Photo of the Week: Ivory Gull in Flint, Michigan

Ivory Gull standing on the shoreline of the Flint river

Updated March 13, 2017: Unfortunately, the bird was found dead this morning. See latest news.

Thanks to the sharp eyes of 16-year-old Lauren LeFave, birdwatchers in Michigan (and beyond) had a rare treat this week: an Ivory Gull.

Typically found in the high Arctic areas of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia, the bird was discovered last week along the banks of the Flint River in downtown Flint, Michigan.

He seemed unaware of the excitement from birders who watched the white bird as it drank water, preened itself, and walked along the dam ledge and shoreline to catch fish.

I know. I was one of the people who staked out a spot along the river to see the bird. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Ivory Gull in Flint, Michigan

Photo of the Week: Northern Saw-whet Owl at Harley Ensign

Northern Saw-whet Owl, sitting on a branch, nestled in the shadows of the green pine tree needles

As I pulled into the parking lot at the Harley Ensign Boat Launch in Harrison Township, I saw the man in a suit pointing up to a pine tree as his female  companion looked on.

I quickly parked the car, grabbed my binoculars, and camera and walked toward them. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Northern Saw-whet Owl at Harley Ensign