SPRING BEAUTY ABOUNDS

SPRING POPPING OUT ALL OVER

BEACH TIME

It'd been sunny all day and I decided to head to Lake Michigan for the sunset.  Empire became my destination since it was only thirty minutes away.

By the time I arrived at the beach, clouds above the horizon had begun to obscure the possibility of a clear sunset.

I love the Empire beach because it has so much to offer.  Lots of beautiful sand and dune grass are there to enjoy.

The Empire Bluffs also provide a striking backdrop in the distance. 

The brick wall makes a perfect place for watching the sunset.

There's so much to do at the Empire Beach.  Kids were playing on the swings and shooting hoops at the basketball court.  A few people were tossing tennis balls to their dogs  too.

A dune buggy without a top was even enjoying the beach;  I noticed the driver was dressed in a warm coat and  winter hat.

While the sunset didn't materialize as I'd hoped, the many people enjoying their time outdoors was a clear sign that beach time was here.

MAJESTIC!!!

There's a certain amount of serendipity in photography.  You've got to be in the right place at the right time.  That happened to me as I driving on Old Mission Peninsula towards Bowers Harbor.

I saw it from a distance...the distinctive brown body with a white head.  My heart quickened.  I slowed the car, pulled over, and rolled down my window. 

I had my walk-around lens on my camera body, and worried it wouldn't have enough length.  But as the Bald Eagle turned and looked down at me, I could see with the first few shots that it was just fine.

I'd seen several Bald Eagles before, but never had the chance to photograph one.  From its beat-up bill, it appeared that this was a mature bird.  Eagles can live up to 38 years.

The eagle seemed to be staying put, so I was able to switch to my longer, close-up lens.  Occasionally, it would look down at me with its eagle eye.  I wouldn't want to tangle with this one! 

But most of the time the eagle was focused out over Bowers Harbor searching for its next meal.  They eat mainly fish and the bird was attentive to what was happening in the calm waters of this bay.  I'd hoped to get the chance to see it swoop down and claim a fish from the water, but that didn't happen.

Then the bird struck the classic Bald Eagle pose...the one you see on money, flags, and stamps.  What a strong, yet beautiful critter!  No wonder it's our national emblem.

How majestic this Bald Eagle was!  And what a special photo opportunity it was for me.