I love salamanders. Unfortunately, Michigan isn’t exactly the salamander capital of the world. I grew up in western New York where they are abundant. Whenever I return to my hometown I try go into the woods and turn over some … Continued
I found this awesome jumping spider on the faucet of the bathroom sink one morning. It was quite tiny—only about an eighth of an inch. I brought it downstairs and put it under the 100mm macro lens and three flashes … Continued
Crab spiders have habits that surprise some people. Unlike many spiders, they aren’t web builders. They are well camouflaged, hiding in flowers waiting for an unsuspecting bee, fly or beetle to come by to eat dinner… then WHAM, the crab spider pounces on their prey. It can be a dangerous world out there!
Our children are very absorbed in the natural world. They adore pretty much every thing furry, feathered and scaled that you can imagine coming across. I’m also very proud that they aren’t turned off by the creepy crawly things that … Continued
I’ve always enjoyed coming across common snapping turtles. I still remember seeing one for the first time on a canoe trip in Western NY and thinking it was scary and prehistoric. I was told by an adult on the trip … Continued
Finding these beautiful spiders is always a treat. This one built a big web in a clematis. It had a “house” that it stitched together out of leaves and silk to hide in by day. It took a week to … Continued
American goldfinches are cheery birds. I thought I’d try out a really quick watercolor and ink of this male. Original painting is available here.
