Photo of the Week: Black-bellied Plover at Howard Marsh

black and white shorebird grazes on the grass

The black and white shorebird with long legs, short neck, and round head calmly grazed in the grass next to the parking lot, oblivious to the delighted birders who looked on from a distance through their binoculars and spotting scope. A Black-bellied Plover isn’t a rare occurrence at Howard Marsh Metropark on the southwestern shore… Continue reading Photo of the Week: Black-bellied Plover at Howard Marsh

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: Great Backyard Bird Count at Pointe Mouillee

Mute Swans, Redheads, and American Wigeons gather on the ice and open water of the marsh.

Imagine it’s 22 degrees Farenheit at 9:00am on a winter weekend morning in Michigan.

If you’re like most people, you’re at home, warm, enjoying a late breakfast.

Or maybe you’re sleeping in.

Me?

I’m bundled up in my down winter coat, boots, hat, and mittens on the shores of Lake Erie near the Ohio border. Continue reading Photo of the Week: Great Backyard Bird Count at Pointe Mouillee