BACKYARD VISITORS

 I’m slowly building my backyard habitat to attract birds. Goldfinches are my regulars. They love drinking from my patio fountain.  Recently, I put out a hummingbird feeder. This ruby-throated beauty became the first to visit.

 

 

LAVENDER

 Another fragrant, vibrant summer beauty.

 

 

GREAT EGRET

I was passing a small wetland on the corner of US-31 and Sawyer Road when I spotted a great egret, the first I’d seen this year.  I pulled over to watch the gorgeous bird feed, but I was still too far away for good close-ups.  Sometimes the thrill is in the seeing versus the picture-taking.

 

 

DIRECTIONAL CHALLENGES

 I was in Maple City taking pictures when I realized I wasn’t far from the Bohemian Road/669 beach.  Unable to resist the Lakeshore’s pull, I headed there and found the beach full of people.  It was a great sight, but not ideal for scenic photography.  So I drove a short distance to Lake Michigan Road, which runs parallel to the water, and saw beautiful beaches, sun-drenched fern forests, keyhole views of the Whaleback, and Shalda Creek awaiting the fall salmon run.  I drove the north end first and then turned around for the south end.  I was puzzled, though, because my mirror compass and my GPS both showed I was going northwest when I KNEW I was headed south.  It wasn’t until I got home and looked on Google Maps that I found I’d been heading “up” towards Pyramid Point.  Indeed, I’d been going north after all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MONARCH ON TENNIS BALL

 I usually pick up Gracie’s outdoor toys each evening, but her tennis ball escaped me.  The next day, I found this beautiful monarch butterfly perched on its fuzzy surface.  Luckily, I got off a few shots before Gracie chased it off.