What I've been up to since the last time

 Well I have been working on many different projects since my last blog post. Thought I would share some of the projects that have consumed my time and energy.

Between the yard work, baking our bread, and just general life chores I have been working on a new series of drawings. These are drawing my creatvity from local species which I have a definite connection. 

The first is completed. The Red Shouldered Hawk that made our woods a hunting territory. It did result in a few less of our feeder birds. The poor mourning dove just don't move fast enough. In researching the hawk I found some interesting facts. Their eyesight is so acute that can discern the urine tracks of critters from extreme heights.

Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Red-shouldered Hawks are medium-sized slender buteos, larger than Broad-wings but smaller than Red-tails. They have body lengths of 18 to 24 inches and wingspans of 3 1/2 to 4 feet. Their backs are brown, flecked with white, and their shoulders are rufous. Immature birds have brown teardrop-shaped streaks on their white breasts; adults have pale robin-red underparts.

Red-shouldered Hawks inhabit low, wet, open woodlands usually near a river, stream or swamp. We have an open area near us and within a a half mile of our home is the Muskegon Lake Snug Harbor area. They prey upon the wide variety of animal life found there: small mammals, frogs, snakes, lizards, insects and birds. Hawks have excellent eyesight. They can see up to 8 times more clearly than the sharpest human eye. Eyesight is primarily used for hunting. Hawks can see colors, like most humans can, as well as those in the ultraviolet range. This means that the hawks can perceive colors that humans cannot see.

Some Red-shoulders remain resident in Michigan year round, but most migrate southward as winter approaches. They were once common here, but loss of their preferred habitat and other factors not yet clearly identified have reduced their numbers. At present they are considered endangered in the state.

The work measures 14w x 16h inches and is completed in Prismacolor inks of various pen sizes. The next drawing is the Pileated Woodpecker a current work in progress. It has been placed on hold as I work on this Christmas card. 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas card has the pencil work completed and the inking will soon begin. Here is just a small peak at a portion of the card.

 

This is a very small portion of the card in rough pencil.

 

Time Passes and We Often Forget

 When we first moved to the Muskegon area we were enticed by all of the natural beauty and wonderful places to walk. We checked out the The Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. We loved walking the trails through the marsh bogs and enjoyed the bird life there. Then as we became more accustomed to walking the Muskegon State Park Trails and the Channel Walk we simply forgot about the Preserve. Over the past few years a lot of work was being done there and so we just didn't go back.

A few days ago we wandered back into the Preserve. What we found was a treasure right on our doorstep. The trails have been tidied up to make walking easier, picnic tables and benches have been scattered throughout. These resting spots have beautiful vistas to Muskegon Lake and the Muskegon River.

 

We took a leisurely walk through the preserve starting at it's entrance in North Muskegon. Our first stop was a wonderful view of Muskegon Lake and the condos in North Muskegon with their boat docks. Sailboats and pleasure craft created a quiet marine vista. In the middle of this picture was  a crane. Wading and fishing in the shallows near our bench. From here we also saw a rather large bird of prey. We were unable to identify it but we have seen eagles and hawks as we traveled the causeway.

Crane wading and fishing.

View of the Marsh - blurred bird of prey on right.

The side of the trail was bejeweled with late summer wildflowers,. Red, yellow, blue violet colors seemed to create a Van Gogh like palette of wild flowers. As we walked we could hear the sounds of ducks as they flew over and landed in the shallows of the lake edge.

A field of Black Eyed Susan

Wild Skullcap

Wild Cardinal Flower

    

On the trail we arrived at the wooden walkway along the river channel as it enters into the lake, Here there is a large three level observation lookout. This allows you to see out into the lake and across the river. Flocks of swans and seagulls were enjoyable to see and hear.

A group of Cardinal flowers with observation lookout in the left corner.

We took the trail then through the marsh that borders the causeway and came upon a Swan just relaxing in the cattails. We also saw again a plant we had noticed earlier in the week on Lost Lake trek. Being always curious to unknown plants I had looked it up to discover a Button Bush. Though the berries and plant is poisonous it is most intriguing in it's appearance. We had no intentions of dining on it so no problem, just interest!

Button Bush seed pods.

 

We also discovered an abundance of Poke Weed a reminder of "Polk Salad Annie, gators got your granny"

Poke weed going to seed.

 

                                       Tony Joe White  -  Polk Salad Annie

Hope you enjoy the photos below. By the way no gators in the Muskegon River and swamp lands, Just fish, birds, frogs, turtles, and kayakers.

Not an alligator - just turtles on a log - not celery and raisins either.

Get out there and enjoy where you are. You'll be surprised by the wonders you will find!

July 9, 2022 - Fireworks

Once there was a time when I was excited about the Fourth of July. A time when I was proud of celebrating a nation's birth and tenets. Though the nation has always been imperfect we seemed to have constantly worked at creating a better one with each passing generation. We watched as we changed our extension of freedom and voting rights. We saw history correct, in the interest of the nation, the societal ills of economic greed, and the inequality of it's citizens.

With the passing of time we seemed to have been improving in the expansion of the ideals for which our nation stands. 

However, beginning in 2016 we saw our nation becoming more of an oligarchical government. Those of extreme wealth and privilege used our nation as their private domain. Denying the basic tenets of our Constitution for their own advancement. Seeking power for the few instead of the power of the people. Falsely questioning the rule of law. Shaking the tradition of passing the torch of freedom. Encouraging sedition for personal gain.

I avoided all displays of superficial patriotism this year, no parades, no flag waving, no fireworks. In it's place I celebrated the joy of nature. Taking pride in my little peace of wooded freedom. Enjoying family and sharing with them conversation and nourishment.  Watching children play, I dreamed again of the America I hope they have the opportunity to grow up in. One where we value each other. Where we follow the rule of law for every citizen, Where we allow persons to make their own decisions in determining what is their best interest. A nation that realizes that separation of church and state is basic principle that should never be thrown away. Understanding the value of nation should belong to all not just a few.

The power of the people's vote is how we determine the power of government and it's leaders.

To celebrate this time I am including a few flower fireworks. Flower Power.

I have added a song by Janis Ian for the hope I have of our nation's future.

And that is the end of this old Hippy's Rant. (for today)

 

 

A little song from Janis Ian to keep us moving forward.

Better times will come - Janis Ian

JUne 22, 2022 More Great Weather

We have been experiencing some really great weather. It is warm but the breezes have been pleasant and kept the insects at bay. Watching the birds as they bath in the waterfall or bird spa is a great activity. They seem to be addicted to the water, splashing, leaving and return to splash some more.

We haven't seen Mr. P our neighborhood Pileated Woodpecker for a few days. We always get concerned by his absence btu know that when it heats up he usually returns deeper into the woods. We will keep our eyes open and our ears as well. His loud thumping as he builds a nesting hole or looks for bugs often reassures us of his well being.

He will be the next drawing in my large birds series, 

As promised here is the completed drawing for the Red Shouldered Hawk.

Red Shouldered Hawk

I am also posting a short video of deer as they meander through the back of our wooded plot. 

These deer like to travel through the area on a regular basis. As a result of their habitual visits I have learned which plants to leave growing. The first year here I trimmed all the Sassafras trees which only open our gardens up as a salad bar for the deer. I now plant many shade and deer friendly plants. This cuts down on their nibbling. However, when they are hungry they will eat anything. I have started to use Plant Skyd on plants that bloom and those that seem to be very tasty to the deer. This seems to be working well. Since ther is no hunting allowed t=in the state park behind us they do not sscare easily and often I feel they come to watch the people.

 

 

June 15, 2022 -Summer Weather has Arrived

We have waited through the spring for warmer weather. Now it is here and we are seeing things come to life again. The red shouldered hawk is still making it's early morning and mid afternoon rounds. It's high pitched screech reminds us that we should be prepare to look deeply into the sky if we want to catch a glimpse of it's flight.

The hawk is a spirit animal that reminds us to look deeply into our world. To seek with our mind's eye the detail we need to proceed with our life goals.

I have been working on a drawing of the hawk and will be posting the completed drawing soon.

The warm weather has brought our pond fish back to active life. I had seen them earlier this spring. Happy that I had safely over wintered them. But, then they disappeared. I didn't see them for a few days, Believing that perhaps the hawk, racoon or our visiting Mallard duck couple may have eaten them; I purchased some new fish to add to the pond. The big fish returned the very next day. We now have a total of seven fish in the pond. Also, the frogs have returned.

 

 

 

Not only is the pond teeming with life. the flowers have also brought their beauty with this warm weather. We can enjoy our deck, yard and company in the beauty of our little bit of paradise. We were fortunate to share some family time with the grand kids this past weekend. Looking forward to more outdoor activities as we anticipate the arrival of the Germans. Here are just a few shots of the flowers in bloom currently.

I planted the foxglove to ward off the deer. They seem to work and have taken to the shady light of the woods. Hopefully they will keep spreading deeper into the woods.

Planted this Dianthus the second year we were here, it now returns each year.

The Cranes Bill is just beginning to bloom.

Caught this bee enjoying the Bluestar

pretty pink columbines

Deck planter

Bocce Girl loves her Foxgloves

June 1, 2022 Enjoying the Weather

Well, we did very little on Memorial Day. Some yard work and a little putzing around. Mainly just enjoyed the wonderful weather. We did ride out late one night to see if we could catch a glimpse of some meteorites. We think we saw a few but couldn't really determine if it was what were supposed to be seeing. Some things seemed to move in the sky but nothing as impressive as previous observations.

It was nice to be out anyway in the cool night breezes.

Speaking of breezes, the weather here was rather balmy and the pollen from the oaks was everywhere. The pond water seemed to be covered in maple seeds and pollen. The fish didn't seem to mind and seem to also enjoy the warmer weather

I took a few photos of the garden plants to share. Also, there is a video bath time .

Enjoy!

Japanese Maple

White Bleeding Heart in front berm garden

Another shot of the Bleeding Heart

Rhododendron in bloom

A shot of the entrance

View of pond patio from the Bocce court

Pink Bleeding Heart

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                          Pond fish

                              Mrs. Cardinal enjoys bath tome at the bird spa

Memorial Day Weekend

It seems the weather has broken and we are getting a glimpse of the potential summer ahead. It is nice to feel the abundant sunshine and warmer air.

 I've taken a few shots of the yard and garden blooms to add to the blog. 

A little story. 

The cold weather and ducks in our small pond led us to believe the three goldfish that we so carefully overwintered were gone. For five days we saw no sign of them. Thinking the ducks or a racoon may have eaten them I went and purchased some new fish. I got eight more. Added them to the pond. Lost one almost immediately. The weathered warmed and suddenly the three big fish were back. Evidently the cold had sent them back into their dormant state behind the waterlily roots and pot. I now have at least eight fish in the pond. Their may be two more but they are black/brown and the pond has so many shadows they are hard to find. I did see one in the early morning sun two days ago, but not since then.

So what do I do with all this fish if they all survive. Stay tuned to find out.

These are some shots of a few of the visitors we see daily. There are many more and I will try to catch some photos of them as the summer and year progresses,

I will try to catch our house wren singing to add tg the next blog post. They are often referred to as the bulldogs of the bird kingdom.

The Goldfinches come throughout the day singing and eating food I will try to get a photo of them in the bird spa splashing away.

Ajuga ground cover

New addition this spring Poppy Anemone

Deck planter

Allium

View on the pond

Little unknown blue flowers by pond

View of fire pit with Irises and Foxgloves

Ajuga

Irises

Columbines

Hostas and Ferns