I see Sandhill Cranes often when I’m shooting in farm country this time of year. I saw six of them together in one spot but they were too far away to get good pictures. I moved on to the field where I often see my favorite pair. The farmer had replaced the corn crop with soybeans this year. I found my two regulars feasting away, one pecked and ate while the other stood guard. It was great to see them up close.
I never get enough sky and water scenes. So many shades of blue, it's impossible to name them all. Cerulean, turquoise, azure, and many more. I try soaking them up as summer moves towards fall... before the blue on blue becomes gray on gray.
I love this time of summer when gardens bloom with so many varieties. I favor the delicate late season Rose of Sharon and Hibiscus blossoms, but all the bright colored beauties are attractive. Our growing season is so short in northwestern Lower Michigan, all we can do is enjoy them while we can.
One thing I enjoy about living in Traverse City is its proximity to other interesting places. Quaint towns, the Lakeshore, and two amazing peninsulas are all within an hour’s drive. On a recent visit to Charlevoix with a longtime friend from my teaching days, we saw the South Pier Light on Lake Michigan, Earl Young’s mushroom houses, and homes with beautiful gardens and unique house toppers. And we still had time for some shopping and lunch in the vibrant downtown.
On my way to Glen Haven, I passed the same marsh where I’d seen a Great Egret last May. It was now choked with lily pads, but was still a nice scene against the blue sky and tall dunes. And I lucked out seeing waterfowl again! One was a Great Blue Heron I caught fishing. The other was a Green Heron protesting my presence. What a great habitat this marsh is for seeing water birds!
