WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY

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 birds, nature, walk, walking | 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 #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, Butterflies, nature | 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 #Sunday Stills Challenge, birds, nature, Park, Squirrels, walk, walking | 65 Comments

Hey, were you in a pillow fight? #Wordless Wednesday #Um, just stating the obvious! #Molting – ugh

Posted on January 22, 2025 by Linda Schaub

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

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, birds, nature | Tagged #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, Mallard Ducks, nature | 45 Comments

The weather outside was frightful …

Posted on January 19, 2025 by Linda Schaub

**Hibiscus, wilting in the heat, not unlike Yours Truly.**

… when I visited Emily Frank Gardens in the Trenton Cultural Center on August 4^th.

(Yep, I know you saw this blog post title and, but for the beautiful Hibiscus flower, you figured I’d be whining about the upcoming Siberian Polar Vortex which follows our fourth or fifth bout of brutally cold weather we have endured after a remarkably warm Fall.)

But no, I purposely tucked this post away for the heart of Winter in order to fully appreciate that extremely hot and humid day. Besides … this post also neatly fulfills Week #2 of Terri’s Monthly Color Two-Week Challenge: WHITE.

Normally, if prompted to write about “white” items in Winter, logically the topic would be snow. While our January 10th snowfall was pretty and pristine, I was reluctant to take the camera, as well as myself, out in the frigid temps. Last week showed no improvement with continued bone-chilling temps and freezing-rain-slickened surfaces. Mother Nature sure didn’t help me with gleaning steps for my walking regimen, but finally on Friday, with temps that felt almost tropical, I got to the Park, visited with and fed my peanut-eating pals and got some photos as well.

So, let’s flashback to Summer, shall we?

We still had one more week to go until those dreaded Dog Days of Summer were over and yes, the weather outside WAS frightful: 90+ percent humidity and 71F (21C) when I got up at 5:30 a.m. But I had a destination to visit and planned to leave early to beat the heat. That destination was not a large park, but just a short walk at this flower-filled venue. I checked to see if I visited last time in July or August and it was July 31st and the Gardens were at peak then, so, given the fact we had had an abundance of rain, plus hot and sunny days, I decided it was a perfect time to visit.

I went to a garden party …

… but I wasn’t reminiscing with old friends. I was there … just me, myself and I and a cute little bunny that you’ll meet in a bit. Sundays are a good time to visit this venue because the volunteers are off, so there are no garden hoses to step over, or sprinklers to contend with. Also, they are always looking for volunteers, so if you appear really interested in these extensive gardens with thousands of blooms, i.e. if you’re taking a lot of photos, they sometimes “hit on you” to be a volunteer here, or at MacArthur Park a beautiful pollinator park just down the road. I always give them kudos but politely decline. 🙂

Suddenly I felt a presence and found myself in a stare down with a Cottontail bunny. We had surprised one other on that still Sunday morning and moments later it bolted into a colorful patch of Zinnias.

“Well, so much for that photo op” I muttered.

But I remained in place, then peered in between the gazillion Zinnias where it had disappeared. I was sure if it was close by, the bottom of those plants would be vibrating with each beat of its heart because yes, it looked that scared of this hulking woman toting her camera. I cooed at it, partly to calm it down, to reinforce that I meant no harm and yes, a bit self-serving on my part to encourage it to come back out into the open so I could take a picture.

That boop-on-the-snoot-cute bunny must have enjoyed all that sweet talkin’ as suddenly it tempted fate and sprung from its flower-filled hiding place, out in the open and I got a couple of shots before it scurried to another hiding place.

Ah well, I knew there would be a few stone bunnies to supplement this post with …

As I began my little tour around the Gardens, it was only about 8:30 a.m. and I already felt a dribble of perspiration trickling down my forehead and stinging my eyes. But I was here to make the best of this foray into the flowery joy that this venue is known for.

It’s a marvelous DAY for a moondance….

One of the highlights here is the Moonglow Sanctuary Garden, a small corner of the venue which features white flowers …

… and statuary.

I’ve included some of the painted rocks for the years when accolades were received for the moonglow garden walks in this slideshow below.

Now, let’s kick the color up a notch or two.

When I was reviewing the pictures taken on my little jaunt, I realized I had enough flower photos for multiple posts because there is so much to see and I sure was clicking away. So I’ll save the pretty pond, Children’s Garden and red rustic barn photos for another time.

A turn-of-the-century farmhouse is nestled between the pond and amidst these flower gardens with a path of paver bricks and/or mulch to walk to each area.

The farmhouse serves as the City of Trenton’s Cultural Center and social events are often held here, like fancy tea parties and holiday gatherings.

As I strolled around, I was disappointed to see zero butterflies that day and just a few bees, in this pollinator garden extraordinaire.

These were just a few of the most-vibrant flowers, the other end of the spectrum from The Moonglow Garden. I think my favorites were the Zinnias and Dahlias.

Bunches of Black-eyed Susans were looking bright and cheery …

… and a few Sunflowers were already towering over me. No sign of any Goldfinches flitting amongst these big flowers to munch sunflower seeds.

The dew on the roses made them look even more delicate.

I planted myself here for a few minutes, hoping to see some hummingbirds hovering near these gorgeous, dew-covered Cannas, but perhaps they were lying low somewhere with a cool breeze.

“Pretty in Pink” could have been the theme for many portions of this venue.

If your locale is going to be part of this massive Siberian Polar Vortex in the next few days, please stay warm and safe.

In the meantime, I will leave you with some sunny thoughts from this yard art in The Moonglow Garden: “I count nothing but sunny hours.”

As mentioned above, I am joining Week #2 of Terri’s Monthly Color Two-Week Challenge: WHITE.

Posted in #Monthly Color Challenge, Flowers | Tagged #Monthly Color Challenge, Flowers, nature | 68 Comments

Just chillin’ … #Wordless Wednesday #Red-eared Slider and its Pond Slider pals #”Happy Together”

Posted on January 15, 2025 by Linda Schaub

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

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, nature | Tagged #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, nature, Turtles | 67 Comments

Hoofin’ it for hunger.

Posted on January 12, 2025 by Linda Schaub

The snow finally arrived two nights ago, suddenly transforming our nondescript landscape into a pristine white blanket. It was the first measurable snowfall of the season, albeit a mere four inches, but more than we have seen thus far this season, when the white stuff could be whisked away with a broom.

So, for a refresher of how a nice, warm, late Spring day looks, I’ll turn the clock back some seven months to a virtual 5K I participated in way back in June 2024. Yes, I’m a little late rolling out the recaps of some of last year’s walks, having interrupted that flow with various holiday and year-end posts.

Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry.

Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry exists to provide nourishment to the food insecure in our local community. In 2024 they distributed more than three million pounds of food to 50,000 households in the area. Yes, with inflation at an all time high, the need is greater than ever. Their credo is simple – they exist to ensure no one goes hungry. Every dollar donated to Fish & Loaves enables the organization to purchase four pounds of food.

The Annual Happy Soles 5K Event.

Last year was the seventh time I have participated in this worthwhile event. In 2018 and 2019 I attended on site, but since 2020, I have participated virtually, always choosing the same site as the event, picturesque Heritage Park, just going on a different day. For 2024, I did my virtual 5K on June 3rd.

The on-site event wends its way through the historical section of Heritage Park, whereupon those walkers and runners take to the streets of the neighborhood, next traveling through a wooded area and finally the route concludes at the Sheridan Center/Open Air Pavilion where the event began and prizes are awarded at that time.

For my virtual 5K I don’t walk through the neighborhoods, preferring to get the equivalent of my 5 kilometers/3.2 miles of steps throughout Heritage Park’s historical area and along Coan Lake and a little jaunt over to the Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.

Along the way I always pass the Petting Farm and on this day, I got a few fun shots there.

What happens at the Petting Farm …

… doesn’t always stay at the Petting Farm.

You know from previous posts, that it is not unusual to be taking in the beauty of the Botanical Gardens, when a chicken or two or three crosses your path and the resident rooster is all about announcing himself, whether inside or outside of the barnyard. Those “escapees” from the Petting Farm who dare to stray beyond the white wooden fence might even end up by the train station with its nearby caboose and box car like those Lavender Guinea Fowl I discovered a few years ago.

So Donald, is it true the grass is greener on the other side?

On this day, as I walked along busy Pardee Road, while enroute to the Botanical Gardens, a couple of Pekin Ducks ducked under the white wraparound wooden fence to explore life outside the confines of the barnyard.

I saw these two white beauties meander out onto the bright-green grass and instantly knew this would be a fun photo op for me, but what if they wandered out into the street? After all, Pardee Road has a goose crossing sign, but no duck crossing sign like at Elizabeth Park.

But the savvy pair knew their limits and I suspect they were merely on a mission to see whether the grass really was greener on the other side of the fence. They waddled …

… and grazed, sampling patches of grass here and there …

… then without any coaxing, they headed back to the barn, ducking daintily under the fence and were on their merry way, as was I.

I next visited the Botanical Gardens …

… where it was still a little meh, too early in the year for the perennials to have much pizazz and, even though the annuals were fresh and dewy looking, I omitted their pics from this post, preferring to use more pics of the white Pekin ducks instead.

There were no butterflies, bees or hummingbirds either, so, happy to have gleaned some Pekin pics, I headed back toward the historical area of Heritage Park.

As I passed the Petting Farm to head back to the park area, a bunny peeked between the white wooden fence slats. I assured him/her the coast was clear and I did not have Elmer Fudd alongside me.

Cottonwood fluff was everywhere!

In early June, here in Southeast Michigan, the Cottonwood trees start dispensing seeds, which are fluffy, like cotton candy. The seeds travel with the wind and settle down onto grassy surfaces or line the areas along sidewalks. These white wispy fibers are fond of plastering themselves onto the air conditioner’s grille, so if you have warm enough days to warrant turning on the A/C, you will need to keep hosing down the grille to keep your A/C unit from clogging up. As I walked along many paths, the almost snowy looking effect from the Cottonwood fluff was present.

By now, you know Heritage Park and its cast of characters, er … critters.

Around Coan Lake there were the usual sights to capture with my camera, like the Little Red Schoolhouse, where I noted that finally, the listing evergreen tree was gone …

… the Old Grist Mill …

… and the Log Cabin.

I crossed the covered bridge, modeled after old bridges from the 1700s and beyond and …

… because I knew it was nesting season for Barn Swallows, I peered up into the rafters for a nest and sure enough, there was one munchkin peeking out at me.

A Canada Goose was checking me out as I finished crossing the bridge …

… and nearby, a family of geese enjoyed a dunk in Coan Lake followed by a quick feather spray as they frolicked near the fountain.

Papa Mallard snoozed while Mama Mallard was on the lookout for humans overstepping their bounds.

What … no turtles? They will be in this week’s Wordless Wednesday as this post is already groaning with photos.

The sun was high in the sky and it was time to leave, having done my steps for the 5K and an earlier one-mile jaunt around Council Point Park.

My swag is above and also here. You readers with eagle eyes may notice the date on the tee-shirt was June 4th, which was incorrect – well oops.

The event date was actually Sunday, June 2, 2024.

This year’s event will be June 1st and I have already registered for it.

I am joining Terri’s Sunday Stills Photo Challenge this week and next: Monthly Color Two-Week Challenge: WHITE.

Posted in #Monthly Color Challenge, 5K events, nature, walk, walking | Tagged #Monthly Color Challenge, 5K event, nature, walk, walking | 45 Comments

Camouflage Perfection! #Wordless Wednesday #Where’s Waldo, Seagull style

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Linda Schaub

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

Posted in #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, birds | Tagged #WildlifeWednesday, #Wordless Wednesday, birds, Juvenile Ring-billed Seagull | 38 Comments

Step with care and great tact.

Posted on January 5, 2025 by Linda Schaub

… and remember that life’s a great balancing act. ~Dr. Seuss

I fed the birds on New Year’s Day.

I’ve written before about the Scandinavian custom of feeding the birds on the first day of the new year because it will bring you luck the rest of the year.

Since the expected snow and sleet from New Year’s Eve did not mess up sidewalks and streets, off I went, on foot, to mark my first five miles of 2025 and feed my feathered and furry friends at Council Point Park. My Park pals didn’t recognize the holiday as a new year, (although I’m sure they were glad to leave the old year behind), but they likely had their ears blasted bigtime by the fireworks going off in the area in the wee hours of January 1st.

Last week’s blog post was chock full of what I did (or didn’t do) in 2024. I mentioned how much time I spend on photos. While I don’t spend any time editing my photos, (I’m not that much of a perfectionist yet), I consider that most of the time I am just a lucky photographer, being at the right place at the right time. I’m going to start exploring Windows 11’s editing features though because there is always room for improvement in everything we do, right? I spend loads of time on the trail(s) stopping and taking photos, then sorting through them later. I also spend a lot of time scratching my head WHY I take SO many photos, many which are duplicative. 🙂

With my furry friends, there will be perfect shots when they are patiently posing while munching on peanuts or walnuts, but then there are times I return home with squirrels missing snouts, or an up-close picture of a furry tail and nothing else. Squirrels are quicker than the eye sometimes and, in the gloomy and bitter cold Winter days, often the flash is slow to fire, so that “Kodak Moment” is lost forever.

My “Birdie Bucket List” for 2025.

It has become my annual tradition to update my list of coveted birds to see and photograph and, as you see below, they are the same old-same old “wants” plus I’ve added White Pelicans which were inadvertently not included before. I know Sterling State Park is the White Pelicans’ favorite stopover when migrating south, but in 2025 this park will be undergoing a much-needed rehab to their trails, which is good news since there are trip-and-fall hazards from tree roots all along the 3.6 mile paved loop trail. Depending on how extensive the rehab is, I might not get to see those big white birds in 2025.

I photographed a few new-to-me feathered friends in 2024.

As a result of countless excursions, mostly to Lake Erie Metropark, I was able to add the below trio of new birds to my “Birding Life List” making a grand total of 58 birds seen in my lifetime.

I’ve seen female Wood Ducks with their ducklings before, but never the male with its extraordinary plumage. Too bad this fellow was way across the marsh, meandering amongst the lily pads and reeds.

Seeing a raft of American Coots gathered at the Sterling Marsh at Sterling State Park had me clicking away. I had seen photos of them on birding sites and instantly recognized these birds by their white bill.

On a trip to photograph about-to-fledge-the-nest Ospreys at Pointe Mouillee DNR Headquarters, I was lucky to see these unique-looking “bonus” birds with their orangey-red bills and black caps. They are Caspian Terns.

There were also a few birds I encountered/photographed, which you have not “met” yet. Whenever I go on longer excursions at larger parks, once I get online, I write a quick summary of what the walk entailed because it may be awhile until I pair the photos taken to the summary and compile and publish that post. So, after quickly perusing those summaries, I will tell you that as my posts about 2024 excursions unfold, you will meet a Bank Swallow, an American Bittern and a Black-crowned Night Heron.

Who doesn’t love babies?

Every April I am on baby watch at Heritage Park. I ensure I get there to see if Mama Canada Goose is sitting on a nest, at her favorite place, on the boulders near the bridge. It can’t be a comfy place to nest, but she evidently feels safe and Papa is there to shoo away gawking walkers and nosy dogs who dare to stray near his mate. After scoping out this venue weekly, the blessed event happens around Mother’s Day and my reward is a passel of lemon-colored, sweet-faced goslings like these two.

When the initial phase of the Council Point Park Project began on May 8th I swore off taking my camera to my favorite nature nook until it looked halfway-decent once again. But my mindset changed three weeks later when I arrived at the Park early one Saturday morning to see a Mama Robin feeding her one and only offspring. Instantly my resolve fizzled, my heart softened and I hurried home to grab my camera. The pictures may not be the best due to sun and shadows, but they were among my favorite Kodak Moments in 2024.

Unfortunately I only had a few days to enjoy those tender moments …

… because soon the nestling became a fledgling and the nest, which had been nestled in the barbed-wire fence, suddenly was empty.

I made multiple trips to Lake Erie Metropark in search of anticipated offspring.

First, I craned my neck to find a Sandhill Crane colt, the offspring of the pair of cranes I always see at Lake Erie Metropark near a fishing bridge, but I had no success; however I did get some close-ups of what I believe are a mated pair – this is one of them, checking out me who is otherwise known as the pesky photographer.

Repeatedly I scoured that park, in all the nooks and crannies, for does and their fawns; I saw only one pair and the fawn was pretty big. The pair got separated after I must have spooked them. Mama headed over the fence, but the fawn had to find a place to leap and join its mother as it could not jump that high and there were bushes which hindered it as well. I was as panicked as the fawn was, but, as it loped along parallel to the fence …

… it gained speed and finally found a “jumpable spot” and those spindly legs soared over that pesky fence. Whew!

Other fun foto finds …

I smiled when I saw this Muskrat chomping on a Lotus Leaf along the Cherry Island Trail at Lake Erie Metropark …

While on an early Spring jaunt at Elizabeth Park, I found a lot of these guys singing away in a large puddle in a low area in the grass. How nice to be serenaded while I ambled by.