JANUARY 2019
|
January 2 - We spotted a muskrat (at least we think it was) diving for food in the Bay this morning. As far we could tell, he or she had the whole lake to himself or herself. Beautiful sight. -Rick & Bobbitt Bellingham.
January 4 - After being gone for nearly two weeks, I was surprised to see a number of visitors had headed to our yard over the holidays. Hundreds of tracks coursed through the yard, under the bird feeders, of course, but also through the mini-trails in the woods. I could identify the bird, chipmunk, mouse, squirrel, and rabbit tracks, but I wasn't sure about others. The mystery has sent me on a mission to learn to identify my backyard visitors by their tracks. While I probably will not see a cougar or a bear in my yard (I live in town), it sure has been fun learning about the variety of hints a track can offer. Later, on my walk through Veterans' Memorial Park, I noted the variety of dog prints, but was delighted to see deer tracks as well. -Terri Reisig January 20 - A snowy owl was spotted just south of Maple Bay along US-31. Snowy owls breed in the arctic tundra and move south into places like Michigan in the winter. Look for them in open areas perching atop telephone poles or fence posts. -James Dake. January 21 - A bright full moon, the snow is glowing, it’s midnight, and what is that strange sound outside? I throw open the window, cold air rushes in, and there’s that sound again… Ah, two foxes on a hunt, calling to each other. A perfect winter’s night! -Royce Ragland Photo to the left: Snowy Owl - photographer unkown |
FEBRUARY 2019
|
February 1 - The top right photo was taken on a deck in downtown Elk Rapids, and identified as a Red Tailed Hawk.
Here are a few factoids on Red-Tailed Hawks: - our most common and widespread “ buteo”, i.e.buzzard hawks. - broad wings, broad, rounded tails...”chunky” in shape and size ( 19 to 25 inches long) compared to long-tailed “ accipiters”( goshawk and coopers hawk) and “ falcons “ ( sparrow hawks, pigeon hawks, gyrfalcons, peregrines) which have long pointed wings with long tails. - red tails have “ zoned feathering”, i.e. a light breast, a streaked belly, and often a red banded tail. - young/ immature red tails frequently have more white feathering, especially on their breast -great flying prowess, circle high overhead, soaring in the blue sky. Their gyres are both for hunting food, for mating, and for chasing away intruders- possibly also just for hawk enjoyment. -Ken Bloem, bird watcher. For a great read: Red-Tails in Love: A Wildlife Drama in Central Park, by Marie Winn. “Engaging…Dr. Zhivago with feathers.” -The Boston Globe. -Barb Mullaly February 7 - Adult Bald Eagle on the beach near my house. These birds are coming back from near extinction. There were 800 nesting spotted in Michigan last year. At one point there were only 40. -Kathy Carpenter For more eagle excitement and information, Watch the video below of a daring and dramatic rescue of an eagle. Posted by Wings of Wonder on their website. February 10 - Winter Wonder Land in Wilcox Palmer Shah Preserve, sports a trail for kids, rabbits, deer, and squirrels. -Lucy Polemitis Photo top right: Red Tailed Hawk - photo by Barb Mullaly Photo middle right: Bald Eagle - photo by Kathy Carpenter Photo bottom right: Animal Tracks at Wilcox Palmer Shah Preserve - photo by Lucy Polemitis Eagle Rescue from Wings of Wonder website.
|
|
MARCH 2019
|
March - The month of March was named for the Roman god of war, Mars. Traditionally this was the time of year to resume military campaigns that had been interrupted by winter. -The Old Farmers Almanac, founded in 1792.
March - Warmer days and still cold nights means it is time to tap our Maple trees, including right here in Maple Bay Preserve. Everyone is able to learn about the maple sugaring process at Maple Bay on March 23, starting at 1:00pm. -Paul Moyer. Further details at GTRLC.org March 6 - Digging out for maple sugaring at Maple Bay Preserve. Snow was six feet deep in front of the underground cellar. Doors were frozen shut. Four inches of ice! We need some sun! -Gary Stauffer Details at GTRLC.org March 16 - Maplehurst Natural Area has recently been returned to pristine condition. New parking lot and signage are inviting visitors to enjoy its beauty. -Paul Moyer March 20 - The Spring Equinox, beginning in our hemisphere at 5:58 p.m. EDT, and on this day the sun rises due east and sets due west. -The Old Farmers Almanac. First three photos on the left: Digging out for maple sugaring at Maple Bay Preserve - photos by Gary Stauffer Photo below: Winter walk at Maplehurst Natural Area - photo by Paul Moyer 
|
APRIL 2019
|
April 27 - A NATURE HIKE WITH GREEN ELK RAPIDS & ELK RAPIDS DISTRICT LIBRARY
Maple Bay Farm and Nature Preserve. Spring weather inspires us to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s good for us! Increasingly science is confirming what we have known all along. Author Richard Louv, author, journalist and previous Green Elk Rapids guest speaker, describes at length in Last Child In The Woods the benefits that nature has for our children. Increasingly, pediatricians are writing prescriptions for children to spend time in their neighborhood parks. Researcher David Strayer, University of Utah, says “now we are seeing changes in the brain and changes in the body that suggest we are physically and mentally more healthy when we interact with nature”. Author and academic Jill Suttie writes that nature has a profound impact on our brain, our behavior, and general well being by increasing our attention capacity, promoting creativity, and enhancing our ability to connect with other people. In summary: -Being in nature decreases stress. -Nature makes you happier and less brooding. -Nature relieves attention fatigue and increases creativity. -Nature may help you to be more kind and generous. -Nature makes you “feel more alive”. The community is invited to join us and experience all of the above! Photo to the right: Hikers enjoying time spent in nature with GreenER - photo by Dana Vanoy |
|
MAY 2019
|
May 1 - Today there were six loons happily swimming just below the hydro power plant. -Christine Petersen.
May 17 - Three indigo buntings and a female oriole have been frequent visitors to the feeders in the yard. They love the millet! -Terri Reisig. May 17 - (Then they go next door and feed on the neighbor's millet!) -Royce Ragland. May 27 - Fourteen species of birds were identified in the back yard today. Toward evening, gold finches and mourning doves appear in greater numbers as the more aggressive blue jays and blackbirds retreat to their nests. -Ken Bloem. NOTE: Many spectacular migrating songbirds, like the Indigo Bunting - and others such as warblers, orioles and thrushes - are experiencing population declines. Most of these species depend on insects for at least part of their needs, and all must have insects to feed their young. By and large, native plants host those insects. It is the goal of Saving Birds Thru Habitat to improve habitat for these migrants, one backyard at a time. -Kay Charter, Saving Birds Thru Habitat. savingbirds.org NOTE: Kay Charter has opposed offering jelly to orioles for decades, learning from Kent McHaffey, manager of San Diego's Wild Animal Park, that high sugar products can set a bird's crop up for bacterial infection. He added that he would never offer a bird something that is not made from ingredients in its natural diet. The Effects of Pesticides: Spraying your home and garden with pesticides for spiders, or your trees for tent worm caterpillars, has an effect on songbirds and other wildlife. Insecticide toxicity is broad and indiscriminate. Insecticides are ordinarily applied to treat for one or two insects, but everything in nature is connected. When you affect one population, it has a ripple effect across species that depend upon and coexist with that population. Spraying insecticides kill those things you don't like, but also kills all other insects, including bees and butterflies. Even so-called "green" chemicals are toxic to other organisms, including you, your children and your pets. -Kay Charter. Photo to the left: Indigo Bunting - photo by Peter LaTourrette |
JUNE 2019
|
June 21 - Persistent wet conditions and high outflows have continued to contribute to exceptionally high lake levels. The forecasted water levels for June 21st on all of the lakes are above their levels from last month by 2 to 6 inches and above last year's levels by 10 to 15 inches, except for Lake Ontario, which is expected to be 28 inches above its level from last year. The forecasted June 21st levels on all of the lakes are also above their highest monthly average record for June. Lakes Superior, St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario's forecasted levels for June 21st are 3 to 5 inches above their record high June average level, while Lake Michigan-Huron's forecasted level for June 21st is 1 inch above its record high June average level. In the coming month, Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are expected to continue their seasonal rise and rise by 2 inches and 1 inch, respectively. Lakes St. Clair, Erie, and Ontario are forecasted to decline by 1, 3, and 7 inches, respectively. See our Daily Levels web page for more water level information. -Army Corps of Engineers.
June 24 - For information about details and data on water levels in the bay, we checked in with Grand Traverse Watershed Center, which reported that in the east bay, some of the local marinas have docks underwater, and a few of the Discovery Pier docks (part of the Discovery Center Great Lakes campus) are underwater! "We are at our highest June lake level ever. We are expected to rise another inch in July. Here are some pictures from our side of the lake. If you're looking for predictions, US Army Corp of Engineers Detroit District office has a whole slew of interesting predictions, charts and tables": https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Missions/Great-Lakes-Information/Great-Lakes-Water-Levels/Water-Level-Forecast/ -Heather Smith, Bay Keeper, Grand Traverse Watershed Center. June 24 - Today at the harbor we saw a robin eating a worm in the parking lot, and fish swimming near the launch ramp. There is lots of beautiful wildlife down at Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor, and occasional minks have been spotted, as well lake trout and bass playfully splashing in the Harbor. The jet ski dock is an inch under water. -Elk Rapids Harbor staff. June 24 - I watched the rain pour down today at the Botanic Garden where the hill behind the visitor center meets our two long rain gardens. The rain garden swales were capturing the hillside runoff and keeping the water from eroding the meadow beyond it. The roots of the native plants we have growing in the rain gardens help filter the captured water while serving as hosts to visiting pollinators. We counted over a dozen Monarch caterpillars yesterday munching on the swamp milkweed leaves while bees took nectar and pollen from the camassia, Canada anemone, and swamp rose blooms. The new Pollinator garden sits on a little higher ground just east of the rain garden so we can feature pollinator plants from both wet and dry areas. With more severe rain storms we hope the rain gardens will protect the areas surrounding them. -Karen Schmidt, Executive Director, Botanic. Photo top right: Fishing deck steps under water at Hydro Plant Dam - photo by Unknown Photo bottom right: We Also Build Arks - photo by Tracy Nowak Photos below: Areas around East Bay - photos by Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Center |
|
JULY 2019
|
July 19 - When the weather is hot in summer, we flock to dunes and beaches for sun and refreshing swims. But while they’re a fun escape for us, these landscapes can present harsh conditions for wildlife. Plants and animals that thrive here are adapted to endure extremes, including surface temperatures that can reach 120 degrees Fahrenheit! While these plants can be hardy and durable, they can also be very sensitive to habitat loss, disturbances from invasive species intrusion and from people and their pets. One such plant is the beautiful Lake Huron Tansy. As suitable habitat is lost or negatively impacted, the plant struggles, and it is currently on the State Threatened species list. Due to its sensitivity, the presence of Lake Huron Tansy can be an indicator of a healthy dune habitat. Thanks to many staff & volunteer hours spent removing invasive plant species, and conscientious visitors (and their pets) treading lightly in or avoiding sensitive areas, the Tansy is in bloom right now at several coastal properties, including the beautiful Antrim Creek Natural Area, as seen in the video below. Enjoy Lake Huron Tansy’s beautiful deep yellow-orange button shaped flowers (and a dip in the water)! -Reprinted from Field Notes from Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: Gtrlc.org July 22 - From my patio in Meadowview Commons, I have been enjoying all the bunnies, "GREAT and small." They enjoy the apple and carrot slices I share, interspersed with the clover leaves they munch in our lawns. They also enjoy flowers and foliage that grace a number of our condos, much to the dismay of some residents. I, for one, treasure the hopping, leaping and chasing of the mating dances of the "GREAT" rabbits, which result in the delightful "small" bunnies that grace our lawns. Bless those creatures "GREAT and small." -Linda Travis July 22 - Harbor Master Mike Singleton reported that Lake Michigan is 16” higher than this date in 2018, and just shy of the record all time high level. Levels are expected to peak on July 31. He also suggested we look at the fuel dock and see how the wind has pushed so much water into the harbor. Next question: any idea what a “seiche” (pronounced saysh) is??? Find out at: www.oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/seiche The links below will provide additional data and info about our Great Lakes water levels. https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Portals/69/docs/GreatLakesInfo/docs/NewsAndInformation/JUN19summary.pdf?ver=2019-07-08-151004-010 https://www.lre.usace.army.mil/Portals/69/docs/GreatLakesInfo/docs/BH-TABLEBOJul19.pdf?ver=2019-07-08-152352-683 Photo top left: Bunny at Walk of Art Sculpture Park. Photo: Kristen Turick Photo bottom right: Lake Huron Tansy - photo by MSU, Michigan Natural Features Inventory |
AUGUST 2019
|
August 15 - Two pileated woodpeckers graced the trees and bird feeders in our yard this evening. The adult foraged for food in the feeder, then proceeded to feed the young woodpecker, which was sitting on a tree stump. What an amazing sight! -Terri Reisig
August 15 - A full moon rose in a clear night sky as we drove home from a concert, around 9:45 p.m. It was so bright we initially mistook it for an out-of-place streetlight! We kept it in our sights all the way home (except for the driver). It was one of the most beautiful night skies of late summer. -Royce Ragland and passengers. August 16 - I went for an early morning walk on north Lakeshore drive, at about 6:45 a.m., and saw a beautiful full moon set over the bay. -new resident and nature lover. Moon Note: The next full moon, in September, (Native American name is Harvest Moon) will occur on September 14, at 12:35 a.m. -Old Farmers Almanac. August 19 - I spotted two 2 loon couples swimming on Birch Lake, and later saw an eagle soaring over a beautiful wooded area as I drove between Petoskey and Crooked Lake. -Christine Petersen. August 22 - Crows are known to be smart birds, and are good at using tools. A recent article notes this ability makes them feel happy and accomplished. For more of this interesting story, and how we know this, see the website below: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/08/like-humans-crows-are-more-optimistic-after-making-tools-to-solve-a-problem/ PS: This phenomenon also seems to work for humans.... August 23 - Having a great time in Elk Rapids getting the next generation hooked. -Ben Jessup. August 26 - 2009-08-01A five year old catches his first fish at the Dam beach. -Ken Bloem. More on birds: Saturday, Oct. 5, Marina pavilion, 9:00 a.m., Jerry Weinrich, official eagle counter for the State of Michigan, will give a presentation on the status of the Bald Eagle population in Michigan's lower peninsula. The community is cordially invited to attend. Photo top right: Elk Lake sunrise - photo by Ron Gurdak Photo middle right: Having a great time in Elk Rapids getting the next generation hooked - photo by Ben Jessup Photo bottom right: A five year old catches his first fish at the Dam beach - photo by Ken Bloem |
|
SEPTEMBER 2019
|
September 4 - Sandhill cranes at the corner of Bates and Angell Road. An adult Sandhill crane (males and females look alike) with colts. -Kathie Carpenter.
September 19 - Sitting outside in the yard, I looked up and an eagle was soaring high over the treetops down to the bay. Later that week, I was driving through town, and an eagle glided toward the bay, flying just over the treetops. What a blessing to see this magnificent animal twice in one week. -Terri Reisig. Note: GreenER presents “Eagles in the Lower Peninsula”, Saturday October 5, 9:00 a.m., Marina Pavilion. Community invited. September 20 - The area we camped in was filled with monarchs! At Hog Island State Forest campground Near Naubinway, UP of Michigan. -Diane Butler. September 21 - Monarch butterflies near Birch Lake, getting ready for a long trip south. Safe travels! -Marcia Graham. Monarch Butterfly migration covers upwards of 3000 miles across the North American continent, and is considered one of the greatest natural events on Earth. The subspecies Danaus plexippus is the only one that performs the great North American migration, leaving their summer breeding grounds in northeastern U.S. and Canada to reach overwintering grounds in southwestern Mexico. Migration begins in early thru late September in this area, depending on weather. These butterflies are increasingly under threat. In “Bringing Nature Home”, Dr. Doug Tallamy recommends we provide habitat in our yards by planting native species, specifically milkweed. Note: Did you know grub killer kills monarchs? Did you know systemic pesticides currently can be applied to a plant at the wholesale level, and there's no way for the general public to know if neonicotinoids have been applied to the plant they are buying? If so, anything that tries to eat the plant will die, and any pollinator visiting the flower will perish. -Grand Traverse Butterfly House and Bug Zoo. Track Monarch Butterfly Migration - Weekly Migration News: August-November, 2019. Report your sightings each fall and spring, as the monarchs travel to and from Mexico. Track migration on real-time migration maps and follow the migration news. Fall migration extends from August to November; spring migration from March to June. Find out what to report each spring and fall. -Arboretum, University of Wisconsin-Madison. VISIT Journeynorth.org to report sighting and learn more! Photo top left: Sand Hill Cranes - photo by Kathie Carpenter Photo middle left: Monarch butterflies from UP - photo by Diane Butler Photo bottom left: Monarch butterflies from Birch Lake - photo by Marcia Graham |
OCTOBER 2019
|
October - Fall color: Schizachyrium scoparium or Little Bluestem.
In northern lower Michigan, we often focus on the fall colors of our deciduous trees (mainly sugar maple) but trees aren't the only ones with beautiful changing foliage. Native grasses are often overlooked and are a real treat if you find them or incorporate them into your landscaping. One species that is a showstopper when the sun is shining is Little Bluestem--this hardy native bunchgrass grows on sandy soils of dunes, dry fields, jack pine forest openings, and along roadsides. Called "bluestem" for the blue-ish hue of the leaves in the spring, in the fall its leaves are more like a rainbow of colors as they lose their chlorophyll at the end of their growing season. Little Bluestem is a classic prairie plant which grows about 2-4 feet high and its roots can extend 5-8 feet down into the soil, which helps with erosion control on sandy sites. It is especially visible this time of year as the feathery spikelets on the seeds catch the sun rays. These seeds persist well into winter, which makes it a great wildlife food for many species of migrating and resident birds that consume the seeds. Due to its bunchgrass growth form, it also makes excellent roosting for ground nesting grassland birds, which are part of the group of birds who are declining the most in the US. So given all these attributes, it is a wonderful plant to observe, plant for wildlife, or just learn more about. -Angie Lucas, Senior Land Steward, Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy: [email protected] October 4 - I saw this coyote at Maple Bay. It was in the afternoon and he appeared to be hunting in the field. -Gary Stauffer October 4 - Cranes from Michigan migrate to Florida. Depending on the weather, most leave in November, but some have stayed through December. They usually return to Michigan in late February or early March. -Kathie Carpenter. October 21 - No more bear sightings around the house or in the neighborhood. Although I miss my furry friend and its antics, I am dutifully not feeding the birds and keeping bird seed in a covered metal container in the garage. After talking to the DNR, I know that if the bear keeps returning to forage for food, it will be seen as a nuisance, and it is possible all may not end well. Cheers to the excitement of our bear sightings around town, but also to keeping our furry friend out of the neighborhoods and safe. -Terri Reisig October 21 - Lake Michigan-Huron is 1 inch below its level from last month. The lakes are 3 to 16 inches higher than they were at this time last year. Both Lakes Superior and Michigan-Huron are predicted to fall 2 inches over the next 30 days, while Lakes St. Clair and Erie are projected to each decline 3 inches. -Harbor Master. Photos right: Fall color - photos by Kathie Carpenter Photos below: -Arcadia Dunes - photos by Angie Lucas -Coyote at Maple Bay - photo by Dave Stauffer -Migrating cranes - photo by Kathie Carpenter |
|
NOVEMBER 2019
November 2 - A new book by Richard Louv, acclaimed author and past guest of Green Elk Rapids, explores the impacts of human-animal interactions. In Our Wild Calling, through fascinating stories and extensive research, he urges us to consider how connecting with animals can transform our lives. Inspired by his book, we collected a few animal stories from around the community and share them below.
The Coyote - In September I was field mowing with a tractor at Maple Bay preserve. Suddenly a coyote bounced out of the weeds in front of me. It stayed about 30 yards in front of me as we both traversed around the field. It kept looking over its shoulder at me. I was told later it was probably hoping that the tractor would produce a meal for it to chase! Sharing that time was mesmerizing -Gary Stauffer
The wren - In 1992, I was sitting near a brush pile behind our home when a family of tiny Winter Wrens emerged from the pile. It was the nestlings' introduction to the world's grand stage. I was thrilled; Winter Wrens are a favorite of mine. But my joy descended into despair at the awareness that they are losing ground, largely because of people like my husband and me who destroy their nesting habitats for their own wants. That sadness inspired our move from a waterfront home in favor of the 47 acres of Charter Sanctuary, and the ultimate establishment of Saving Birds Thru Habitat. I owe my entire career in conservation to that family of little wrens. -Kay Charter
The fox - When I was in eighth grade, a classmate brought 4 little orphaned fox pups to school. Their mother had been shot while stealing chickens (really!). I took one pup home, determined to raise it as a pet. Although loved and cared for by all five of us siblings, my fox Peppy soon developed mange. An old neighbor farmer advised me to rub the fox down with (used) axle grease, which my brothers and I collected from our tractor. Amazingly, Peppy survived, and grew healthy and beautiful. He napped with his head on my foot in peaceful companionship, and walked on a leash with me around our farm. This lasted for a year, and though he returned to the wild, he would frequently yip from the nearby fields and our dog would answer him. My siblings and I posted No Fox Hunting signs around our property, determined to protect him as best we could. My affection for foxes continues to this day -Royce Ragland
The Fawn - As my husband and I were walking through our woods, we suddenly came upon a tiny newborn fawn, still wet, its coat glistening in the sun. The fragile creature lay motionless with its big brown eyes staring up at us. We slowly backed away. I was concerned that it had been abandoned but my husband assured me that its mother was close by watching us, and explained that fawns have no scent when first born, which protects them from predators as long as they remain motionless. Again, he assured me that the doe would return for her fawn once she was finished grazing. Not sure I believed him, I returned to the spot about an hour later to find he was right. Years later, I still frequently see that precious fawn in my mind protected by nature and instinct. -Diane Butler
The Dog - Thinking about dogs always warms my heart, as they bring so much joy to those around them. Our golden retriever, who was raised to be a PAWS dog but failed his final training phase, came to live with us at age one. He was a wonderful member of the family who liked to help carry in groceries. He happily greeted anyone at the front door, often with something in his mouth to proudly present "as a gift" to the extended hand. I miss our loyal friend and would love to have another one someday. -Cheryl Bachman
The Wild Ones - Communicating with animals in the wild gives me a sense of connectedness with nature. I enjoy imitating their sounds and they often respond by showing themselves. Deer respond to bleats, rattled horns or grunts. Turkeys to a hen call. Geese and ducks to their feeding and gathering sounds. Fox and coyotes to squealing rodent sounds. These and others have given me many hours of enjoyment in the outdoors. -Mel Matchett
The Monarch - My grandma taught me how to find a Monarch caterpillar. Every summer, we spent time at an old cabin in the wilder part of Gaylord. We went on walks through valleys. When we happened by a stand of milkweed, I'd stop to carefully lift up a soft leaf—hoping that I'd find a white, black and yellow-banded caterpillar, munching away. When I turned 28, I received a gift of Swamp Milkweed to plant in the yard of my first home. I often find several caterpillars on this plant. As the caterpillar grows from the size of a fir needle into a plump fellow, it prepares for a transformation, a process that scientists still do not fully understand. When fully grown, the caterpillar sews a tiny silk button on a surface, then suspends itself in a J-shape, sheds its skin, revealing a delicate green vessel, decorated in gold. When I turned 32, on a windy day, I witnessed for the first time, an orange and black wrinkled butterfly unfurl from its chrysalis and take flight. -Dani Knopf
Wild birds - I have always loved wild birds. As a child, I would spend hours looking through my dad's Audubon Birds of North America books. On vacations, he would always point out birds to me and at home we always had bird feeders. As an adult, I would walk trails in my hometown and loved hearing the birds in the quiet. They were one of the reasons I enjoyed walking so much and why I started to research nature (trees, plants and other wildlife). When I was pregnant with my youngest, I was reading about birds and came across Wrens. I fell in love with the name and I saw some of my first Wrens while pregnant with her and knew it was meant to be. Wren, my daughter, loves seeing the birds on our hikes and in our yard. I am glad my love for wild birds carried over to my very own little bird!. -Kerri Esterley
The Whippet - I was never a dog person. Twenty years ago, my wife-to-be was very MUCH a dog person. We agreed that I would get to pick the breed who would join our family — hypo-allergenic, good-with kids, not too large — and settled on a Whippet. The deal at the time was that she would mostly care for it. But lo and behold, her pregnancy made the slightest smell of our newly acquired Lily The Whippet sick. So wouldn't you know it, I largely found myself walking/training/feeding/etc for the rambunctious puppy. It became so stressful for the two of us that at one point we'd almost decided to give her up for adoption. Flash-forward 12 years and she was my best friend. "Wedged" behind me while napping. Cuddled on my lap in the backyard lounge chair. Inspired our short film DOG HOUSE. And then she broke our hearts when she got cancer and died in front of us one night just 3 weeks later. I've never experienced such pain... But I'm also so incredibly grateful for having enjoyed such love. -Jeff Turick
Big Red - When Big Red, the beautiful 10 year old Aussie became a permanent fixture in my life in spring of 2005, I had no idea he would become my savior too. The transition from being his baby-sitter to becoming his mom was relatively smooth, but for the fact that my sister in CO was battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma-which involved trips back to CO to help her and the rest of the family. After my sister's death, Big Red's importance in my life revealed itself fully. Until his death in the spring of 2010, our relationship was one of not just mutual dependence, but of my certainty that he alone kept me going after losing my sister. My journey with Big Red taught me many things, the most important being the power of love and its ability to transcend human understanding. Whether between sibling, friends, spouses, offspring or animals, because it is so fleeting, it's important give love freely and often. -Liz De La Rossa
The Eagle - I'll never forget the first time I heard the voice of the Bald Eagle. While outside one Autumn day in Kewadin, I heard a scritchy, almost prehistoric noise from above, I looked up and between the trees two eagles soared overhead carrying on a conversation. Not the voice I expected from this regal bird, but it was extraordinary nonetheless. While Bald Eagle sightings are not uncommon in these parts, I still consider each and every one special. A visitation of sorts and a sign of something special to come. -Kristen Turick
Photo left: Winter Wren - photo by Kay Charter
Photo middle: WiFi the helper dog - photo by Cheryl Bachman
Photo right: Lily the Whippet sits on the lap of her dad. - photo by Kristen Turick
The Coyote - In September I was field mowing with a tractor at Maple Bay preserve. Suddenly a coyote bounced out of the weeds in front of me. It stayed about 30 yards in front of me as we both traversed around the field. It kept looking over its shoulder at me. I was told later it was probably hoping that the tractor would produce a meal for it to chase! Sharing that time was mesmerizing -Gary Stauffer
The wren - In 1992, I was sitting near a brush pile behind our home when a family of tiny Winter Wrens emerged from the pile. It was the nestlings' introduction to the world's grand stage. I was thrilled; Winter Wrens are a favorite of mine. But my joy descended into despair at the awareness that they are losing ground, largely because of people like my husband and me who destroy their nesting habitats for their own wants. That sadness inspired our move from a waterfront home in favor of the 47 acres of Charter Sanctuary, and the ultimate establishment of Saving Birds Thru Habitat. I owe my entire career in conservation to that family of little wrens. -Kay Charter
The fox - When I was in eighth grade, a classmate brought 4 little orphaned fox pups to school. Their mother had been shot while stealing chickens (really!). I took one pup home, determined to raise it as a pet. Although loved and cared for by all five of us siblings, my fox Peppy soon developed mange. An old neighbor farmer advised me to rub the fox down with (used) axle grease, which my brothers and I collected from our tractor. Amazingly, Peppy survived, and grew healthy and beautiful. He napped with his head on my foot in peaceful companionship, and walked on a leash with me around our farm. This lasted for a year, and though he returned to the wild, he would frequently yip from the nearby fields and our dog would answer him. My siblings and I posted No Fox Hunting signs around our property, determined to protect him as best we could. My affection for foxes continues to this day -Royce Ragland
The Fawn - As my husband and I were walking through our woods, we suddenly came upon a tiny newborn fawn, still wet, its coat glistening in the sun. The fragile creature lay motionless with its big brown eyes staring up at us. We slowly backed away. I was concerned that it had been abandoned but my husband assured me that its mother was close by watching us, and explained that fawns have no scent when first born, which protects them from predators as long as they remain motionless. Again, he assured me that the doe would return for her fawn once she was finished grazing. Not sure I believed him, I returned to the spot about an hour later to find he was right. Years later, I still frequently see that precious fawn in my mind protected by nature and instinct. -Diane Butler
The Dog - Thinking about dogs always warms my heart, as they bring so much joy to those around them. Our golden retriever, who was raised to be a PAWS dog but failed his final training phase, came to live with us at age one. He was a wonderful member of the family who liked to help carry in groceries. He happily greeted anyone at the front door, often with something in his mouth to proudly present "as a gift" to the extended hand. I miss our loyal friend and would love to have another one someday. -Cheryl Bachman
The Wild Ones - Communicating with animals in the wild gives me a sense of connectedness with nature. I enjoy imitating their sounds and they often respond by showing themselves. Deer respond to bleats, rattled horns or grunts. Turkeys to a hen call. Geese and ducks to their feeding and gathering sounds. Fox and coyotes to squealing rodent sounds. These and others have given me many hours of enjoyment in the outdoors. -Mel Matchett
The Monarch - My grandma taught me how to find a Monarch caterpillar. Every summer, we spent time at an old cabin in the wilder part of Gaylord. We went on walks through valleys. When we happened by a stand of milkweed, I'd stop to carefully lift up a soft leaf—hoping that I'd find a white, black and yellow-banded caterpillar, munching away. When I turned 28, I received a gift of Swamp Milkweed to plant in the yard of my first home. I often find several caterpillars on this plant. As the caterpillar grows from the size of a fir needle into a plump fellow, it prepares for a transformation, a process that scientists still do not fully understand. When fully grown, the caterpillar sews a tiny silk button on a surface, then suspends itself in a J-shape, sheds its skin, revealing a delicate green vessel, decorated in gold. When I turned 32, on a windy day, I witnessed for the first time, an orange and black wrinkled butterfly unfurl from its chrysalis and take flight. -Dani Knopf
Wild birds - I have always loved wild birds. As a child, I would spend hours looking through my dad's Audubon Birds of North America books. On vacations, he would always point out birds to me and at home we always had bird feeders. As an adult, I would walk trails in my hometown and loved hearing the birds in the quiet. They were one of the reasons I enjoyed walking so much and why I started to research nature (trees, plants and other wildlife). When I was pregnant with my youngest, I was reading about birds and came across Wrens. I fell in love with the name and I saw some of my first Wrens while pregnant with her and knew it was meant to be. Wren, my daughter, loves seeing the birds on our hikes and in our yard. I am glad my love for wild birds carried over to my very own little bird!. -Kerri Esterley
The Whippet - I was never a dog person. Twenty years ago, my wife-to-be was very MUCH a dog person. We agreed that I would get to pick the breed who would join our family — hypo-allergenic, good-with kids, not too large — and settled on a Whippet. The deal at the time was that she would mostly care for it. But lo and behold, her pregnancy made the slightest smell of our newly acquired Lily The Whippet sick. So wouldn't you know it, I largely found myself walking/training/feeding/etc for the rambunctious puppy. It became so stressful for the two of us that at one point we'd almost decided to give her up for adoption. Flash-forward 12 years and she was my best friend. "Wedged" behind me while napping. Cuddled on my lap in the backyard lounge chair. Inspired our short film DOG HOUSE. And then she broke our hearts when she got cancer and died in front of us one night just 3 weeks later. I've never experienced such pain... But I'm also so incredibly grateful for having enjoyed such love. -Jeff Turick
Big Red - When Big Red, the beautiful 10 year old Aussie became a permanent fixture in my life in spring of 2005, I had no idea he would become my savior too. The transition from being his baby-sitter to becoming his mom was relatively smooth, but for the fact that my sister in CO was battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma-which involved trips back to CO to help her and the rest of the family. After my sister's death, Big Red's importance in my life revealed itself fully. Until his death in the spring of 2010, our relationship was one of not just mutual dependence, but of my certainty that he alone kept me going after losing my sister. My journey with Big Red taught me many things, the most important being the power of love and its ability to transcend human understanding. Whether between sibling, friends, spouses, offspring or animals, because it is so fleeting, it's important give love freely and often. -Liz De La Rossa
The Eagle - I'll never forget the first time I heard the voice of the Bald Eagle. While outside one Autumn day in Kewadin, I heard a scritchy, almost prehistoric noise from above, I looked up and between the trees two eagles soared overhead carrying on a conversation. Not the voice I expected from this regal bird, but it was extraordinary nonetheless. While Bald Eagle sightings are not uncommon in these parts, I still consider each and every one special. A visitation of sorts and a sign of something special to come. -Kristen Turick
Photo left: Winter Wren - photo by Kay Charter
Photo middle: WiFi the helper dog - photo by Cheryl Bachman
Photo right: Lily the Whippet sits on the lap of her dad. - photo by Kristen Turick
DECEMBER 2019
|
December 4 - Looking out my kitchen window around 7:30 a.m. as I was fixing my morning coffee, I looked across the creek that runs by the house into lake Michigan. I then had the pleasure to witness three river otters chasing each other and playing before they ran off towards Birch Lake for a swim. -Katrina Childs
December 11 - I was sitting by the window working on a project and I noticed quite a few woodpeckers visiting the feeders. 5 different kinds showed up: Red Headed, Red Bellied, Hairy, Downy and Pileated. At least they are not as aggressive to the other birds as the blue jays are. -Jane Stauffer. December 12 - While warm sunny days are pleasant, I find winter invigorating. Beach walks present a different kind of beauty in cold weather. It’s interesting to find different ice formations, like this one taken at Wilcox-Palmer-Shah Preserve. -Ellen Baird. See photo below. December 15 - Christmas Bird Count in Antrim County. The Elk Rapids area bird count is coordinated by John Kreag and local Audubon Society members. (inquiries at [email protected]). They report that the count was down this year because birds stayed in Canada where there is lots of food still available. Through a number of such programs, The Cornell University Lab of Ornithology Citizen Scientist Projects engages thousands of people around the world to contribute bird observations to their lab each year. Scientists then use these data to reveal how birds are affected by habitat loss, pollution, disease, climate, and other environmental changes. Citizens trace bird migration, nesting success, and changes in bird numbers through time, contributing to conservation plans and actions to protect birds and habitats. If you enjoy watching birds, are interested in science and conservation, whether by watching birds at your feeders, monitoring nests, or sharing your sightings any time, anywhere, check out the list of possibilities at: www.birds.cornell.edu/citizenscience December 21 - The winter solstice is Saturday December 21, at 11:19 p.m., 2019. This is the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the shortest day of the year. At the winter solstice, the Sun appears at its most southerly point and is directly overhead at “high-noon” on the solstice at the latitude called the Tropic of Capricorn. The next day, the path will begin to advance northward. The word solstice comes from Latin sol“sun” and sistere “to stand still.” So, loosely translated, it means “sun stand still.” For a few days before and after the solstice, the Sun appears to stand still in the sky. The change in its noontime elevation is so slight that the Sun’s path seems to stay the same, or stand still. Think of it this way. The solstice brings the return of more sunlight. It only gets brighter from here! -The Farmer’s Almanac. More lore and science at: www.almanac.com Photo left: Winter at Wilcox-Palmer-Shah - photo by Ellen Baird |