It’s easy for people who don’t spend much time in nature to overlook something as spectacular as a Cedar Waxwing. They are small, mostly brown birds, and from a distance there isn’t much that grabs your attention. Often it’s their high-pitched, almost … Continued
Most spiders get a bad rap. Almost all are beneficial, devouring garden pests and presenting no harm to humans whatsoever. Sure, some have a sinister look to them, but they mostly live their lives hiding out, waiting for their next meal. In … Continued
The boldly patterned Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus) is a fairly common lapwing from Africa and the Eastern Mediterannean. The bird has a loud call to match it’s in-your-face plumage, described as sounding like “Did he do it?” Of course this just leaves me with more … Continued
American Robins are beautiful birds. They seem to be most commonly seen on a green lawn hunting for worms. I always think it is nice to spot one posing in a tree.
Wattled Jacanas are attractive birds with elongated toes that allow them to stride along water lily pads on the edges of the shallow lakes and ponds where they live in South America. The males incubate a pair of eggs on a floating nest. … Continued
I’m officially way behind on posting things. It’s been a busy spring with lots of birding. Here is a drawing of a White Rhinoceros from the Potter Park Zoo here in Lansing. Rhinos are fun to draw. They have a … Continued
As you can tell from the content, I intended to post this a few weeks ago, but my spare time was spent birding… Yes! I love spring. I always get excited by the reappearance of plants and animals that didn’t attempt to tough out … Continued
Over the years we have had Eastern Bluebirds nest in our yard. What an incredible treat! In the past ten years the field nearby has been slowly taken over by trees, and we have seen less and less of them. … Continued
I came across numerous examples of these treehoppers feasting on our Redbud tree last summer. They seemed to be more abundant for some reason. My only guess is that the treehoppers liked the fresh, young growth the tree was forced to … Continued
Black-capped Chickadees are great little birds. They are probably one of the most recognizable birds in North America. I can almost imagine Black-capped Chickadees, American Robins and Cardinals arguing about who actually is the most popular. They seem too agreeable … Continued