Monday, September 26, 2011

Autumn is here

Been really busy the last few weeks...only picked up my camera a few times. Now that Autumn is here I will be out more and enjoying the color. It is just starting here in Northern Michigan. Took a short walk along the pond on my favorite walking path and enjoyed the sights and sounds of Autumn.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Fringed Gentian ~Gentiana crinita~

Took a road trip this morning to photograph one of the wildflower species that I have never seen before. Thanks to a great friend and wonderful photographer I was able to locate and photograph this beautiful flower.


                                                              
                                                   To The Fringed Gentian
Thou blossom bright with autumn dew,
And colored with the heaven's own blue,
That openest when the quiet light
Succeeds the keen and frosty night.
Thou comest not when violets lean
O'er wandering brooks and springs unseen,
Or columbines, in purple dressed,
Nod o'er the ground-bird's hidden nest.
Thou waitest late and com'st alone,
When woods are bare and birds are flown,
And frosts and shortening days portend
The aged year is near his end.
Then doth thy sweet and quiet eye
Look through its fringes to the sky,
Blue--blue--as if that sky let fall
A flower from its cerulean wall.
I would that thus, when I shall see
The hour of death draw near to me,
Hope, blossoming within my heart,
May look to heaven as I depart.

-William Cullen Bryant, 1832

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Bird Bath

Busy day at the unfinished bird bath...still have work to do on it. Going to make the upper part bigger so the birds don't fight each other to take a bath. Going to set it up so I can photograph them...will be ready by spring. Today was busy...19 species stopped by to feed at the feeders and enjoy a drink and a bath. the list below is the ones took a bath.
Pileated Woodpecker
Brown Thrasher
Tennessee Warbler
Nashville Warbler
Pine Warbler
American Redstart
Canada Warbler
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
Purple Finch
Song Sparrow
Robin
Mourning Dove
White-breasted Nuthatch
Starling
Chipping Sparrow
Downy Woodpecker