The eastern gray squirrel is found mainly in mature hardwoods & deciduous forests areas but is also abundant in urban, suburban and rural areas. The coats of the gray squirrel are generally a gray color but can vary from black to white.
Invasive Cow vetch is widely used as a forage crop for cattle, and is beneficial to other plants because, like other leguminous plants, it enriches the soil in which it grows by its nitrogen-fixing properties. Although, it is considered an invasive plant in many areas.
Today I had to go out and collect a few fresh milkweed leaves for my Monarch caterpillars I am raising. While out hunting I came across the Milkweed Tussock Moth Caterpillar and thought to myself, now here is a critter I have not done a post on that you might find interesting.
So what is this crazy looking insect? Have you seen one before? This is the common scorpionfly. To me, there is nothing common about the look of this little guy.
Chicory is known for its electric blue flowers, creating a spectacular summer show along roadsides, ditches and fields.
Read More
July is a rather slow month for wildlife in my area so I like to turn the camera on bugs and butterflies because they seem to be plentiful during the month of July. July is for bugs and butterflies! Read More
Did you know bumble bees have pockets? When they get full of pollen they use their legs to comb the pollen off of them & mix it with nectar and stick it into their pollen baskets. What’s in your pocket bumble bee? Read More
Showy bush honeysuckle are easy botanicals to pick out in the spring landscape of Wisconsin because they are green and most likely, flowering before additional trees and plants because they are not native to the area. Read More
It’s The Weekend
How about a weekend with the drone in Oconto County? Heading To Another County in search of blue skies and sunshine.
Apparently my husband is as sick of the rain as myself. After hearing the weatherman say rain was forecasted all weekend for our area, he told me to grab my gear because we are driving until we hit sunshine this weekend.
Read More
This week has amounted to rain, goslings, weeding the flower beds.
The beginning of the week rained and I was itching to get outside and trying to see if there were any new blooming wildflowers and plants and how big the goslings had grown in a few days time along the trails.
Read More
Kewaunee Wisconsin Lighthouse
It was a beautiful winter day for a drive to the Kewaunee Wisconsin lighthouse and Lake Michigan.
Read More
The mayapple plants scientific name is Podophyllum peltatum and is part of my running Wisconsin wildflower collection. The mayapple wildflower in Wisconsin was found on one of my walks through the Wisconsin woodland areas.
Read More
This morning tour is from along the winter shoreline of Lake Michigan in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. You will get a glimpse and 360-degree view of the island that the Baileys Harbor birdcage lighthouse sits on and winter Lake Michigan shoreline
Read More
Fumee Falls
Fumee Falls is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch or snack and also stop for a roadside bathroom break. The falls are small but beautiful! There is a wooden bridge, path, and stairway leading to a higher viewing.
Read More
What does one do in winter to feed their photography need? Well, in Wisconsin, I enjoy hunting down eagles sitting in the trees and fishing because its eagle season.
Wisconsin wildflowers and invasives. Most of the photographs were taken while on walks along paths and through the woods. Well, at least I tell everyone I’m going for a walk. Really, I’m just exploring my options for photographing. Shhh! Don’t tell.
Northern Cardinal
Northern cardinals remain paired up throughout the year, unlike most bird species. Male will feed female while she sits on the nest and the male will also feed the female. Young Cardinals have a black beak and adults have beaks in a reddish, orange or pink coloring. Read about how to attract this stunning bird to your yard.
European Starlings & Change In Weather
The last week of November in Wisconsin can be sunny and bright or snowy and dreary. This week I watched the European Starlings visit the feeder and witnessed both the bright and sunny weather and the dreary winter weather setting in.
Read More
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Our winter visitors the red-breasted nuthatches at back for the season. As soon as the weather starts getting cold, I will usually see my first red-breasted nuthatch.
Read More
Fields of Sandhill Cranes and a Stop at the Swamp
Today my daughter and I took a drive to try and find a piece of property I have been wanting to visit. This piece of property that was looking for was swampland with public hunting grounds and was where my uncles and grandfather used to hunt during the fall. It was a beautiful country drive with views of fields of sandhill cranes.
Read More
The Canadian goldenrod and a few additional goldenrod varieties are host plants to gall fly larva. The Gall fly produces goldenrod galls which become the food source of gall fly larva over the course of the winter. The insect has a fairly interesting lifecycle.
Read More
There is a soft and gentle rain coming down from the heavens this morning as I sit quietly at my kitchen table watching the deck peanut wreath full of blue jays and peanuts quickly disappear.
Lake of the Falls
Lake of the Falls County Park is located on the Turtle River between Lake of the Falls and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Mercier, Wisconsin.
Ten Turtles on a Log
A quick walk around a piece of property that has a few ponds with fallen logs and I ran into ten turtles on a log.
Male House Finch
House finches are rarely seen walking on the ground. They are known for their hopping abilities, they will place both feet together and hop from location to location. Read More
I’ve been sticking fairly close to home lately, I’ve been walking the trail system around the UWGB campus and made many morning trips to Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary. This isn’t a traditional year for me. Fall always brings a road trip or two, most of my yearly travel budget goes toward traveling for fall colors. But not this year. I have my eye on an investment and that means I need to tighten the budget today for fun tomorrow.
I say she still has her spots but truth be told, I haven’t a clue if this is a male or a female, but I say it is because of the absolute sweetness she displayed.
Read More
The Ephraim Wisconsin Wetlands Preserve will only take less than 30 minutes to walk from start to finish. It isn’t the walk that should interest you, it is the plant and wildlife during certain seasons that would nature buffs.
Read More
Get ready for the Seymour Wisconsin Balloon Rally Glow. It is one of my favorite activities during Seymour’s Burger Fest and the only portion I take part in.
Read More
Dune Thistle Flower
Known As: Dune Thistle
Scientific Name: Cirsium Pitcheri
Wisconsin Status: Threatened
Federal Status: Threatened
This thistle is so rare that it is listed both by the State of Wisconsin and by the federal government as “threatened.” Its habitat, the Great Lakes dunes that are also threatened.
I Find Them While Hiking Here:
Ridges Sanctuary Door County Wisconsin
Whitefish Dunes State Park Door County Wisconsin
Whitefish Dunes State Park is an 863 acre park in Door County, Wisconsin that has beautiful hiking trails a Lake Michigan beach, and the highest sand dunes in Wisconsin.
Read More
What a glorious view! That is what everyone in your party will say when you make it to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Love lighthouses? How about a peninsula that has 11 must-see lighthouses? The 11 must-see lighthouses in Door County Wisconsin will impress any lighthouse lover or history buff.
Spiderwort
The three-petaled spiderwort wildflowers are usually blue to a variety of purples, but may also be pink, white or red.
Read More
Frog Bay Tribal National Park Bayfield Wisconsin
Frog Bay Tribal National Park is the first national tribal park in Wisconsin and all of the United States. The property is owned by the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and has 180 acres, of which, there are two trails open to the public.
Read More
Jack in the Pulpit
A common woodland plant that produces purple-spotted and striped leaves in the spring (April–May).
One of many beetles in the blister beetle family. The beetles are part of the Meloidae family, they are called blister beetles for a good reason.
The Eastern American Toad thrilling video – (thrilling) is the sound they make. The thrilling sound can last for up to 30 seconds at a time and you normally hear them in May in Wisconsin. Read More
Early MeadowRue
Early Meadowrue is generally found in places that have not been disturbed by human interaction.
Read More
The woods are blooming full of trout lily in Wisconsin. I have been lucky to track down each of the varieties, except the pink variety this year thus far.
The northern flicker (Colaptes auratus) or common flicker is a medium-sized bird of the woodpecker family. It is native to most of North America, parts of Central America, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, and is one of the few woodpecker species that migrate.
Read moe
Oh my gosh! How darn cute is he?
(Picture shared on Instagram)
Nose to Nose With a Raccoon
I was out laying down in the woods, dressed in brown and green clothing and covered in leaves, hoping, waiting and praying to lure in the fanning male turkeys but I received a little surprise. I looked over to see two little eyes staring at me.
I could almost hear him say, “Hey lady! Occupied!”
Guess you will have to wait on turkey photos. Yep! Got ’em too. It was a good day!!
Additional Posts:
All Midwest Photography
All Wisconsin Wildlife Photography
Ah, the lovely song of the wood frog orchestra means that spring is finally here in Wisconsin!
Read More
Today is one day that my husband looks forward to, picking up the Spyder from the hunting grounds shed. I was driving with him to the grounds and driving back his truck, bring Scout he said so you have someone to ride back with. Oh, that was an excellent idea!
Drake Common Merganser
After walking some trails today at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary, I sat on a bench around the duck pond for 15 minutes, there was a drake common merganser keeping me company.
Walks With Wildlife
This week has been a glorious week, the snow is melting and the temperatures are comfortable. I have resumed my weekly walks with wildlife. Welcome spring and more wildlife and plant life to point my lens at.
Early spring there isn’t much color, everything is brown with a little green. Bored with the regular walking paths and nature areas I decided to take my neighbor up on his offer and walk their new property of 50 acres.
When you see a large patch of white in an area that has no snow, you have to investigate. Low and behold – it isn’t snow! It is Snow White though 🙂
A short 15-second video that shows a picture of the ovenbird warbler and has the audio to hear what the bird sounds like.
✔ Feel free to share the video
Read More
The American Goldfinch is a beautiful songbird that you can easily attract you your backyard. The males have bright yellow coats with a bold black cap and black wings barred with white. The female is less striking with olive-yellow feathers.
Read More
The Downy woodpecker is the smallest of North America’s woodpeckers but there are many smaller species elsewhere, especially the piculets.
Read More
I’m not sure about you, but I know for me I have noticed that life seems off balance. My husband and I spend much of our time apart, due to our winter hobbies and work. We dedicate one weekend day a month together to reconnect. The pictures included in this posting are from our Sunday drive in early March to Oconto County, Wisconsin.
Inside the Old Cabins Smoky Mountain National Park – We ventured out into the heavy wooded areas of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park trying to locate the old section of cabins on this visit. Our first attempt was unsuccessful. But, we found a little help at the distillery…
Red-bellied woodpeckers LOVE peanuts. I attract them in winter by adding unshelled peanuts to the feeders. I enjoy watching them take peanuts, one by one. They are interesting to watch.
Read More
Today I headed out to go snowshoeing in Neshota Park Denmark Wisconsin. The park is excellent in all seasons but the draw of it being only one of two parks in Brown County that is close to my house and I can snowshoe makes it my first stop.
Read More
HOUSE FINCH
The house finch is a small passerine bird that is part of the family Fringillidae. They are generally seen hanging onto the food source their eating from, perched or scavenging the ground for food.
Wisconsin once had over 40 covered bridges. The last covered bridge in Wisconsin is located in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. That is just an amazing fact to me.
Read More
Answering Questions on ATV & UTVing
I get questions via private Facebook inbox at times on all subjects on this site. From garden related questions to a location that I have shared. Sorry, I can’t answer every question due to time, but do take requests and questions under advisement. Even, if I do not reply right away, I’m reading them; promise.
Chapel Ridge Heights Shrine of St Anthony Green Bay of PADUA is located on the UWGB 290 acre Cofrin Memorial Arboretum. It is open to the public. The video shows how to locate the chapel and a tour of the inside and outside of the chapel.
Photographing and exploring old structures inside and out is exciting. There is nothing more thrilling than driving up on an old barn or structure that captures my attention. Well, except old vehicles 🙂 Some of my old building finds are located in the country and many times, right smack dab in the middle of a city.
Read More
White Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch has been one busy bird today collecting goodies from the feeder.
Old IGA Store in Watson Michigan
My husband and I took an extra long motorcycle ride from Green Bay, Wisconsin to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula a few years back. We stumbled upon this beautiful old IGA store in Watson Michigan.
Sunflower Head Bird Feeders
Do you grow sunflowers? I don’t have a designated spot to grow them; however they do grow in my yard. The birds plant them!
Read More
Breakfast Jam Bars
If you enjoy having a sweet treat for breakfast like a rich muffin or donut, replace your habit with these breakfast jam bars. They will satisfy any sugar craving and give your body a healthy morning sugar boost.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
This slow cooker chicken tortilla soup is one that I enjoy making because my family members think I slaved all day creating it. In reality, it starts with shredding a rotisserie chicken, chopping an onion and opening a few cans.
Man is it cold out. The rain is bone chilling. I don’t even want to be outdoors and that is saying a lot, coming from me.
I decided last week to go back to making all our meals ahead of time. It saves me time, energy and money. Today, was the perfect time to start! I’m sharing one of my husband’s favorite morning breakfasts. Pressure cooker blueberry oats.
Want to share my images on your blog? Read here.
The bold red pansies against the oversized, galvanized Metal farm funnel look terrific. Bury the funnel halfway in the dirt and plant your garden flowers. Simple, easy and elegant.
You can see additional planters under the planting container category.
Collection of old vintage wheels, I love to photograph anything rusty, dusty and old.
Read More
Da Yoopers Tourist Trap in Ishpeming, Michigan. My photography travels are experiences. Exploration and if you can grab a few laughs along the way … memories are made. Nobody can ever take away your experiences. Everything else can be stripped away in a heartbeat. Your memories and experiences cannot be taken from you. Unless you suffer from dementia – and then you have picture proof 🙂
The first part of this hike is a moderate 1.4-mile trail that offers beautiful views of the stone cliffs and excellent views of Sugar Creek in Turkey Run State Park in Marshall, Indiana.
Printable Bathroom Wall Art
I was looking for some cute framed sayings to add to my bathroom decor and I really didn’t like anything I came across in the stores. I decided to make my own printable bathroom wall art.
The silver-spotted skipper is the largest of the skippers and is most commonly found during the months of June, July, and August in Wisconsin.
They enjoy collecting nectar in open fields of flowers. The skipper is easy to identify.
It has a brown body, with a few white spots and an orangish yellow band through its wing.
Posts may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this site!
The first full moon of July is known as the thunder moon across the great plains states because of the violent storms that happen during this month.
In Native American Culture it is Called:
In Native American culture it has been known as the buck moon for it is when the most significant growth of deer antlers occurs.
In Astrology it is Called:
In astrology it is known as the Capricorn moon.
It really doesn’t matter what name you happen to call it by. In the early stages of the night, it was huge, beautiful and I am thankful to have caught it on camera!
Four Different Shots Expose for Different Elements:
The image is composed of four different shots taken on July 9th in Brown County, Wisconsin. Each frame was centered on a different subject to expose for that element and incorporated into one complete photo.
How To Pickle Pickled Eggs The Easy Way
How to pickle pickled eggs the easy way. This pickled egg recipe was handed down to me by my grandmother and I think you will agree they are easy to make and tasty!
Read More
Gray Fox
I was on my way to photograph the sunset along the shores of Green Bay which requires me to head out through the country roads but I didn’t get all that far. This splendid gray fox was ducking in and out of a few cars on a piece of property right in town.
Set of 4 uncurling woodland fern prints processed in black and white.
Read More
Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel, also known as the striped gopher, leopard ground squirrel, squinney, and as the leopard-spermophile in Audubon’s day, is a ground squirrel. It is widely distributed over grasslands and prairies of North America.
Soft Fairytale Pink Dandelion Art Prints
This collection of six prints was photographed and processed to be a mix and match set.
Read More
One of the largest issues that Monarch caterpillar larvae battle is aphids. Aphids compete for the larvae’s food source. Watch a video over the monarch caterpillar battling aphids over milkweed.
Read More
57 Theme Gift Basket Ideas
The sky’s the limit when you create a gift basket. You can purchase smaller go-together items, relatively cheap and packaged them together, to make a perfect gift. Here are 57 Theme Gift Basket Ideas to consider…
Read More
The calendar states it is spring in Wisconsin, so darn it, warm up already. Instead, we have 34-degree weather, with tiny, snowflakes drifting down from the sky every once in awhile. My teens are off for spring break and our family had decided between work schedules and additional commitments, we were staying home for spring break. This is not our family, is it?
Around a week before St Patrick’s Day common garter snakes emerge from hibernation in Wisconsin. Legend states St Patrick lead the snakes out of Ireland. Although, this is only a fable. There have never been snakes in Ireland, aside from zoos. Wouldn’t mind if this were the case for Wisconsin.
I’ve heard people state snowdrop flowers are wildflowers. It is true, some grow in the wild in meadows and woodland areas. Can’t argue with you on this fact. I find them all the time. I just have never found a source that states they are true wildflowers.
Wequiock Falls Green Bay Froze over – the falls are located in a small county park just off the highway in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
They are the perfect, short stop off to stretch your legs after a heavy rain. The water flows extra heavy, then, More often than not during the summer months, you will find a slow trickle or a dry bed.
In the winter, nothing short of amazing. As the weather temperatures change, so do the falls. Each week brings a new sight for the senses.
Location:
If you want to see some additional pictures and or need the location read this post.
Additional Waterfalls I Have Visited:
Munising Michigan / Fonferek Glen Brown County, WI Video
Mill in Cades Cove Tennessee Smoky Mountains National Park
Cades Cove is an isolated valley located in the Tennessee section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Rice Grist Mill Lake City TN. This 18th Century Rice Grist Mill was originally constructed in 1798 in Union County. The mill was later dismantled and rebuilt on Clear Creek in 1935, where it sits today.
Second day of our two day trip to Upper Michigan. Today we are headed to Grand Island Michigan ice caves and we have Green and Blue Spikes Of Kryptonite on our minds. You can read about Day 1 Here.
In Wisconsin, there are a few birds that when they visit your backyard, you know what they are. Blue jays are one of those birds.
Read More
Roadtrip! Destination Devils Punchbowl in Menomonie, Wisconsin. From our home in Green Bay it is almost a four hour drive. Weather is nice, so why not. My daughter has the day off and it is a place I have always wanted to go.
Fred A Busse Chicago Fire Boat
The retired Fred A Busse Chicago Fire Boat found a home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin as a tour boat. Visitors can board the Fire Boat at the city dock and get a water view of Sturgeon Bay sites.
Where They Are Found:
The forget me not wildflower is a perennial wildflower that is most often found in woodland gardens, along creek beds or in wetland areas with rich soil. The will tolerate sun and shade but like damp soil.
Read More
Greetings! Hope I find you well. Today, was an interesting day for me. I got a chance to drag my husband out to Toft Point for an afternoon hike. A break from the normal and sometimes boring walking trails that I walk. Truth be told; right now there is not a whole lot going on where I walk. I’m rather bored with the day to day walks.
An explosion of color Rib Mountain in Wausau, Wisconsin. Rib Mountain is home to the Rib Mountain State Park and the Granite Peak Ski Area. I’m standing looking over the Granite Peak Ski Resort in the Town of Rib Mountain. Which is in Marathon County, Wisconsin just south of Wausau.
Today, I was finally able to capture snow bunting birds on camera. Snow buntings are birds of the high Arctic.
Read More
All mushrooms are edible, but some only once. That was today’s lesson.
Canadian National Train Bridge
The Green Bay, Wisconsin Canadian National Train Bridge located in the middle of the Fox River. The bridge is moved by the railway operators when a train needs to cross the river.
We spend plenty of time on the water during the summer. I have shots up for sale in my Fine Art America Storefront for The Leo Frigo Bridge, The Grassy Island Lighthouse Range, and an entire album just dedicated to Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Door County Anderson Dock
Door County Anderson Dock is located in a quaint little village of Ephraim, Wisconsin. Ephraim was founded as a Moravian religious community. The steeples of the Ephraim Moravian Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church-Bethania Scandinavian Evangelical Lutheran Congregation are the landmarks of the village. Up until 2016 Ephraim was the only dry municipality in the state of Wisconsin.
The Stavkirke Church is a place for spiritual meditation and worship. It is both a replica and a tribute to Washington Island’s Scandinavian heritage. Built in 1991, the church was modeled after a stave in Borgun, Norway. The funds were raised by Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church.
Sometimes you need to sit back enjoy the view. Reaping the rewards of your hard work. Days like this, I enjoy sipping on my refrigerator tea recipe.
Sweet find! This abandoned Victorian house Marathon County still holds her own. At least for now.
Dells of the Eau Claire County Park is in the north-central Wisconsin Town of Plover, East of the city of Wausau.
First day of fall known as the Autumnal Equinox. The autumnal equinox sunset was too beautiful not to try and capture over the Bay of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Read More
Cherney Maribel Caves County Park
I love exploring Cherney Maribel Caves County Park it is a 75 acre county park along the West Twin River in Maribel, Wisconsin. If you have never been here it is a site for the senses.
Today’s topic is going to be a little different. Something I normally wouldn’t write about, nor would I endorse. And, SOME may even call me a little crazy for exploring; The White Star Psychic Church Brussels Wisconsin. But life is about experiences. Sometimes, walking in someone else’s shoes helps to understand and relate to someone else. We need this in life. Who knows, you may even gain knowledge, understanding, peace and even comfort in an unlikely place. Like this church has done for me.
The days are getting shorter and the early signs of fall are setting in. Soon, the Wisconsin fall monarch migration will begin. Monarchs will make their journey to their winter homes over 6,000 miles away in South America and Mexico. Where they will sleep the winter away in comfort.
The Rockland Lincoln School Brown County Wisconsin information was passed on to me by the one person (in my four walls) that has never offered a location. Until now! My son gave me the location of this gem.
Fayette Michigan Historic Town – is located on the southern side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It is located in Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan waters.
Information:
The cardinal wildflower is a native Wisconsin perennial. It consists of many bright red tubular flowers. The tubular flowers are arranged in an elongated cluster.
The plant’s stalk height reaches 2-4 feet during the months of July, August and September. It is found in shaded areas along creeks, streams and swamps.
1.) The wildflower was that it was named after the bright red robes worn by Roman Catholic cardinals.
2.) Flowers are primarily pollinated by hummingbirds. Other insects find it difficult to navigate the long tubular flowers.
3.) The wildflower is becoming scarcer due to overpicking in some areas.
One thing I absolutely love about traveling is that it provides me with a constant source of education. Over the weekend, I attended The 4th Annual Spyder Rendezvous in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin with my husband. Heavy rain prevented me from riding with the group on Friday. I admit it, I’m a wimp and my dry car provided a comfortable alternative for the day’s travels. I spent some time exploring St Coletta Jefferson Wisconsin.
What is called by many as Maribel Hotel Hell is located on the same street as the Maribel Caves on County Road R in Maribel, WI. The hotel remains are located on private property, so viewing them from the road is a must.
Read More
Lessons from squirrels you ask? Yes, watching squirrels as a child taught me to never give up. Read on and I will tell you why.
Read More
Sand Point Lighthouse Escanaba Michigan
Last year we had to run and pick up a part in Escanaba, Michigan, Since we were headed there already, we decided to spend a few hours checking out Sand Point Lighthouse Escanaba Michigan and the surrounding area.
Read More
Sherwood Point Lighthouse Door County
Sherwood Point Lighthouse Door County is located in northeast Wisconsin on the western shores of Lake Michigan.
Palisades State Park South Dakota is located on Split Rock Creek. In the 1870s Split Rock Creek was harnessed to power a large flour and feed mill, and a town called Palisades formed around it. I didn’t see any of the remains of the mill building in the area. Was told there is a small foundation left somewhere from it.
Read More
Where do our travels bring us today? The town of Mitchell, South Dakota to the Corn Palace and county road driving. Searching for old homes on county roads along the route. At our last stop a lady talked my husband’s ear off and said we HAD to see the Corn Palace.
If someone tells you that you HAVE to see something, there is usually a good reason behind it. That is what we will do. Punched it into the GPS and headed out.
On the first day, we drove through Custer State Park. It was a quick drive through. Today, is Custer State Park exploring day. We will spend time really going through the park. Exploring what it has to offer that we may have missed on the first go and anything else that looks interesting on the way back to our rental.
Good morning! Today we are heading to The Badlands and Wall Drug South Dakota. I’ve decided today is going to be a good day for traveling and sightseeing. Yesterday was just a slight setback and today is a new day. You can read about Day 1 here.
We left The Dakota Winds Motel in Kimball, South Dakota at a little after 8 in the morning. After enjoying muffins, coffee and juice that was provided by the motel for breakfast.
Read More
Often Mistaken For:
This purple Gaywing wildflower is often mistaken for an orchid. It goes by the names of Fringed Polygala, Gaywings or Flowering Wintergreen.
Eastern Columbine Wisconsin Wildflower
In the spring, I wander around the woods, meadows and walking paths for wildflowers. Today, I found the Eastern Columbine Wisconsin Wildflower.
Baileys Harbor Lighthouse
I was browsing my external photo drive, this is where I keep all of my RAW Photos (DNG files) and my edits. I came across photos from last summer and early fall, where I was trying to capture photos of the milky way over the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse in Wisconsin.
Read More
This print of the Main Street Bridge Green Bay at Night was taken on a very calm night. Along the Fox River in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Read More
Fonferek Glen Waterfall in Summer
Having some fun with my daughter! We love exploring together. Today’s exploration is Fonferek Glen Waterfall in Summer.
Location:
Fonferek’s Glen Falls and Park is located Ledgeview, Wisconsin. Four miles South of Green Bay, Wisconsin in Brown County.
Background Information:
This waterfall was created by Bower Creek tumbling 25 feet down the Niagria Escarpment. That cliff, called the Niagara Escarpment, is a geologic formation that runs hundreds of miles through the state of Wisconsin and beyond, forming a great circle all the way to Niagara Falls at the New York-Canada border. At Fonferek GLen enjoy a limestone- walled gorge with a stone archway.
Directions:
I-43 South Milwaukee exit to County MM exit. Right onto County MM. Right on Memory Lane. Follow the gravel road up and park up by the barn.
We put together a little video for those that may want to see the waterfall but can’t make the trip.
Additional Interesting Midwest Locations:
Munising Michigan / Wequiock Falls Green Bay, WI / Eben Ice Caves / Paulding Lights
Pictured is the SS Arthur M Anderson, it is a Great Lakes cargo ship that has much of its service work done in my home town of Sturgeon Bay, WI. If you are a history buff you might remember this cargo ships name.
Read More
Red Columbine Wildflower
Not exactly sure what draws me to the red columbine wildflower. Is it the curvy lines? The color? Perhaps, because I see them selectively?
Known As:
• Red Columbine
• Canadian or Canada Columbine
• Wild Columbine
Scientific Name:
Aquilegia Canadensis
(Native) Family:
Ranunculaceae – Buttercup family
What Is It & Where Can You Find It In Wisconsin?
• A native perennial flower that grows up to two feet high.
• Growing along river banks & woodland areas
• Likes partial shade and areas of filtered sun.
• Flower has showy red and yellow petals and it’s stamens curl upward as it ages.
• Likes dry conditions, & sandy, loamy soils
Collecting Seeds
• Tiny, black seeds ripen at various times within the flowers life cycle.
• Collect seed by hand from August to October.
• Gently tap the old flowering head into a paper bag.
• Seeds can be dried in open paper bags for about two weeks.
• Store dry seed in sealed, plastic bags in refrigerator until you are ready to plant them.
• Seeds will stay viable with this method for 3 years.
Bloom Time In Wisconsin?
• April to June
What It Attracts:
• Bees
• Butterflies
• Hummingbirds.
Native American Use:
Once the plant went to seed, It has been said that the Native American men would crush the seeds and rub them onto their skin. It was supposed to help attract love.
It is the whole LOVE factor that has me interested. I understand the attraction to the flower.
A Foal is Born Mothers Day Weekend
On Friday, May 6th my husband, daughter and I were invited to watch the birth of a Tepid foal’s birth at Shalom Wildlife in West Bend, Wisconsin. Where a foal is born Mothers Day Weekend.
Last year, my daughter and I made a trip up to the hunting grounds in Southern Door County, Wisconsin to meet up with my husband and some friends of ours. The guys had obtained permission to hunt a deer herd that had become an issue on a piece of property with an old farmhouse in Door County. The herd was liquidating the farmer’s crop fields and corn storage cribs.
In the wild, the yellow bell wildflower grows along riverbanks and other open, sunny areas with adequate rainfall and a perpetually moist substrate. The plants do not tolerate shade or salty or alkaline soils, and they are sensitive to frost.
Names This Wildflower Goes By:
This wildflower is known by the following names: Fritillaria pudica, yellow bells, yellow fritillary, yellow mission bells
Blooming Time:
The yellow bell wildflower is one of the first wildflowers to bloom in the spring. As soon as the snow melts, they pop up. The blooms do not last long.
What They Look Like:
The flowers have one stem with a solitary bell-shaped, yellow flower that pops up from a bulb.The head of the flower points down, toward the ground. Occasionally, but rare, the stem might have two flower heads.
They grow rapidly, sometimes spreading 3 meters per year. They can be propagated from cuttings or by collecting seed pods.
Additional Posts That May Interest You:
Forget Me Not Wildflowers / Endangered Dwarf Lake Iris Wildflower
Say it quickly with me ducks, rocks, rebar oh my. This week has been interesting to say the least. It started off traversing rocky shoreline, while photographing the diving ducks along the bay. Ended with a black eye and broken camera screens.
The endangered Dwarf Lake Iris wildflower is a miniature iris that grows nowhere else in the world but in the Great Lakes Region. It is especially concentrated along certain stretches of the Great Lakes shoreline.
Found Only In
• Michigan
• Manitoulin Island and the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario
• The Door Peninsula of Wisconsin.
Where Was It Photographed:
This dwarf iris was photographed in Door County last summer. The Door County peninsula, on the lakeside, grow this iris during the late spring and early summer. I love to go and hunt them down.
If I ever get around to getting my old photo files from previous computer (the hard drive is completely dead) I will upload additional pictures. If not, there is always hunting them down next year.
Other Posts That May Interest You:
All Door County Postings
Thrilling Sound the Eastern Toad Makes in Spring
Artistic Collection of Prints for Sale
11 Days in South Dakota
The Green Bay harbor entrance lighthouse in Green Bay, Wisconsin is a lighthouse that many people will not get a chance to see because it is only accessible by boat.
Read More
John Purves Tugboat at Night
John Purves tugboat at night is docked along the water, It is a 149-foot, large red tugboat, that was built in 1919.
Read More
Myakka State Park is located in Sarasota in Sarasota County, Florida. It is a 1.920 acre park that I had always wanted to travel and take in the sights.
Read More
Makers Mark One Stop on the Bourbon Trail. Each March, we trek from Wisconsin to Florida by car for spring break. I had always wanted to make a pit stop at a few distilleries for my husband. This year we did just that.
Read More
Experimenting is the key to glow stick photography. Finding out what works, and what does not. When you have two highly creative people with a crap ton of ideas rattling around inside their heads you get a mixed bag of ideas to try out.
For a little over a year now, my daughter asking every now and again to go out and try our hand at steel wool spinning. Secretly, I had also wanted to try it.
I was hesitant because I saw all the dangers involved. Last night, I threw all my worries aside and we did; and nothing bad happened! As a matter of fact, it was fun!
Hitchhiking Burdock. The hitchhiking pest, Arctium minus or as it is more commonly known,”burdock.” Did you know it is a wildflower?
Read More
I heard this double crested cormorant was hanging around in Green Bay, Wisconsin this winter. There had been few sightings reported. I just never saw him, until today.
Read More
Today, is all about the female mallard. Spending some time locked on to female mallards in flight. Testing out some new settings. To see if I can capture excellent images with the Canon 6D. I have been having issues locking onto birds in flight. There is a delay between the camera and lens when capturing in flight images. Today, I’d like to gain knowledge on how to make a solid connection.
I remember a few years back I was the one drooling over photos that I saw taken of the moon. Each time I ventured out, nothing good came of it. I was left to wonder, how do they do that? Shooting the moon, a clear photo of it became my goal.
This month I thought I would change it up a little and give you something to look forward to each Friday. For the remainder of February, I will be posting a new bird that is at the feeder. This week’s Friday in February Dark Eyed Junco birds at the feeder.
Bairds Nature Preserve After Winter Storm
I’m NOT a winter person. I don’t like shoveling. I dislike wearing white, chalky salt on my shoes; as well as on every piece of clothing I own. I’m sick of my fingers and toes aching from temps below 30 degree F and I am tired of the thick, black lines of mascara running down my cheeks from my eyes watering from snow blindness.
Sometimes You Just Have to Shoot Seagulls. I bet I got your attention! Shoot, as in a photograph. The migratory bird act protects all bird species except those that have a specific hunting season. So, I’m talking about, …photograph 🙂
Honey House in Door County
The roads less traveled are off the beaten path; and for me, they give me a chance to bypass the hustle and bustle of traffic, slow down and really look for “hidden” treasures. One of these treasure happen to be a honey house in Door County.
Meet Scouty Rowdy Pumpkin Pie
Over the winter I had the chance to raise another pup. Meet Scouty Rowdy Pumpkin Pie, the pup I wanted my husband to return.
Happy New Year! I expect great things to come in 2016! I am not one for making resolutions for the upcoming year. Personally, I believe they just set people up to fail. Instead I’m setting goals. One goal is to spend more time with my husband, Exploring Menominee Michigan icy shoreline started the year off on the right foot.
Read More
Want to share my images on your blog? Read here.
Wash day? Nah, planting day. The old wash board adds extra visual interest to the wash tub planter. Planted with yellow daisies, trailing vines, coleus and brightly colored pansies. This space has light shade and all the plants are tolerant of shade.
If you plant coleus, remember they make excellent and hearty houseplants if you need to take them in for winter.
This past weekend my daughter and I went in search of fall colors. Which meant a road trip. Darn, I dislike road trips 🙂 A friend told us while on our road trip to check out Paulding Lights Upper Michigans Unexplainable Phenomenon.
Read More
Bittersweet Nightshade Wildflower – Known as Bittersweet Nightshade, this dainty flower is easily identified by its five dark to mid-purple flowers with a pointed yellow center, and sits on a weak vine.
Last night I was a little restless. When I get antsy at night I have to get out and do something. Some people go to the gym, maybe dancing or go out for a drink. For me, I start looking for something to photograph. Lambeau is Peaceful at 11 at Night.
I had heard that one of the side construction walls at Lambeau had come down and revealed a pleasant surprise. With that information, I decided to head out and see what all the fuss was about.
Read More
The Devils River waterfalls are on a piece of privately owned property in Maribel, Wisconsin. I did obtain permission to explore the property. Please respect the rights of others and do not trespass.
Sometimes, I can’t believe how I end up at a certain place. In the case of the Crystal River Grist Mill Wisconsin, I found an ad in the paper with a picture of a little wedding chapel.
Read More
Our son is one busy guy. He is blessed with a good job, great friends and a well to do social calendar. He always has time for our annual Cave Point County Park Sturgeon Bay trip.
Read More
It’s that time! Wisconsin wildflowers will be popping up. Matter of fact, trout lilies, and the downy yellow violet wildflowers have been popping up everywhere.
Read More
Pottawatomie Rock Island Lighthouse
Pottawatomie Rock Island Lighthouse has been on my list to photograph for a while. But it takes two ferry rides from the mainland of Door County to get to, so I had been putting it off. Pottawatomie Lighthouse, is also known as the Rock Island Light was lit in 1836, it is the oldest light station in Wisconsin and on Lake Michigan.
The life cycle of the monarch butterfly is one of beauty.
A few winter’s ago off the shore of Sand Point in Munising, Michigan my daughter and I walked across the icy channel of Lake Superior to see the Grand Island Michigan ice curtains.
Let the weekend traveling commence. I needed to get away for a weekend and just be one with nature. I had heard that the Apostle Ice Caves were set to open this past weekend and I tried to gear myself up to take on the adventure. I only got as far as Munising Michigan Frozen Falls.
Read More
Cana Island
Cana Island lighthouse is an 1800’s lighthouse and keepers quarters located just north of Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin.
Read More
Winter in Wisconsin can be brutal. Right now, especially. We are experiencing negative wind chills along the icy shores of lake Michigan. Which, is simply just starting to feel like the norm for me.
Read More
Last weekend our family traveled to the Eben Ice Caves are located in Eben Junction, Michigan. Eben Junction is about 32 miles away from Marquette, Michigan. Our destination was the Rock River Canyon Ice Caves or better known as the Eben Ice Caves.
Read More
Red Tailed Hawk
You can find red-tailed hawks in every eco-system there is. This raptor will hunt down voles, mice, rabbits, birds, snakes, and squirrels.
Read More
Wisconsin Birds
This page will be a running list of all my small Wisconsin birds. The birds can be found in your yards, gardens and around the woodlands areas.
Read More
Tins Signs Advertising Americana photography. Old advertising signs, old kitchen tins & additional vintage and rusty, dusty & old stuff I find.
Rusty goodness photography collection. I’m attracted to photographing anything rusty, dusty and old.
Read More
The Midwest is full of old farm properties and what I like to call the back 40. The back forty acres was just a place to store junk. That junk now treasures to few. Old vehicles, trucks, cars, and modes of transportation.
This collection is chock full of fabulous vintage flair details that showcase life that has passed us by. When photographing, I like to think of all the stories the houses and equipment I come across could tell.
Read More
Lavender Sugar Scrub
Why pay high retail prices for lavender sugar scrub you can make at home? Once you purchase a few ingredients you can make this heavenly smelling scrub for yourself or give as gifts.
Read More
This light and refreshing Simple creamy cucumber salad is infused with a lemon kick. Perfect to use those fresh garden cucumbers, onions and dill.
Vegan? Exchange the Mayo in this recipe for vegan mayonnaise for a tasty dish.
Read More
Shorebirds & Waterfowl Photography – A list of Ducks, Egret, Cormorant, Geese, Pelicans, Gulls and more from my travels. 90% are midwestern United States birds.
This will be a running list of birds until I break down and divide the page into further categories.
Botanical and Floral Recent Additions
An assortment of botanical and floral photography taken within the Midwest. Garden floral, trees, plants and wildflowers make up the majority of the images below. All images have one of my custom texture packages added to the photo.
Spring in Door County, Wisconsin is a treat for your senses. Field and fields of Cherry blossoms grace the Door County Peninsula. Rows and rows of blossoms, soon to be rows and rows of cherries.
Ridges Sanctuary Door County Nature Preserve
Ridges Sanctuary is located in Door County, WI. The Nature Preserve is 1600 acres and harbors some rare species of plants.
Today, we are maple syrup tree tapping. I thought spring was supposed to be here already in the Midwest, at least the calendar states it is. I like to see the snow come; but also quickly go.
Plum Island Lighthouse Door County – Plum Island Lighthouse is located in Lake Michigan waters off the shores of the Door County Peninsula in Wisconsin.
Each year in Door County, WI – Jacksonport, WI to be specific, people turn out by the car loads to take on the annual tradition of jumping into the icy depths of Lake Michigan. This challenge is called the polar bear plunge. I took some pictures of today’s event and posted them to music.
Camping Recipes
It’s that’s time of year, time to get out the camping gear and become one with nature. Here are a few of our families favorite camping recipes. They are easy to prepare and a breeze to clean up after. Just my style.
Read More
Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin at Night
Purchase
All summer my daughter and I have wanted to photograph Sturgeon Bay Wisconsin at night. Our schedules never seem to line up, and if they did; the weather would not cooperate. We decided at about 8:30 pm, it was now or never.
This is the last night before her first day back for college. Rain was in the forecast within fours hours time. We had to get moving or this wasn’t going to happen at all.
Read More
Lavender Lemonade is a wonderful way to use up some of your dried lavender from your flower garden. It makes an excellent refreshing drink. Just add lavender syrup for lemonade anytime you wish to change things up.
After long winters, the first thing I want to do is get out and enjoy the weather and fresh air. Heading through the long grass normally knocks off some unpleasant creepy-crawlies onto my pants. Ticks!
Add to the vintage-inspired charm of your farmhouse decor with this Sweet Simple Things Miller Lane Collection of Old White Barn quad wall art set. This farmhouse rural grouping of images were all processed using the same approach. Images can be printed in easy to find department store frame sizes of 5×7, 8×10 and additional popular sizes.
Read More
The past two months I have been out and about, but never stray far from my house. The cold weather,and beautiful snow we have been experiencing haven’t disappointed me around Communiversity Park and UW-Green Bay Arboretum Trail System. The ice along the bay is glistening. The woodland trails and trees are heavenly.
Cades Cove Methodist Church is located in The Smoky Mountains National Park in the Cade Cove Loop Road area.
In order to get to the area you take 321 to Townsend, Tennessee. Turn left onto highway 73 until you see the sign for Cades Cove. Turn right onto Laurel Creek Road.
Read More
Assortment of vintage delicable fruit kitchen art with vivid colors on a white background.
Read More
Big or small we all have goals that we would like to accomplish that differ from the next person. You can’t master everything in life- but you pick things that you want to surround yourself with or goals to reach and this crabs in a bucket coffee mug design will remind you each morning.
Read More
Each female monarch butterfly lays one egg on an individual milkweed plant, depositing up to 100 eggs daily. The only food source for the caterpillar is milkweed plants. For that reason, it is important to have a healthy milkweed population. Collecting and planting milkweed seed is a way to make sure we have a future healthy monarch population.
Read More
My timeless vintage American Goldfinch image is paired up with textures to inspire this American Goldfinch Vintage Happy Birthday card.
About the Design:
Wish a special someone a Happy Birthday with this vintage-inspired American Goldfinch Birthday card.
The graphic used is a hand-drawn American Goldfinch bird in a natural setting enjoying the seed of a bull thistle plant.
Hope you enjoy the design as much as I enjoyed creating it!
Look To Nature When Deciding When To Plant Yearly Vegetable Gardens
There has never been a fast and hard rule for timetables for weather. Each year planting is different and can vary from the past year. But, lucky Mother Nature gives us signs each year of when that time is. Look to nature when deciding when to plant yearly vegetable gardens.
Read More
Want to help out declining honey bee populations? I have put together a list of 3 things gardeners can do to help the declining honey bee population.
Read More
Dead nettle plants are Shade-loving perennials that are wonderful in hanging baskets and flower bed edging. Some people consider it a noxious weed. But, truth be told bees and hummingbirds love it.
Read More
Are you a succulent lover? I am! Succulents are teeny, tiny smiles in succulent planters during the winter months for me.
Mother Earth Children Art Prints
10 Mother Earth Children art prints – soft vintage prints. The Mother Earth Children prints are centered around vegetables and fruits that flourish with the help of Mother Nature.
Read More
If you’re thinking about taking your gardening seriously and getting out there every day to increase the attractiveness of your garden, then you will want to be picking the right gardening tools to help you achieve this.
Read More
Life is Too Short to be at War With Yourself or Others
The war inside your head, you know the one telling you that you are not measuring up to some preconceived expectation of someone else’s idea or perhaps even your own…lose it. YOU ARE WHO YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO BE and life is too short to be at war with yourself or other. Read More
The countdown is underway and Christmas is coming, this has people turning to their attention to their favorite tree farm to pick out their prize tree. What are the 7 of the most popular Christmas trees and what makes them so popular?
Read More
Timeless vintage images and photography images paired up with textures inspire this collection of vintage inspired birthday cards.
Original, creative, and fresh designs for the vintage lover in anyone.
Read More
Leafhoppers and Planthoppers
There are over 12,500 varieties of leafhoppers and planthoppers, that feed on the sap from plants, grass, and trees but most are harmless to the plant.
Read More
