Photo of the Week: The Mega Rare, What is it Doing in Ohio? Limpkin

brown and white speckled bird obstructed by dead branches.

It took almost the entire afternoon. But with the help of 20 other pairs of birding eyes, and some fresh peach pie from Blackberry Tavern to boost my energy, I found the elusive, mega rare Limpkin.

Why is it mega rare?

Because the Limpkin’s habitat is Florida and the river swamps of Georgia.

Almost one thousand miles south of Lake Erie.

Which is why birders in Michigan and Ohio were flocking to the western shore of Lake Erie this weekend. Continue reading Photo of the Week: The Mega Rare, What is it Doing in Ohio? Limpkin

Photo of the Week: Osprey Family on the Move

Two white-faced adult Osprey and an Osprey check sit atop a nest of sticks and mud on a platform.

It’s not often I can observe an Osprey family relatively close up.

Most Osprey nests I’ve seen in Michigan are a few hundred feet away from shore, making a spotting scope required to observe the birds.

Not so with this Osprey family nesting on the western shore of Lake Erie near the Michigan/Ohio border. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Osprey Family on the Move

Photo of the Week: Blue Grosbeak at the Antenna Farm

blue bird perches on top of short-shrub in field.

When I heard from our local birding email list that Blue Grosbeaks, a large bird similar in size to the Northern Cardinal, had been found near Lake Erie in southeast Michigan, I was on a quest.

I had to find it!

It took me three tries over two weekends, 100 degree plus Farenheit temperatures, and torrential rains, but I finally saw both male and female Blue Grosbeaks earlier this morning at the Antenna Farm in Monroe County.

For me, a life bird (first time seen) at number 274. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Blue Grosbeak at the Antenna Farm