Elk Rapids Almanac
Elk Rapids Almanac, July 2026
July 12-On a recent walk in Elk Rapids, I was delighted to watch something I’ve never seen before-two cardinals fighting over a meal. They chirped at each other, got low to the ground flapping their wings and flying directly at each other, battling until one of them left, victorious with dinner! - Callie Bloem
Note: The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, is a year-round resident of Michigan. It was not common here until the 1960s, increasing due to habitat of woodland edges, suburban gardens, and ongoing land development in the Lower Peninsula. The female is one of few female songbirds in North America that can sing longer and more complex songs than the male. In mating season, the pairs will feed each other and sing songs together to strengthen their bond. Both male and female cardinals can be very aggressive in defending their territory during mating season and fighting for food. The first part of their name, Northern, is given to distinguish them from numerous other varieties of cardinals. The second part of their name was inspired by the crimson robes worn by the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the official state bird of seven states. While incredibly rare, yellow Northern Cardinals, occurring through a genetic deficiency, have been spotted at backyard feeders in Michigan.
A screen capture of Cindy Morgan's post showing the yellow cardinal that visited her feeders for multiple years in a row.
Note: The Northern Cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis, is a year-round resident of Michigan. It was not common here until the 1960s, increasing due to habitat of woodland edges, suburban gardens, and ongoing land development in the Lower Peninsula. The female is one of few female songbirds in North America that can sing longer and more complex songs than the male. In mating season, the pairs will feed each other and sing songs together to strengthen their bond. Both male and female cardinals can be very aggressive in defending their territory during mating season and fighting for food. The first part of their name, Northern, is given to distinguish them from numerous other varieties of cardinals. The second part of their name was inspired by the crimson robes worn by the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the official state bird of seven states. While incredibly rare, yellow Northern Cardinals, occurring through a genetic deficiency, have been spotted at backyard feeders in Michigan.
A screen capture of Cindy Morgan's post showing the yellow cardinal that visited her feeders for multiple years in a row.
July 18-Months ago this beautiful gray mourning dove came by one day and hung out on my porch for several hours. He now comes to visit most days to eat, groom himself, and snuggle down. He is just one of many beautiful blessings the great outdoors has given us. - Satonka Mills
July 22-Lightning bugs/fireflies in Michigan are neither flies nor bugs. They belong to the insect order Coleoptera, officially considered beetles. They use bioluminescent light to court one another and speak to each other.
Fireflies face a number of challenges, and you can help researchers by participating in the Firefly Watch citizen science project, a study where you count fireflies for 10 minutes once a week.
You can also help fireflies by being careful about how you use pesticides in the garden. - The Smart Gardening series of tip sheets from Michigan State University Extension Click here for more information
July 26-Bird watching:
A recent U.K. study found an increase of 1,088 % in birding among Gen Zers in Britain since 2018, and a U.S. study found Gen Z birdwatchers have more than doubled between 2016 and 2022. Gen Zers say it allows them to spend time doing something requiring focus, quiet, and a slower pace.
Considerable research indicates spending time in nature can reduce cortisol levels, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and promote mindfulness. - Allhealthy.com; The Atlantic, July 2026; Merlin app for bird IDs.
A recent U.K. study found an increase of 1,088 % in birding among Gen Zers in Britain since 2018, and a U.S. study found Gen Z birdwatchers have more than doubled between 2016 and 2022. Gen Zers say it allows them to spend time doing something requiring focus, quiet, and a slower pace.
Considerable research indicates spending time in nature can reduce cortisol levels, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and promote mindfulness. - Allhealthy.com; The Atlantic, July 2026; Merlin app for bird IDs.
Mark your calendar-August 12-13 is the peak of the Perseids meteorite shower, with exceptional moonless dark skies. Active from July 17 to August 24, up to 100 fast, bright meteors and fireballs per hour. Find local viewing places like the Dam Beach or your own back yard. Ask your neighbors to turn off their lights and join you for the show! - earthsky.org