The Elk herd from the Pigeon River State Forest is moving west. Someday I hope to see this in Porter Creek. This appears to be a calf having fun in the water.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Squirrels, salmon & other wildlife
Fall is falling...ok, the leaves are falling. The color is still very nice out a majority of the windows, but out front we are seeing a lot of bare tree trunks. So, of course we start to look around for other interesting sights.
There is so much wildlife around here we don't have to look far. Actually, I sit here typing and can hear the wildlife. It sounds like the bird-feeder banging against a post. This is rather funny (or not depending on your viewpoint) since Joe just spent a pretty penny (as my mom used to say) for two new 'squirrel proof' bird-feeders. Yes, it is the squirrels m
unching away on the sunflower seeds. We have black, gray, red, & fox squirrels. At the moment it is the black squirrels (one with a white tipped tail) that are filling their bellies, but the fox squirrels are standing around barking and trying to figure out how they can get a piece of the action. The poor birds are on their own. No matter how many times I chase the squirrels away they just keep coming back. Joe's suggested squirrel stew, but I'm not sure either of us are up for doing what it would take to get the little guys in a pot.
Stepping away from the house a few feet and wandering along the stream it is fun to watch the Salmon that are still in the creek spawning. Amanda and I went to the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery yesterday. At the hatchery (a must see for visitors who want to see a LOT of fish all in one spot) they have/grow lake & brown trout. Neither are as large as the salmon we see in the back yard. These are the fish that travel from the deep waters in Lake Michigan through Lake Charlevoix and into Porter Creek to spawn. They are either Coho or Chinook Salmon we see every fall and this year is no different. The females hollow out beds to lay their eggs in and the males are right beside them to fertilize. Many times we've been standing on the creekside watching while this dance goes on. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching a nature documentary being made, but this is real life.
Spring-time brings Steelhead into the river and we get the same show again with a slightly more wily fish. Since the Salmon die after spawning they are truly focused on simply getting up river and taking care of the business of creating the next generation. The spring steelhead return to Lake Michigan so are very skittish when it comes to being seen in the water. We typically find a place where we know the fish often make beds and then stand quietly waiting for them to show up.
Other animals in the neighborhood are the ever present deer & the wild turkeys. During the summer we don't see the deer much but we DO see their tracks. They are always hanging around and we're looking forward to more sightings once the leaves are down and the deer yard up for winter. The turkeys have been wandering around and nesting in the trees. We will be seeing more of them as well once the leaves are all down.
I talked about the squirrels, but not the birds. We have so many birds, I'm looking at a female cardinal just now, a tufted titmouse, chickadees, sparrows and goldfinch. In a few weeks we'll put out suet for the woodpeckers. We've seen the flicker on our bird-feeder, but most of the woodpeckers prefer wild grub or suet. We sometimes see pileated woodpeckers, those big woody-woodpecker variety with their ratatat tat call, and often see Hairy, Downy and other varieties year round. My goal this year is to take pictures of as many as possible and post them online. Look for more coming soon...
There is so much wildlife around here we don't have to look far. Actually, I sit here typing and can hear the wildlife. It sounds like the bird-feeder banging against a post. This is rather funny (or not depending on your viewpoint) since Joe just spent a pretty penny (as my mom used to say) for two new 'squirrel proof' bird-feeders. Yes, it is the squirrels m
unching away on the sunflower seeds. We have black, gray, red, & fox squirrels. At the moment it is the black squirrels (one with a white tipped tail) that are filling their bellies, but the fox squirrels are standing around barking and trying to figure out how they can get a piece of the action. The poor birds are on their own. No matter how many times I chase the squirrels away they just keep coming back. Joe's suggested squirrel stew, but I'm not sure either of us are up for doing what it would take to get the little guys in a pot.Stepping away from the house a few feet and wandering along the stream it is fun to watch the Salmon that are still in the creek spawning. Amanda and I went to the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery yesterday. At the hatchery (a must see for visitors who want to see a LOT of fish all in one spot) they have/grow lake & brown trout. Neither are as large as the salmon we see in the back yard. These are the fish that travel from the deep waters in Lake Michigan through Lake Charlevoix and into Porter Creek to spawn. They are either Coho or Chinook Salmon we see every fall and this year is no different. The females hollow out beds to lay their eggs in and the males are right beside them to fertilize. Many times we've been standing on the creekside watching while this dance goes on. Sometimes I feel like I'm watching a nature documentary being made, but this is real life.
Spring-time brings Steelhead into the river and we get the same show again with a slightly more wily fish. Since the Salmon die after spawning they are truly focused on simply getting up river and taking care of the business of creating the next generation. The spring steelhead return to Lake Michigan so are very skittish when it comes to being seen in the water. We typically find a place where we know the fish often make beds and then stand quietly waiting for them to show up.
Other animals in the neighborhood are the ever present deer & the wild turkeys. During the summer we don't see the deer much but we DO see their tracks. They are always hanging around and we're looking forward to more sightings once the leaves are down and the deer yard up for winter. The turkeys have been wandering around and nesting in the trees. We will be seeing more of them as well once the leaves are all down.
I talked about the squirrels, but not the birds. We have so many birds, I'm looking at a female cardinal just now, a tufted titmouse, chickadees, sparrows and goldfinch. In a few weeks we'll put out suet for the woodpeckers. We've seen the flicker on our bird-feeder, but most of the woodpeckers prefer wild grub or suet. We sometimes see pileated woodpeckers, those big woody-woodpecker variety with their ratatat tat call, and often see Hairy, Downy and other varieties year round. My goal this year is to take pictures of as many as possible and post them online. Look for more coming soon...
Monday, October 19, 2009
A weekend in Empire
Empire Michigan: Gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
We spent the weekend exploring the dunes and trails. Our first short hike was Friday night and it was wonderful. We saw a spectacular sunset from the side of a dune on, I believe, the Empire Bluffs trail. The dog ran off leash while we were on the trail and was on leash when we were near the dunes so she wouldn't run on the dune and disturb the grasses in this fragile environment.
What we didn't know was that ANYWHERE in the National Park a dog needed to be on a leash. Not just any leash either - a leash no more than 6' long. The other thing we didn't know...and probably wouldn't have worried about at 7pm on a Friday night was that we needed a permit to park or even be ON the park grounds. Needless to say, we soon learned about both of these items.
Our group ended up a bit strung out with one couple in the lead, a few stragglers near the back and a few of us, myself included, in the middle. The dog was running ahead of me and checking on those in the lead then coming back to check in with me. I was just starting to miss her shortly before we arrived back at the parking lot. As soon as we come into the clearing I knew why I hadn't seen Maddie in a while. She was sitting quietly next to our friends who had her by her collar. Ranger Jim was standing nearby writing out a warning.
Ranger Jim seems like a nice guy. Although our friends said they'd been hearing a lecture on why dogs need to be on a leash for the past 5-10 minutes, and it wasn't even their dog! There really ARE good reasons to have your pet on a leash in the National park, it just isn't apparent when you are walking along a path in the middle of the great north woods and there were no other vehicles in the parking lot. Ranger Jim explained that there is open hunting on the park grounds and this is hunting season. Maddie looks like a fox or coyote or ... you get the picture. I'll try to post a picture of her, she really is beautiful. But we've worried around our house that someone would mistake her for a predator and are considering an orange doggie vest so would have worried there if we'd have known about the hunting.
The car permit was a non-issue with the Ranger. He must see people all the time arriving on a Friday evening and heading out for a hike before getting a permit. Since the permits are good for 7 days and we were only staying the weekend, his warning simply needed to be turned in at the Park Service office in Empire and a pass purchased. The $10. entrance fee is more than reasonable and we were glad to pay it.
On Saturday the guys went on a morning hike while the girls all went shopping in Leelanau. There were the cutest shops in the old fish-town area and the main drag. Many were getting ready to close up for the season so we hit it right for bargain shopping. The afternoon consisted of a hike up the back of the alligator on the Alligator Trail. The overlook of Glen lake was gorgeous. Colors weren't what we had hoped and we decided that the warm winds from the lake have slowed the change on this western shore.
In the picture above (looking up) can you see the people at the top? They look like little sticks at the skyline.
In the picture to the left you can see our friends near the bottom of the dune at the lake-shore. Pictures really don't give you the perspective, it was amazing.
OK - here's the secret. You don't have to climb back up. If you are up for a great little beach walk, you can stash a car at the park near Bar lake and walk about a 1/2 mile along the beach to the park after your descent. I found a Petoskey stone while walking which made it extra fun. The wind was calm and the temperature was mild for mid-October. There was no-one else around and it seemed as if we had the dunes to ourselves. What a wonderful way to spend a fall day!
We spent the weekend exploring the dunes and trails. Our first short hike was Friday night and it was wonderful. We saw a spectacular sunset from the side of a dune on, I believe, the Empire Bluffs trail. The dog ran off leash while we were on the trail and was on leash when we were near the dunes so she wouldn't run on the dune and disturb the grasses in this fragile environment.
What we didn't know was that ANYWHERE in the National Park a dog needed to be on a leash. Not just any leash either - a leash no more than 6' long. The other thing we didn't know...and probably wouldn't have worried about at 7pm on a Friday night was that we needed a permit to park or even be ON the park grounds. Needless to say, we soon learned about both of these items.
Our group ended up a bit strung out with one couple in the lead, a few stragglers near the back and a few of us, myself included, in the middle. The dog was running ahead of me and checking on those in the lead then coming back to check in with me. I was just starting to miss her shortly before we arrived back at the parking lot. As soon as we come into the clearing I knew why I hadn't seen Maddie in a while. She was sitting quietly next to our friends who had her by her collar. Ranger Jim was standing nearby writing out a warning.
Ranger Jim seems like a nice guy. Although our friends said they'd been hearing a lecture on why dogs need to be on a leash for the past 5-10 minutes, and it wasn't even their dog! There really ARE good reasons to have your pet on a leash in the National park, it just isn't apparent when you are walking along a path in the middle of the great north woods and there were no other vehicles in the parking lot. Ranger Jim explained that there is open hunting on the park grounds and this is hunting season. Maddie looks like a fox or coyote or ... you get the picture. I'll try to post a picture of her, she really is beautiful. But we've worried around our house that someone would mistake her for a predator and are considering an orange doggie vest so would have worried there if we'd have known about the hunting.
The car permit was a non-issue with the Ranger. He must see people all the time arriving on a Friday evening and heading out for a hike before getting a permit. Since the permits are good for 7 days and we were only staying the weekend, his warning simply needed to be turned in at the Park Service office in Empire and a pass purchased. The $10. entrance fee is more than reasonable and we were glad to pay it.
On Saturday the guys went on a morning hike while the girls all went shopping in Leelanau. There were the cutest shops in the old fish-town area and the main drag. Many were getting ready to close up for the season so we hit it right for bargain shopping. The afternoon consisted of a hike up the back of the alligator on the Alligator Trail. The overlook of Glen lake was gorgeous. Colors weren't what we had hoped and we decided that the warm winds from the lake have slowed the change on this western shore.
The MOST fun (I suggest everyone give it a try) was the huge vertical drop down the dune (#9) on the Peirce Stocking drive. We didn't get to the dune climb, and frankly I've climbed dunes before, but we did this drop. They warn you that the 450+ foot drop is an exhausting climb back and not to try it unless you are fit. The sign had a personal note which cracked me up (not that I endorse writing graffiti on National Park signs), it read: Seriously dude (next to the part that reads: Return climb is extremely exhausting) think twice!
In the picture above (looking up) can you see the people at the top? They look like little sticks at the skyline.In the picture to the left you can see our friends near the bottom of the dune at the lake-shore. Pictures really don't give you the perspective, it was amazing.
OK - here's the secret. You don't have to climb back up. If you are up for a great little beach walk, you can stash a car at the park near Bar lake and walk about a 1/2 mile along the beach to the park after your descent. I found a Petoskey stone while walking which made it extra fun. The wind was calm and the temperature was mild for mid-October. There was no-one else around and it seemed as if we had the dunes to ourselves. What a wonderful way to spend a fall day!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Deer
We would try this (see video) at Pinch-Me, but we like our roses and the deer already feel like they can simply wander into the yard and help themselves to the plants and flowers. Maybe if we were camping!
We find footprints in the driveway and yard all the time so even when we don't see the deer we know they are visiting us. This summer we brought home a puppy and were afraid that the dog would scare the deer off but they don't seem to mind. I think we are close enough to town and neighbors that the local deer are simply used to the smell and sound of dogs.
It is always fun to see deer (Mom saw 5 in the yard when she was here and more in fields) I'm not sure feeding them at the table is wise.
http://www.snotr.com/video/2772
We find footprints in the driveway and yard all the time so even when we don't see the deer we know they are visiting us. This summer we brought home a puppy and were afraid that the dog would scare the deer off but they don't seem to mind. I think we are close enough to town and neighbors that the local deer are simply used to the smell and sound of dogs.
It is always fun to see deer (Mom saw 5 in the yard when she was here and more in fields) I'm not sure feeding them at the table is wise.
http://www.snotr.com/video/2772
First snow
Yes, it was only Oct 12, but in Northern Michigan you never know when the first snow of the season will fall. Our first snowfall was not nearly as early or as voluminous as those in the western mountains. We should remember, this is the temperate great lakes region. Those large bodies of water both protect us from weather extremes and cause lake effect snows.
I drove to Gaylord last night for class and as I drove the rain changed over to slush falling from the sky. When I dismissed class at nearly 10pm it was snowing. The snow was sticking to cars and trees, but was melting on the ground. Not a snow that will last this time. When I lived in Gaylord for a few years I did notice that typically once the snow began it would snow every day all winter long. Sometimes this would just be a sparkling in the air on an early morning in mid-winter and at other times it would be storms dropping a foot or more of the white stuff.
For those of you in the region waiting for a winter vacation this early snow is a good sign. Start waxing your skis and checking the bindings on your snowshoes, winter is close at hand.
I drove to Gaylord last night for class and as I drove the rain changed over to slush falling from the sky. When I dismissed class at nearly 10pm it was snowing. The snow was sticking to cars and trees, but was melting on the ground. Not a snow that will last this time. When I lived in Gaylord for a few years I did notice that typically once the snow began it would snow every day all winter long. Sometimes this would just be a sparkling in the air on an early morning in mid-winter and at other times it would be storms dropping a foot or more of the white stuff.
For those of you in the region waiting for a winter vacation this early snow is a good sign. Start waxing your skis and checking the bindings on your snowshoes, winter is close at hand.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Falling Leaves
On Friday they said the color is 70% - it looked like it is 50%, but as the trees darken and change it can be hard to determine. On Friday I had the opportunity to drive up M-119 through the famed tunnel of trees. I had hoped for miraculous showing of brilliant colors and did see glimpses, but the peak will probably occur next weekend. That is, as long as the wind and rain don't knock the leaves down. ON Saturday I traveled to Traverse City and again had the chance to see the colors along many miles of country roads. Some spots were in full color and others looked like they had barely begun to change. It is nice to know we have some days of glorious color left to enjoy. There is always that fine line between color peak and the last of the leaves of fall.
Still, each day I see the leaves glowing from the inside out as they flash bright oranges, reds and yellows. When the sky is muted the leaves seem to light up the outdoors. The most perfect maple grows across the street and I see it each time I leave my house. I'll try to snap a picture and post it.
This is such an amazing time of year, watching Mother Nature put on a cloak of color just before the world turns white for months on end. What a gift to have the ability to see and enjoy this display. Watch out for me as I drive around for the next week or so. I tend to be a bit more dangerous a driver during color season since my eyes wander from tree to tree.
Still, each day I see the leaves glowing from the inside out as they flash bright oranges, reds and yellows. When the sky is muted the leaves seem to light up the outdoors. The most perfect maple grows across the street and I see it each time I leave my house. I'll try to snap a picture and post it.
This is such an amazing time of year, watching Mother Nature put on a cloak of color just before the world turns white for months on end. What a gift to have the ability to see and enjoy this display. Watch out for me as I drive around for the next week or so. I tend to be a bit more dangerous a driver during color season since my eyes wander from tree to tree.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Fall Apples
The apple trees are hanging heavy on the trees. Driving down the road you see old homestead orchards bright with round red apples. I start to reminisce about taking my young children to a commercial apple (cherry, peach) orchard to pick fruit; how fun to climb the trees or ladders heading to the top where the biggest and reddest apples are found. We'd fill a bushel in no time and head home to make apple pie.
As a young adult I would often find these abandoned orchards and fill a basket for free when I knew the land was vacant and there was no house nearby. There was always the chance that the property owner would take exception to my pilfering, but none ever did. A favorite spot to pick apples is an old orchard on the township property in the woods nearby. I could imagine the deer eating the fallen fruit in the evenings while we were home eating pie or apple crisp. The old apple trees provide so much enjoyment for so many creatures.
When my children were teens I would send them out (kicking and complaining) to a tree along the roadside that I knew hung heavy with fruit. They didn't want to go for fear of having someone chase them away, but they couldn't resist Mom's insistent requests and the thought of warm apple pie after dinner. This year I have spied a gorgeous group of trees on some vacant land with the brightest, biggest apples. This year I'm passing on the adventure and purchasing my apples from the farm market. Joe is happy that no matter where they come from, he'll still get his pie.
As a young adult I would often find these abandoned orchards and fill a basket for free when I knew the land was vacant and there was no house nearby. There was always the chance that the property owner would take exception to my pilfering, but none ever did. A favorite spot to pick apples is an old orchard on the township property in the woods nearby. I could imagine the deer eating the fallen fruit in the evenings while we were home eating pie or apple crisp. The old apple trees provide so much enjoyment for so many creatures.
When my children were teens I would send them out (kicking and complaining) to a tree along the roadside that I knew hung heavy with fruit. They didn't want to go for fear of having someone chase them away, but they couldn't resist Mom's insistent requests and the thought of warm apple pie after dinner. This year I have spied a gorgeous group of trees on some vacant land with the brightest, biggest apples. This year I'm passing on the adventure and purchasing my apples from the farm market. Joe is happy that no matter where they come from, he'll still get his pie.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fall Colors
The fall colors are starting to pop. I'll get a first hand look at the region on Sunday when I travel to Harbor Springs, then down to Traverse City before returning to Boyne City. Right here they are just starting to turn and there is still a lot of green out there.
We've had a lot of rain the the Salmon are running in Porter Creek. This is both wonderful and a challenge this year because we purchased a new puppy two months ago and she wants to run into the creek and find Salmon - or just eat any remains she may find laying around. We know we have some hunters in the woods and occasionally find what they leave behind.
The Michigan economy is playing havoc with our local financial situation. Surprisingly by all reports the local retailers report doing well this summer. If we have another snowy winter like last year they'll do well in that season and have the first really good year in many. Boyne has new stores opening, a new arts enclave is growing in South Boyne (the SoBo district). There for a while I worried that our downtown was dwindling, but it is once again the vibrant community and I am SO happy to be living here.
What a beautiful day in Northern Michigan.
We've had a lot of rain the the Salmon are running in Porter Creek. This is both wonderful and a challenge this year because we purchased a new puppy two months ago and she wants to run into the creek and find Salmon - or just eat any remains she may find laying around. We know we have some hunters in the woods and occasionally find what they leave behind.
The Michigan economy is playing havoc with our local financial situation. Surprisingly by all reports the local retailers report doing well this summer. If we have another snowy winter like last year they'll do well in that season and have the first really good year in many. Boyne has new stores opening, a new arts enclave is growing in South Boyne (the SoBo district). There for a while I worried that our downtown was dwindling, but it is once again the vibrant community and I am SO happy to be living here.
What a beautiful day in Northern Michigan.
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