Slowly warming up after an argument. #Wordless Wednesday #Um, whose fault was it ‘cuz I forgot?

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Linda Schaub

Wordless Wednesday – allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, nature | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

“Despite the forecast …

Posted on February 23, 2025 by Linda Schaub

… live like it’s Spring” ~ Lilly Pulitzer

I need an oversized broom as I am in a hurry to whisk February away and welcome in March.

This is the time of year I begin to dream of long and leisurely walks sans boots, hats, scarves and gloves, especially that first day when I leave the house in a jacket without all those cold-weather trappings, then return home with that jacket looped around my waist. I look forward to watching the blah landscape come to life, with the early blooming flowers poking their heads up through the still-moist earth. Gorgeous flowering trees will be a treat for Winter-weary eyes and the scent in the air will be fresh as newly cut lawns and recent rains stir my senses.

Aah, a girl can dream ….

In conjunction with losing all the layers and all the above delights, I always wonder what memories that first long walk, or any long walk, will bring in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Time travelin’ back to Spring’s first long meander.

On that warmish, sunny day, I decided it would be a three-park stroll for me. I mused it would feel like I was finally really and truly retired. The first two weeks of freedom from wearing a watch had been filled with temperamental weather like high winds, lots of rain, or temps not conducive for long walks … or even short walks.

But, on April 15, 2024, all was well and I gleaned five miles (eight kms) of steps from visiting three parks. It was 49F/9.4C when I left the house, but 70F/21C by the time I returned home that day.

First there was a quick stop at the Park …

The first leg of my journey was at Council Point Park, still in its glory, before the huge amphibious bulldozer had yet to wreak havoc on the Ecorse Creek shoreline. I was on the lookout for goslings and found none, but breathing in deeply, I enjoyed the fresh smells of Mother Earth awakening from Winter’s dormancy. The Spring Beauty wildflowers were clustered beneath trees, the grass was long and lush and the dandelions dotting the landscape had the geese digging in with great gusto. I took no photos that day, just stopping long enough for a one-mile walk and to feed my Park pals.

Hoping to hear/see Spring Peepers, I headed to Humbug Marsh.

I had great confidence in finding a chorus of tiny frogs singing for potential mates at Humbug Marsh. We had an abundance of rain so I assumed the Vernal Pool within the Old Growth Forest would be filled with water – after all, the sign at the Pool touted this habitat for Spring Peepers.

I slipped on a pair of boots because I knew it would be muddy from the recent rains, but that was a wasted effort since I neither saw nor heard a single frog! I clomped over to the Monguagon Delta walkway which was similarly still. How can this renowned wildlife refuge be devoid of waterfowl on such a pretty day? I couldn’t even scare up an egret or heron at the Delta, let alone a goose, duck or even a seagull. Once again, I didn’t even pull out the camera to take a photo.

Next was a favorite old standby, lovely Elizabeth Park.

I headed there mostly in search of gosling photo ops. In the Springtime, if you want to see goslings, this 162-acre park is THE place to find them. I am not exaggerating when I say there are hundreds of Canada Geese roaming about this island venue.

I parked the car near the Canal and was greeted by the sound of a Northern Flicker. He/she was loud, likely looking down and thinking “surely you see me – the leaves aren’t out yet!” But nope – no luck finding the Flicker. What I did see as I tilted my head up to the sky was a tree dripping in blossoms that you see in the header image.

As I meandered along, morning morphed into mid-afternoon and my wish was granted when the air was filled with a chorus of singing frogs. Believe it or not, the frogs were not in the marshy Canal water, a logical place for them to be, but instead were half-submerged in the many rain-filled low areas of Elizabeth Park. Occasionally they would pop their head out of the water and sing away or wear a disgruntled look like this guy or gal.

I was amazed how their throats would swell while “singing” reminding me of a kid blowing bubbles with bubble gum.

Mesmerized, I took at least 50 photos of them, a few which I shared in a Wordless Wednesday post last year in which I mistakenly labeled them as “Spring Peepers” but later learned from fellow blogger Laurie they were just very vocal frogs. 😊

Back to my quest for goslings …

After that delightful diversion, still in search of goslings, I strolled along the Canal and only saw adult Geese, so where were all those Mamas sitting on a nest or tending to goslings? They were all out of my view I guessed.

Even this tiny island in the Canal had no inhabitants yet – it is a favorite secluded spot for Canada Geese families to raise their young. I couldn’t resist taking a photo of the lovely Willows on that island.

In the distance a lone kayaker paddled in the Canal.

Near the vehicle bridge …

… the bright green grass contrasted with the still-bare trees.

A few Canada geese paddled around, but there were no goslings here.

I crossed over the big bridge …

… noting the bulb in the lamp post was still a half-bubble off level.

Along the boardwalk, I really wasn’t having much fun …

… but perhaps an angler was – the ratio of fishing rods to humans was off: three rods, one human.

I saw my first boater of this young season …

I remembered to turn around and get a glimpse of the Gordie Howe Bridge. I would return later in the Summer to get photos once it was officially joined in the middle of the Detroit River.

Not much green to be seen around the stairsteps that went up to the circular drive …

… but dandelions provided some cheerful color along the boardwalk.

There were no pop-up visits on the 1,300-foot boardwalk by the resident groundhog which often scurries from its burrow to waylay walkers that might tender treats. Whew, good thing as I forgot to bring treats for his/her roly-poly self. In the distance I saw the Grosse Ile Free Bridge.

So, with all the time in the world at my disposal, I began meandering all the way to that bridge. Would those elusive geese families be lurking around there?

The smell of freshly cut grass wafted through the air, but I didn’t see or hear mowing equipment – maybe they were on a lunch break.

I was astounded at the number of dead trees …

… and, from the looks of it, some had already been cut down.

It looks like this tree was rotted through and through.

Along the way, I saw dandelions galore.


A solitary Canada Goose was marching through this dandelion patch, occasionally munching a few. Turning around, the goose tilted its head as if to say “this is my territory lady – you’d better have a good reason to be here and not steal any of my food!” Then it went back to eating grass and dandelions, oblivious to the noise at the busy intersection.

Well geese are always cantankerous, even more so with their goslings in tow, so I gave this bird wide berth and continued walking. From the corner of the Grosse Ile Parkway and West Jefferson I saw this ghost bike. It’s been there for several years and I pass it each time I travel along West Jefferson Avenue in Trenton to the parks I frequent in that area.

The ghost bicycles are found around the world and an all-white bicycle is placed at the nearest sign or pole where a bicyclist lost their life. Sometimes a small memorial plaque is left at or near the bike as well. In this case, it was a 68-year-old man riding his bike on Jefferson Avenue, near the Grosse Ile Parkway and he was struck by a minivan. In this case, it appears someone put the bike against the pole and spray painted it there. Often people just buy the bike already painted white, or paint it and chain it to the pole/sign.

The traffic was busy, even in the early afternoon, so I had to wait a while to get the photos from afar.

I started walking back to the main part of Elizabeth Park, the areas you are so familiar with, like the big bridge or the boardwalk.

Patience is a virtue.

The expression “finding the gold at the end of the rainbow” was true that day. But, instead of a pot of gold coins, there was a huddle of goslings. The goslings were different ages though – three young ones and two were older. Oddly enough, there was just one Mama, who was likely babysitting, er “goslingsitting” that day.

If you look for something long enough, you might just find it.

Being a gosling is a tough life … eat, relax, snooze and swim.

The older goslings left, either bored with me, or to find their Mama.

Me … I tootled off too, happy for all the steps taken on my first long walk of 2024.


I am joining Terri’s Sunday Stills Photo Challenge: Fresh.

Posted in #Sunday Stills Challenge, nature, Spring, walk, walking | Tagged , , , , | 56 Comments

Meet the Quality Control Crew. #Wordless Wednesday #Peanut perusers testing peanuts for freshness and weight!

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Linda Schaub

Wordless Wednesday – allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, birds, nature | Tagged , , , , | 38 Comments

February made me shiver …

Posted on February 16, 2025 by Linda Schaub

… with every footstep I did quiver.

Bad ice on the doorstep,

I couldn’t take one more step.

Well, you “get” it, especially those of you that have been dealing with multiple snow/ice storms.  Here in Southeast Michigan, round after round of freezing rain, or snow, high winds, a Polar Vortex or two – Mother Nature, you frost me off! 

And, speaking of being frosted off, I touted the predicting abilities of Woody the Woodchuck over Punxsutawney Phil in my Groundhog Day post.  Woody must have had an off day.  I suggest she lie low until Spring arrives!

Somehow the shortest month of the year has become the longest month and it is only half over.  My 2025 walking regimen has been almost non-existent.  I’ve only been to Council Point Park eleven times this year, a new record low for me.  Most of February my driveway was like a skating rink.  I used a ten-pound canister of ice-melt pellets to ensure my safe passage along the sidewalk to the garage to run the car. 

When some of the driveway ice eventually melted, I still didn’t attempt walking to my favorite nature venue as the two-mile, figure-eight walking path is never plowed, resulting in icy ruts.  I usually walk on the snowy grass, but after these last two major dumps of snow this week, first from Winter Storm Iliana Wednesday night, then from Winter Storm Jett this weekend, it may be a while ‘til I return again. 

However, I was grateful to get to Council Point Park this past Wednesday.  I waited until late afternoon when temps finally climbed above freezing, then I drove there, stayed on the snowy grass and stepped gingerly on the walking path to get to my usual dropping spots.  I saw two birds, a female Cardinal, who got extra treats for showing up and she flew down to the ground while I was still there.  I also saw a Northern Mockingbird, which was not singing, but perched on a bare Maple tree.  Not a single squirrel! As a general rule, in Winter all the critters, furry and feathered, usually forage in the morning, then go up to their respective nests to tuck in until the next day, so I didn’t bother to bring a camera. So they had some surprise treats, which hopefully were not under the snow.

I participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count this frosty morning, but pickin’s were slim. I usually go to the Park, but had to use the backyard this year. We have a Cooper’s Hawk in the ‘hood, so the House Sparrows and Juncos have been infrequent visitors this year. I submitted five birds, same which went airborne after I entered the backyard with my snow shovel.

Stepping back a month ago.

This walk at Council Point Park was taken Friday, January 17th.  I took a ton of photos that day, some which I’ve already shared in this post about feeding the birds (and squirrels).

It was a frosty day and the Mitten State was on the cusp of that Siberian Polar Vortex, but the sun was out – yay for that.  The wind was blowing around 25 mph and the walking path was sure NOT inviting. Sure, snow was packed down, but it was icy too.

The parking lot was salted and plowed (as seen below), but why, if the perimeter path is snowy or ice-covered and treacherous? There are no activities at this park in the Winter months.

Yes, without a shadow of a doubt I DESPISE Winter!

I love the long shadows of Winter though.  They make for fun and unusual-looking shots.  I am already tall (5’9”) but the sun’s angle at mid-day when I took this picture made me look like “Long Tall Sally”.  My wavy-looking legs are because I was wearing heavy, sherpa-lined pants and my tall boots pushed them up. I look lopsided and listing to the left due to my critter food bag hanging off my shoulder to take the photo. 🙂

Shadows gave this tree an eerie look with its bare branches displayed on the snowy ground.

In my dozen years of walking at this venue, I know which trees drop their leaves early and which trees have leaves that linger, crumpled and withered, wiggling on spindly stems all Winter.  These leaves are “marcescent” which is a term I learned from fellow blogger/walker Barbara Rodgers’ woodsy meanders in North Carolina.  It was windy that day and the leaves were rustling in the wind.

Is there anything more desolate than a park bench in the snow?  This is the new park bench that replaced the one that was mangled by the destruction last year.

This picnic table will likely not see any action for many months.

The snow gave a pristine look to the shoreline destroyed by heavy machinery last May.  Mounds of snow gave a fresh look to the new-normal landscape, but since the shoreline was so bumpy due to all the tree removal and some still-existing stumps, I didn’t dare stray to the edge, lest I fall over.

It was looking a bit bleak here; I wonder if anyone has missed their basketball yet?

As I strolled the shoreline, some ice was beginning to thaw, but snow still covered other areas where the ice was thicker. 

The snow did not cover this graffiti, only one of two pops of color I saw that day on my walk.

There was a myriad of animal tracks crossing the snow-covered Creek.  I recalled one Winter when I was watching a heron with much trepidation as it tried to traverse the icy Creek. I held my breath, worried it would slip and fall, perhaps breaking one of its spindly legs. There was no snow and it made it – whew! This is that post if you’d like to see the photos of Harry the Heron.

I took photos of some of the animal tracks hoping to identify them through Google Images but I had no luck, so I omitted them.

Last year after the woodsy shoreline area on the opposite side of the Creek was obliterated, there were multiple sightings of coyotes and deer.  I mused if either of these critters had crossed the Creek, it might present a photo opportunity, but there were only birds and squirrels present that day. 

Does this Eastern Gray Squirrel look like it could use a cup of hot chocolate more than some peanuts? What a sad and Winter-weary look my furry friend was wearing.

I took this picture of the fir tree that resembled the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.  You may recall the person that planted it, had placed a solitary red bulb on it at Christmastime.  Yes, “less is more” as the expression goes and since then folks have added more decorations.

After trudging around once, it was time to head home.  I paused at one of my usual drop-off points, near a memorial tree at the entrance/exit of the Park.  Someone placed a poinsettia plant there in early December and it was tipped over 99.9% of the time.  The black squirrel who usually hangs out near this tree saw me, but instead of racing over to greet me, it ran up the tree.

This poor baby looked so cold and the gusty winds made its tail lean to the right. 

Oddly enough, I needed to coax it down, as if it was wondering “is it worth my while to leave my comfy spot Linda?

Likely the smell of the peanuts that were in my palm lured him down more than any sweet-talk.

I placed a little pile of peanuts beneath the tree once my furry friend was at ground level and it came over and munched happily, double dipping with two peanuts in his mouth, then posing near the poinsettia. 

I stepped back and whirled around because I had one more non-nature shot I needed to take.

Tomorrow is Presidents’ Day …

Well, first it was “American Pie” … now it is cherry pie.

If you’re so inclined, it’s the day that you can indulge guilt-free in cherry pie or cherry cordial … for the cause of course.  The cause is ‘cuz President George Washington and his wife Martha grew cherries on their Mount Vernon estate and are known for their fondness of “Cherry Bounce” (cherries mixed with brandy). 

As to presidents, past or present, you’ll read no political commentary by me here in this forum, except for this mention of Pat Paulsen, (1928 – 1997), a comic who ran for President five times between 1968 and 1996, as a satirical protest against the lack of choices in American politics.  (Stat sourced from: Encyclopedia.com).

This city, which was incorporated in 1925, one century ago, has a plaque in City Hall commemorating Paulsen’s visit to Michigan where he kicked off his 1996 Presidential run at Council Point Park . (Um, what did we do before Google?)

Council Point Park, which was established in 1994, named its pavilion after Pat Paulsen.

These were big doin’s back in the day!

Today I am joining Terri’s Sunday Stills Challenge: Frosty.

Posted in #Sunday Stills Challenge, nature, Seasons, walk, walking | Tagged , , , , , | 59 Comments

Bee nice or buzz off! #Wordless Wednesday

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Linda Schaub

Wordless Wednesday – allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, nature | Tagged , , , | 48 Comments

RED-dy, Set, Go!!

Posted on February 9, 2025 by Linda Schaub
A heart-shaped message on a memorial tree at BASF Park.

This week we go all out for the color red and hearts.  Not only is it National Heart Month, but it is the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, the holiday when chocolate abounds, chubby cupids are flitting about and a dozen of red roses will make your significant other’s heart go pitter-patter.  Today I’m going to be sharing the love across the miles with all of you, but, instead of a box of decadent chocolates, or a dozen red roses, I’m going to celebrate a dozen years of writing my blog and sharing the love here.  Why?  Why not?  After all, a little self-love is good for the soul, right?

“Every new walk is like a box of chocolates …

… You never know what you’ll get.” ~ Forrest Gump

Valentine’s Day card from my greeting card collection.

This blog began on a cold, snowy weekend, with my first post publishing on February 11, 2013.  My good friend and neighbor, Marge Aubin, nudged me into starting a blog as a way of memorializing my daily walking regimen which I began in 2011, the first year I started working from home.  Even though our office was very small, I conceded that when I worked on site I got more exercise than parking myself in front of the computer here at the house.  Yes, I tended to my butterfly garden every morning, but that really wasn’t heart-smart exercise and I know all about being heart smart since my beloved maternal grandmother and seven of her eight siblings died from heart disease and my mother had a heart arrhythmia.  Even 14 years ago, the slogan “sitting is the new smoking” made me take notice, so I began my walking regimen that year.  I now have an annual goal of over 1,250 miles.  Along the way  I also gave up red meat, fried food and fast food, so I hope to be around a long time.  🙂

This labor of love, a/k/a my blog, includes the word “whimsy” and, while I try to fulfill that portion of the title, often in my Wordless Wednesday posts, this blog’s roots were not nature-related, at least not until discovering Council Point Park in 2013.  Thereafter my blog morphed into a nature blog, with many more words and photos than ever before.  So, to celebrate this week’s 12th “blogiversary” I’m sharing the love with highlights of my four personal favorites, all warm-and-fuzzy-feeling posts.

Dear Heart.

Because Valentine’s Day is drawing near, I must mention Parker, my favorite Council Point Park squirrel, who long ago wormed his way into my heart and can do no wrong (even though he is a little rascal most of the time). 

Here’s the backstory of this post.  On a lark, I bought a package of heart-shaped sugar cookies to take to the Park with me.  Yep, I realize walnuts or mixed nuts would have been more nutritious, but I thought it would be a fun treat for them and perhaps lead to a photo op.  On February 2, 2020, I laid several along a picnic table for the squirrels to peruse, but it was only Parker who came a’callin’. 

I even positioned the cookies and peanuts (an extra incentive) near some graffiti …

… then stood, camera at the ready, as Parker first did a sniff test, then picked up the heart-shaped cookie and, as if on cue, holding the cookie in his paws, red sugar side toward me, he began chomping on the cookie.  I got a series of shots and he looked at me as it to say “Linda, did I do okay – am I dismissed now?” 

I put the camera away and off he went with his half-eaten cookie to bury it. 

You can click here for the link to that post and its fun photos/captions.

Enamored by this dear, er … deer encounter.

My next-favorite post was a trip to Lake Erie Metropark on July 31, 2021.  Whenever visiting this venue, especially in Spring and Summer, I’m on the lookout for babies, because, after all, who doesn’t like to see photos of babies?  After searching for hours for deer and fawns without any sightings, I was driving out of the park and suddenly saw a flash of brown – it was a Mama deer with a fawn by her side.  I know my heart melted.  I couldn’t find and pull into a parking space fast enough.  I hopped out of the car, grabbed my camera from the fanny pack lest they got spooked and took off.  But, to my surprise, just as I neared them, Mama deer loped away and I heard a big splash  in the marsh.  I figured she went for a drink, or to nibble on some Lotus leaves, but she was swimming!  I was gobsmacked that she left her baby with me, a stranger!  Well she needn’t have worried about l’il ol’ me, as I was infatuated with that fawn and it wasn’t scared of me in the least.  It grazed for a bit, scoped me out a few times and posed very nicely, all the while as I was cooing and whispering enDEERments to that baby.  

After what seemed like an eternity and about 50 shots later, Mama Deer returned, refreshed from her marsh swim and from afar she beckoned her little one to follow her. Perhaps it was my imagination, but her offspring seemed reluctant to go, but obediently it tootled off after Mama …

… while “wagging” its tail …

… and, yes, it even looked back at me as if to say goodbye.

I’m sure I floated home, very anxious to see those photos. 

Here is the link to that Wordless Wednesday post if you’d like to see it.

An Eggs-tra Special Experience.

Another one of my magical Kodak nature moments was embedded into my Mother’s Day 2022 post which included a series of shots taken over the course of several weeks in Heritage Park, another favorite walking venue.  Those who have followed me for a while know that every April I go to this venue to seek out Mama Goose, a Canada goose that nests in the rocky boulders next to the covered bridge.  

While it wouldn’t seem to be the comfiest place to nest for 25-30 days, evidently the Missus feels safe here and her mate “patrols” nearby Coan Lake to ensure no walkers or dogs get near her.  After going to Heritage Park several times, in anticipation of seeing newly hatched goslings, my trip on Easter Sunday 2022 (April 17th) was the most memorable. 

I was the only one at the park that morning and Mama Goose didn’t see me.  From where I stood on the covered bridge and out of her sight, I watched her rise off the nest, something she rarely does.  She didn’t leave the nest to eat or drink, but instead nudged those large, cream-colored eggs …

… then proceeded to pluck downy feathers from her body, letting then drift slowly into the nest and over the eggs.  

I felt so special witnessing this, a magical moment for me. 

I returned a few times to ensure I saw Mama and her goslings …

… and that series of photos of Mama and her brood became my nod to Mother’s Day 2022.

Here is that post with many more photos if you’d like to see it.

Sometimes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Although those nature encounters and others have been very fulfilling, my last favorite post is one I wrote about my mom, combining a little of that aforementioned whimsy and some poignancy as well.  It was for Mother’s Day 2019, about my mom who passed away in January 2010.   Mom will be on my mind more than usual this week because her birthday was on Valentine’s Day. 

My original intent for this post was to merely acknowledge Mother’s Day showing two cherished photos of Mom and me, the first photo taken the day she brought me home from the hospital …

… and our last picture together taken by our dental hygienist when we had our respective appointments and I parked the car next to her brand-new Corvette.  Barb asked me to take a photo of her and her “baby” and she responded in kind, snapping a photo of Mom and her “baby” and mailed it to us.

But, after finishing up this short post, before I hit “publish” I knew there was more to share with you, so I decided to dip into the digitized photo album pics and soon tons of memories, some funny, some poignant, evolved into another favorite post. 

There are lots of vintage photos in that post (both Mom’s …

… and mine) …

… and in this post I got personal about Mom’s childhood and beyond, including some insight into why I rarely mention my father.

Here is the link to that blog post  if you’d like to see it.

So, while a dozen red roses may well be the norm in this Valentine’s Day week, will this pretty, rosy-red Hibiscus from Emily Frank Gardens suffice instead?

I am joining Terri’s Monthly Color Challenge: Rosy Red.

Posted in #Monthly Color Challenge, holiday, Memories, nature, Valentine's Day, walk, walking | Tagged , , , , , , | 67 Comments

Gawkers. #Wordless Wednesday #Perhaps they’re looking for Spring?

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Linda Schaub

Wordless Wednesday – allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, birds, nature | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Weather whiplash and wingin’ it.

Posted on February 2, 2025 by Linda Schaub

Whew, we’re finally in February and mercifully The Groundhog* did not see its shadow meaning Spring is just around the corner, or so we hope.  I wrote 99.9% of this post last Friday, while the rain was pouring down and now it is snowing, but I knew I’d be returning to update my tale after the Furred One’s weather prognostication. 

You probably think I’m referring to Punxsutawney Phil, but I’m not, because here in SE Michigan we hang on to every action of Woody the Woodchuck, the female weather prognosticator that lives at the Howell Nature Center. *  Girls rule in this department because Woody has a more accurate record than her Gobbler’s Knob counterpart who is only correct 39% of the time. Woody foresees the future weather by staying outside her little house and/or scurrying right back in – today is a gray and gloomy day with zero sun to speak of.  Very scientific stuff here!

Groundhog Day is one of those fun holidays guaranteed to break up the monotony of the doom and gloom of Winter, kind of like Paczki Day where you stuff yourself with fat-laden, jelly-filled donuts just before the beginning of Lent.

But whoops, I strayed off topic a wee bit.  I wanted to say that Mother Nature’s pixelations with her weather rollercoaster are not unlike my recent blog posts as I’ve taken you from Summer to Winter, then today, we’re back to Summer again. 

Summer … ahhh. You know, a-seagulls-at-the-shore-kinda-day …

Clearly Mother Nature is “wingin’ it” with the weather these days.

The only wingin’ it I’ll be doing is “show-n-tell” from a walk taken on July 19, 2024.

Lake Erie Metropark has become my go-to venue for birding.

Last week I focused on the local songbirds in the snow at Council Point Park; today it is marsh birds.

This was a fun walk wherein I saw a nice collection of marsh inhabitants like the Muskrat munching on Lotus leaves.

On this walk, I added an American Bittern to my “Birding Life List”.

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I hoped to see the offspring of the resident Sandhill Cranes I see nearly every trip to this venue.  I always drive to the Shore Fishing Bridge, which is where they hang out, grazing while walking about on those stilt-like legs.

I saw them, so I parked the car, knowing I could just walk to any of my favorite trails from there.

On this day they were front and center and easily accessible.

They were fighting off the Red-winged Blackbirds once again, so getting poses was non-negotiable as they were a bit frenzied. I next walked along the Cove Point shoreline, but there were no waterfowl photo ops to be found, so I returned to the car, opting to drive across the Park, rather than cross that large expanse diagonally on foot, as it was already getting warmish. 

Seeking a little shade, I hopped onto the Cherry Island Trail, which is partially in wooded areas, where I was out of the direct sun, as I searched for critters to fill my camera card with.

The lovely American Lotuses were just starting to pop in some places, their white blooms filling the marsh with their beauty.

A Swamp Rose Mallow (Wild Hibiscus) gave a hint of color at the marsh …

… as did the invasive, but pretty Purple Loosestrife.

Along the shoreline while stepping closer to get some shots of the aforementioned Muskrat, I saw this peaceful scene of turtles and a duck sunbathing together. 

A passel of Mallard ducklings watched me taking pictures of their pals on the log and I wished they would queue up in a less-wobbly fashion so I could say “I had my ducks in a row” but that was not the case.  Their reflections make it difficult to count how many ducks were there there – I count nine noggins – how about you? 

I waited to see if they would congregate in an area with more light, but they stubbornly remained in place, some gazing at me.

I peered into the marsh area as I crossed the overlook, hoping to see a few Egrets or Herons fishing for their brunch, but no such luck.

On the last leg of the Cherry Island Trail, I finally had cause to pause and get these photos of my first encounter with an American Bittern, a wading bird in the Heron family.  I stood as far back from it as possible, but the walking path is narrow there and one more step backward would land me in the marsh on the opposite side.

So, here is your Bittern, albeit a bit blurry.

I swiveled my head back to the other side of the path, just as a male Moorhen, a/k/a a “Marsh Hen” glided by. 

Squinting due to the sun, I could see a group of Pied-billed Grebes paddling around.  It looked like a family. You saw them in the featured image and here are a few more family pics from that day …

… this is when I saw one of the youngsters park itself under a Lotus leaf as if it were a parasol, an image I shared with you last year.

Luck was already with me on this trek, so I stopped at my usual spot to look for the Mallard pair that I often feature in my Wordless Wednesday posts.  They are always in a cove-like area and usually I find them companiably sitting side by side on a log.  Well the drake was missing that day and it was only the hen (and a stick in my way – sigh).

At the tail end of the Cherry Island trail I was treated to a splash of yellow, a large area of wild Black-eyed Susans.

Soon I was back at the Marshland Museum where I had parked.  No trip is complete without saying “hi” to Luc, the rehabbed eagle who refused to acknowledge me with a cheerful chirp, so I guess he was having an off day.

I never take my binoculars on my walks. Most of my birdwatching is through the camera lens; admittedly it is difficult to see everything and I miss things, especially small birds. Soon after taking the shots of the American Bittern, Moorhen and Pied-billed Grebe family, a woman passed me further along the Cherry Island Trail …

… she said “I hope you got some photos of that eagle that flew overhead.” I said “no, I didn’t see it even though I’m constantly searching the skies for Bald Eagles – grrr!” I guess I miss the big birds sometimes too. 🙂

Terri has been winging her way home from her sun-filled vacation and does not have a post this week. However, I am joining week two of Terri’s Two-week Challenge:  Feeding and Watching the Birds.

Posted in birds, nature, walk, walking | Tagged , , , | 78 Comments

Eastern Black Swallowtail and Coneflowers. #Wordless Wednesday #I’m thinking warm thoughts – how ’bout you?

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Linda Schaub

Wordless Wednesday – allow your photo(s) to tell the story.

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, Butterflies, nature, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 40 Comments

My Park Pals (a/k/a “The Peanut-eating Paesanos”).

Posted on January 26, 2025 by Linda Schaub

I refer to myself as a lucky photographer because I often show up in the right place at the right time. 

However, the photos herein were NOT happenstance on that day.  Nope, I created the scene by lavishing mixed nuts, peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds and peanut chips on my furry and feathered friends after a one-week absence due to snow and ice. 

So, as my Park pals peered from their respective nests and tree branches, were they glad to see ME and my bag of goodies?  You betcha!

As to the featured image, why did I use a shot with a photo-bombing furry TAIL? It is because this TALE is about the gathering of peanut-eating paesanos (Italian for friends) so the post needed a little whimsy, just like my blog’s title. 

And besides … who doesn’t need a smile these days?

Here is a similar photo, with the Blue Jay perusing peanuts in close proximity to a squirrel, each of these critters invading the other’s personal space to snag and munch on a peanut.  And there is still another furry tail in the foreground. 🙂

Year-round the Cardinals are more reserved …

… usually only sneaking over when the coast is clear …

… while the Blue Jays shamelessly zoom down to the ground to snatch peanuts, sometimes right from beneath a squirrel’s nose.  This is the M.O. of “Rex” the Red-bellied Woodpecker as well. 

Both species are big and boisterous, while the sweet little Chickadees perch quietly, waiting until everyone departs (including me).  The Chickadees are rather timid souls and for that reason I tote along the peanut chips just for them.

Breaking bread, … er grub, when you’re not from the same “species”.

In the Wintertime, the feeding dynamics change because then it is every critter for themself – they are all in survival mode.

That is when a little human intervention is needed.  I fed the backyard birds for years.  I soon learned that the squirrels would misappropriate every type of bird seed, that is if they possessed the acrobatic skills to do so.  So, I gave them their own grub (corncobs and in-shell peanuts, or an occasional peanut-butter sandwich) and that kept the pilfering of birdseed and birdseed blocks at bay.

Feeding the birds at Council Point Park is no different.  Year-round I stop at three places to put down peanuts and seeds and, along the way I strew peanuts under park benches, or near bushes, safe spots where the squirrels and birds may dine, but also beat a hasty retreat from the Cooper’s Hawks that glide overhead at the Park.

The photos in today’s post are from the last spot on the walking path that I tender treats. It is near “The Point” (the area of the shoreline untouched by last year’s destruction) and close to the bushes so all critters may have a safe dining experience.

First, after stomping down the snow a bit to make a flat surface, I laid out three separate piles.

The Chickadees’ pile of sunflower seeds and peanut chips is the top pile and pictured below.

Almost immediately, I heard the whir of wings as birds perched near me and squirrels zipped down the trees to congregate around my feet.  It takes a few minutes’ time to distribute everything before I can whip the camera out of its pouch to take pictures.

“The Lecture” (which often falls on deaf ears).

Another walker once said I reminded her of Snow White with critters gathered around me and I liked hearing that.  But truthfully, sometimes I feel like my role is more like “The Hall Monitor” in middle school.

Especially when nice treats like walnuts, hazelnuts, acorns and peanuts …

… are eschewed in favor of peanut chips from the Chickadees’ pile.

This cute Eastern Gray Squirrel was the first to rush over and I stood near the Chickadees’ treats in an effort to shoo it to its own pile of treats. But he/she would have none of that “shooing away” business as it looked upon those peanut chips as instant gratification, fast food if you will – why take the effort to crack the peanuts, when they are ready to eat and you’re starving?

Approaching and surveying … “the Chickadees don’t need all this food!”
“Happily, I am stuffing my face – instant gratification!”
“Squirrels need more fuel than Chickadees – that’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!”
“Hee-hee, here I am eating quickly before Linda scolds me!”

“But you see little one, I am still lurking about” I told him/her and pointed to the other piles of food and that squirrel got a bit miffed when I asked it to leave as you see here.

Sheepishly, I held my ground, re-routing this squirrel and its brethren to the two other piles, so the Chickadees could indulge.  Finally my furry friend obliged me; ideally going for the peanuts in the shell would have been better – sigh.

But even with the squirrels gone, those tiny birds remained perched, likely intimidated by my presence.  “Look, you can’t have it both ways” I told them, but obediently I stepped back to appease them.

But the pair didn’t budge, so I stepped back a little more and the persistent little bugger a/k/a the Eastern Gray Squirrel came back to “their” pile. I sighed heavily.

The Chickadees, also exasperated, went over to the other pile to feast on sunflower seeds. One brave soul attempted a fly-by near the peanut chips, but the squirrel intimidated it, so it flew off.

A Dark-eyed Junco timidly gravitated over to the peanut chips and black oilers.

As the feeding frenzy continued with more squirrels and birds gathering on the ground, I left because I wanted to take some more wintry photos and I didn’t want the camera’s battery to run out of juice.

I am joining Terri’s Two-week Challenge:  Feeding and Watching the Birds.

Posted in #Sunday Stills Challenge, birds, nature, Squirrels, walk, walking | Tagged , , , , , , | 65 Comments