The winters in Michigan can sometimes seem long and frigid. As compensation for the cold, we get treated by some great winter visitors. Some are common, but charming, like juncos. Others, like redpolls and siskins only appear in our … Continued
Our viburnum hedge always attracts tons of cedar waxwings.They have to be one of the sleekest looking birds around.
Although I have painted a few male ebony jewelwings, this is the first female that I’ve painted. They have more subtle coloration than the males, lacking the intense metallic green. Instead, they have more bronze tones with a touch … Continued
Jays are beautiful birds. They are incredibly intelligent and can mimic other birds quite well. Unfortunately, Jays also create plenty of mischief. They can bully the other birds at a feeder, and empty it in a New York minute. The jays … Continued
We won the lottery when we got Archie from the local pound. I can’t imagine a better dog. He isn’t a snuggly guy, but he is very loving. He knows some fun tricks, including jumping through hoops and going down … Continued
Any day that you get to see a gray treefrog is a good day. I hear these guys all the time, but see them only occasionally. Currently we have a green one living in a big set of wind chimes … Continued
House sparrows are a real problem. They are said to be the most abundant wild bird species in the world. Visually, the males have some appeal. One can’t help but admiring their tenacity. At the same time they outcompete many … Continued
Winter never seems quite as long if the redpolls decide to come this far south in Michigan.
Damselflies have long been a favorite insect of mine. I remember first seeing them when I was very young. I thought they looked like little jewels. I’d see different varieties when we’d go to a nearby lake. All the damselflies, … Continued
Over the years I’ve done a few paintings of these spectacular, yet common broad-winged damselflies. Its fun to watch these efficient predators eating mosquitoes along a stream in the woods. Admittedly they don’t look the same with out the black … Continued