Michigan Photo Shoot

Got up at a decent hour the next morning, went through the routine, and spent a wonderful hour out on the deck just enjoying whatever came by! A pretty American Goldfinch was the highlight, along with a Robin that was whinnying and singing! At around 8:30 we headed over to the Pine River Nature Center, but it was just gonna be Laura and Ida meeting us – no Archie (their Golden Retriever)! But when we got there, there was a sign that said, “No dogs on the trail”, so I guess it was a good thing! And it was indeed a lovely place, but I’m glad I brought my stick as there were several steps and inclines, as well as loose rocks. Birds were singing all over, so added a bunch of year birds by ear (unfortunately nothing got filmed except a lovely Ebony Jewelwing): Mourning Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher were highlights, but the Redstart had me wondering until he sang his “email” song! I cottoned Dave and Laura onto Merlin, and they both downloaded the app when they saw how impressive it was in IDing the birds (but I warned them that Merlin isn’t always right)! We visited the “treehouse” which had a nice view of the canopy (Ida insisted it was haunted), and then went to the VC where Ida could look at the stuffed and live animals (that Grizzly was impressive)! The Eastern Box Turtle was beautiful with his yellow cheeks, and the director was telling us that they were confiscated by Michigan game officials because they’re a threatened species.