overnight/early Tuesday!
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The swan is so spectacular. We don’t see them around here. Those cattails have hardly burst. The ones next door to me look like tan cotton candy, they exploded so much!
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The swans are so beautiful and graceful to see Eilene. I wonder if it is because your weather is warmer than ours that your cattails explode to the point of looking like cotton candy! Ours pale in comparison to yours!
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Love all the bird shots, Linda! You are a great wildlife photographer. I will look forward to seeing photos of the bufflehead sometime. I wonder what happened to the cranes.
Springtime – time to get outside and see what’s around!
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Thank you Laurie! I was thinking it is ten years ago this month since I bought my digital compact camera with 12X zoom and it has served me well, better in some respects than the DSLR I bought in 2018. At least when I use the small camera I know most shots I took will come out and not be blurry or something else. I understand the Buffleheads are done here in Michigan and have migrated to their Summer homes. I hope the cranes stay at this park. They are the only pair here and I’m hoping one day to see their offspring. Unbelievably, our landscape still looks the same as a month ago – the grass is a little greener, but no tree leaves yet. Springtime is great … a time to feel alive again!
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why not your favourite Month April?
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The weather is just unpredictable Raj. Today our temps got to 72 F (22 C) and now we will drop 35-40 degrees and have snow Tuesday morning. Friday we have the same weather but severe weather in the evening. Too much back-and-forth weather in April.
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Thanks,Lind !
There weather is unprecedented . Always changing weather
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Lovely swans, Linda. Sorry you didn’t see the Sandhill Cranes, but you were able to see a good number of other beautiful birds.
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Those swans were beautiful Rebecca. I was lucky to have such a nice walk in mid-March. The landscape was still blah, but all the birds were a treat to see. I hope I just missed the Sandhill Cranes and they’ve not relocated to another large park as they are the only cranes at this park and I enjoy seeing them here.
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They are unique and special birds for sure. Hopefully they’ll show up.
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I hope so too Rebecca. I will try to get there again soon. I enjoy seeing them ambling around – they are not spooked easily by humans. We have a lot of rain this week unfortunately. I follow a woman photographer on Facebook who visits another Metropark (about 20 miles from me) daily. Today on Facebook she posted a photo of a Sandhill Crane turning an egg in the nest and said it should hatch in about a week and a half. She must have been watching how long Mom is sitting on the nest so I may get to see the youngsters through Jocelyn Anderson’s photos and not my own eyes.
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Such a pretty day to be outside. The asphalt path is nice. I like your ability to capture the birds along the way, your photos are detailed. And pretty.
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Thank you Ally! Seeing all these birds brightened up the blah landscape; but at least it was sunny and warm, unusual for a mid-March day. This new path is great and I’m sure some rollerbladers will be taking advantage of it. The old path flooded horribly, as does other areas of this large park which tend to turn muddy.
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Love that first profile shot of the gull. ♡ What a lovely day for a walk, with the promise of spring in the air and the various waterbirds, songbirds and raptors to see going about their days. The swan is so pretty and I like the picture of the tree surrounded by the big pool of rainwater. The skies and water had so many shades of blue.
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Barbara, I sure enjoyed this first time to visit Lake Erie Metropark since late Fall. I usually try to get one trip in during the Winter, even just to give the car a 30+-mile roundtrip outing, but the ice and snow around the house and brutal temps made that impossible for me. So this was quite a treat to get there with so much to see and mild temps considering it was March 13th. I had a good birding day, despite losing the Bufflehead when it got spooked. The swans are always so majestic looking, even when the marsh is not looking its best. I could not believe how big the pools of water were, like large ponds, which can’t be good for the tree trunks. It was such a nice outing, then I topped that off with my special stop at Dingell Park with the ice floes and waterfowl.
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You had more than your share of brutal weather this winter so I am very happy March finally gave you a pleasant day to enjoy with lots of bird sightings. I imagine the trees can tolerate a bit of flooding for short periods of time. AI says “During the dormant season (November through March), many deciduous trees can tolerate flooding for several weeks.”
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I was surprised at that good outing, since I’ve had outings in other seasons and really saw nothing. That is interesting about the trees tolerating that much flooding because I was thinking their roots would rot. I know when we had the bad Polar Vortex where I lost so many plants, there was a weekly gardening show on the radio and the host said that if you don’t water trees and bushes enough in the Fall, especially if you’ve had a hot Summer with not much rain, you will risk roots drying out and the tree/bush won’t survive.
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I think spring went on holiday! Our weather is crazy here this year. I’m sorry you didn’t see the Sandhill Cranes, they are awesome aren’t they?
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I think Spring packed up and went into hibernation Susan. Today we had 35-40 mph winds most of the day and it was very gray and cold. I hope the Sandhill Cranes have not picked another area of the park to live, or have gone to another park – we have lots of large parks near the water. They are awesome and I enjoyed watching them and they don’t get spooked easily!
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The temperatures are supposed to start rising this week, I hope so. But yes we have had horrible winds, I hope that’s not a sign of the summer !
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Well we get to near 80 Friday but have severe weather late night/overnight, so I’d rather stay cooler than have that. The incessant winds are a pain – walked home with 20 mph gusts today which was not fun at all.
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Nope, not fun, those winds are brutal! It’s raining here today and supposed to rain all weekend. We don’t need it lol
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We may still get some severe weather tonight – the threat is diminished somewhat now if the sun didn’t come out but it soared to 80 degrees and it’s 80 now at 6:35 plus the sun is shining. We have rain Easter Monday now too. Totally messing up our walking regimens. I hope you have better weather in Paris – a great getaway for the trip, plus to get away from the incessant rain!
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I think the weather in Europe is nicer than here right now!
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Lucky you! A fellow blogger took a Viking long ship cruise last year right after the Danube River had flooded and they had to take the whole trip via bus and hotels instead of the ship/pulling into ports of call.
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Oh wow that’s something ! I hope they enjoyed it anyways
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He had been on a Viking long ship cruise before and they did everything in their power to make it as memorable as possible with first-class accommodations and transportation. They already had the tours booked so that wasn’t a problem. They like the long ships … no children on those ships either BTW. 🙂
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Wonderful spring photos Linda, I love that lone tree, it has a slight curve to it. Unique 🙂
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Thank you Sandra! It still has not gotten colorful around here, there were as many buds on the trees then as we have now. Some of the trees there have definite issues, either missing limbs or dead and then a few years back it was the beavers who whittled them down until they looked like pencils and I was surprised that the park just left them like that! It seemed dangerous to me – these were not just saplings!
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Appreciated
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Thank you.
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marsh madness and so much nature and bird delight –
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It was a great walk considering technically we were still in Winter. After this jaunt, I went to the river to see the ice floes with waterfowl on them and was in shirtsleeves. Oddball weather!
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oddball weather indeed
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Today we had raging winds, gusting 45 mph. I could feel the house shaking from the strong winds. The weather is just odd anymore, no matter the season.
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yes – odd for sure and wow – that is really strong winds.
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I’m going to mention these strong winds in my next post which is about Earth Day. I understand Michigan is just one of five states experiencing these very strong winds. I was at a wildlife refuge earlier today hoping to see Spring Peepers (the singing frogs) and the vernal pond where I would find them once again was dried up, not to mention large areas of the marsh were bone dry. I understand this is largely due to the high winds we have been experiencing for a few years now.
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wow – sorry you did not get to enjoy the singing frogs but even more sad that the winds are impacting so much of this ecosystem – yikes
I will check out the post you make
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My walk turned into a trudge today while looking for those frogs. The reflecting pool at the Ford Estate had loads of them at this time a few years ago, but nothing today, although I did see a goose sitting on a nest and her mate was ready to take a run at me as I was watching and photographing her. So that made up for the frogs. I had such cute pics of the frogs that I took last year on April 15th, but we were much warmer by then – we just had snow about 10 days ago!
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wow – I did hear about many places having some April snow…. and that does impact certain things, eh?
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The weather is amazing – here we had 86 degrees this afternoon, which was to fuel the fire for bad storms which thankfully we didn’t get (which I just mentioned in my other comment). The old “heat record” for this day was 83 set in 1899, so we beat it by three degrees. But now we are dropping 40 plus degrees and there will be patchy frost overnight … such dramatic weather fluctuations!
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