This White-lined Sphinx Moth Caterpillar (Hyles lineata) might not look like much now, but he grows up to be the white lined sphinx moth which most people mistake for a hummingbird.
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Worldwide, there are 216 members of the Picidae, or woodpecker family The 9 woodpeckers of Wisconsin that have been reported from the picidae and woodpecker families are the northern flicker, yellow bellied sap sucker, red headed woodpecker, downy, pileated, hairy, American three-toed, black backed and red bellied woodpeckers.
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 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.
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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.
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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.
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The Gall fly produces goldenrod galls which become the food source and host plant for gall fly larva over the course of the winter. The insect has a fairly interesting lifecycle.
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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.
Red Eyed Vireo
The red eyed vireo is a small songbird that you might see trying to catch insects in your trees. The bird isn’t a fan of the feeder.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What a glorious view! That is what everyone in your party will say when you make it to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain.
Yellow Flag Iris
(Iris pseudacorus)
Yellow flag iris is a showy perennial plant that can grow in a range of conditions from drier upland sites, to wetlands, to floating aquatic mats.
This iris can take over areas quickly and is invasive.
Considered invasive in Wisconsin.
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.
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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.
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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 beetle is part of the Meloidae family, they are called blister beetles for a good reason.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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
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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.
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The Downy woodpecker is the smallest of North America’s woodpeckers but there are many smaller species elsewhere, especially the piculets.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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White Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch has been one busy bird today collecting goodies from the feeder.
Why? Why, didn’t I think that flies drink water? After a rainstorm, I was out searching for raindrops on flowers in my yard but this fly captured my attention.
Do Flies Drink Water Yep, They DO!
He was drinking the raindrops off my raspberry leaves in my garden boxes. Now, if you have never had the pleasure of watching a fly drink raindrops…run. Do it! Flies are not cute little furry creatures; but. man oh, life are they a blast to watch suck up drops. Whole raindrops, mind you.
Additional Posts That May Interest You:
Photography Tutorials
All Bird Posts
All Wildlife Posts
Gardening Posts
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!
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This weekend my husband and I took a Saturday fall drive through Oconto and Marinette Counties, visiting new sites and revisiting a few old ones that I had been to. Copper Culture State Park was one of our stops.
Millie Mine Bat Viewing Site and Trail
Millie Mine Bat Viewing site and trail system is an excellent way to spend an hour or so in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
Collection of old vintage wheels, I love to photograph anything rusty, dusty and old.
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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 🙂
Canyon Falls
My daughter and I are heading out to spend a couple of days in Upper Michigan. No plans, just driving looking to get ourselves into some trouble as I told my husband. Canyon Falls was a bathroom stop that turned into a hidden treasure.
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Spent the weekend exploring some of Jefferson County, Wisconsin as I have for the past 3 years. My husband enjoys attending the Spyder Rendezvous in Johnson Creek and I selectively attend certain portions and catch up with friends from the event. The rest of the time, I am out exploring the area. Here is what I did…
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.
Pictured is the upper rim of Clifty Canyon (Big Clifty Falls) at the north end of Clifty State Park in Madison, IN. Read More
Belgian Brick by Brick
As part of my heritage, I have found great pleasure in asking questions and seeking properties that still house some of the first settlers homes. I was on my way to Sugar Creek last week and decided to reshoot this old Belgian brick home and outbuilding.
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.
Setting out to find the trailhead to the Parrish Highlands ATV Trail in Langlade County Wisconsin this morning. This is a trail system we have not ridden yet, but are in hopes of finding some good riding and fall colors.
Are turkeys not the ugliest birds you have ever laid eyes on? At least I think so. It is the face that kills me. A face only a mother could love. But, they are big, beefy and run pretty funny. The only thing I can say that is pretty, or should I say – pretty special is the way they fan their feathers during mating season, now there is a plus! That is a pure beauty!
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.
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Capturing the Shadows, Lines and Strength
I wanted to capture this impressively beautiful and elaborate old fire bell tower as an abstract fire tower bell print in black and white.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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 able to capture snow bunting birds on camera. Snow buntings are birds of the high Arctic that visit us during the winter months..
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All mushrooms are edible, but some only once. That was today’s lesson.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Purchase
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