The Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) is a species of diving duck commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Here are some key characteristics of the Common Goldeneye ducks:
Glimmer Falls Richmond, Wisconsin
Glimmer Falls near Richmond, Wisconsin is a quiet natural stop tucked into the woods of Shawano County along the Red River. This small waterfall and cascade area features smooth rock ledges, flowing water, forest trails, and a peaceful setting that makes it worth the visit.
February Is the Border Between Winter and Spring
We are halfway through the shortest month on the calendar and February Is the border between winter and spring. At this point, we know that wildflowers and fellow winged ones will be arriving shortly. Eastern Pheobe We have plenty of wildlife coming and going this month. The Eastern Pheobes have returned, I hear them off … Read more
Nature’s Frozen Spears: Delicate Spike-Like Structures
In the crisp mornings of winter, when the world is blanketed in a glistening coat of frost, nature often reveals one of its most captivating spectacles: frost spikes. These delicate, spike-like structures that adorn plants and other surfaces bring an otherworldly beauty to the landscape
3 Cool Facts About Wild Turkey
Wildlife > Birds > Galliformes 3 cool facts about wild turkey, do you know all three? Three Cool Facts About Wild Turkey 1.) They Have Nictitating Membranes A nictitating membrane is a transparent or translucent third eyelid present in some animals that can be drawn across the eye for protection and to moisten it while … Read more
Covered Bridges Of Ashtabula County, Ohio
Ashtabula County in northeastern Ohio is one of the best places in the Midwest to see covered bridges. Scenic rural roads, wooded valleys, and historic crossings give this area a slower, more old-fashioned feel that makes it especially fun to explore in fall, though the bridges are worth visiting in any season.
Bond Falls In Paulding Michigan
Bond Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Located near Paulding in Ontonagon County, the falls spread across a wide rocky section of the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River, creating multiple cascades, powerful flow, and changing views from one overlook to the next.
Elderberry Ink: Turn Nature’s Berries Into Stunning Art Supplies
Making elderberry ink can be a do-it-yourself project. The process involves collecting ripe elderberries, extracting their juice, and combining it with a binder and other ingredients. The ink is then strained and bottled for use.
Elderberry Syrup Recipe and Jar Labels
The cold of winter has set in and there has already been plenty of nasty bugs floating around. I’ve seemed to have found a viral sinus infection bug that I can’t seem to kick. It was time to stop procrastinating and mix up a batch of elderberry syrup. I have included the elderberry syrup recipe and jar labels that I used to create one of nature’s immunity boosters.
Wild Blackberry Jam: A Sweet and Simple Recipe
Summer is for berry picking and wild blackberry jam is delicious. We spend a great deal of time out on our UTV enjoying the woodland areas and foraging for wild berries.
Wild Violet Lavender Bath Salts: Blossom-Infused Bliss
There’s something magical about sinking into a warm bath, surrounded by the gentle scent of lavender and the delicate charm of wild violets. These wild violet lavender bath salts are a breeze to make, fill your bathroom with a calming aroma, and make heartfelt, homemade gifts for friends and family. Join me in this simple DIY project celebrating nature’s beauty and the joy of creating something special.
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
Chocolate chip zucchini bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of chocolate with the subtle flavor and moisture of shredded zucchini. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Palms Brook State Park Kitch-iti-kipi
Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as the Big Spring, is one of the most unusual natural attractions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Located in Palms Book State Park near Manistique, this large freshwater spring is known for its clear blue-green water, drifting trout, and self-operated observation raft that lets visitors glide out over the spring.
Manistique Michigan
Exploring Manistique Michigan in Early Spring Manistique, Michigan makes a great Upper Peninsula stop if you enjoy lighthouse views, shoreline walks, small-town discoveries, and a mix of interesting roadside and waterfront scenes. What started as a quick weekend route through the area turned into a chance to slow down and explore the Lake Michigan shoreline, … Read more
March Phenology
Days Are Getting Longer
March is a month of returning birds, and planting indoor garden seeds. Summer is just around the corner, I can feel it.
As winter’s icy grip begins to loosen in Wisconsin, the arrival of March heralds the much-anticipated transition from the cold months to the vibrant burst of life that spring brings. Nature awakens from its slumber, with wildflowers pushing through the thawing ground, animals engaging in courtship rituals, and the miracle of new life unfolding. Join us as we explore the captivating seasonal changes that grace Wisconsin during this transformative month.
DIY Flower Press: Preserve Nature’s Beauty
Over the summer I created an Adobe project, where I shared pictures detailing my newfound hobby of pressing flowers with the public. I had a link that went to the DIY flower press instructions on my Smugmug account. Someone recently reached out and mentioned the link was set to private. Yep, it is. Sorry about … Read more
Lakenenland Sculpture Park
Lakenenland Sculpture Park in Marquette County, Michigan
Lakenenland Sculpture Park is one of the most unexpected and entertaining stops in Upper Michigan. Located about 15 miles east of Marquette, this outdoor art park features more than 100 welded scrap-metal sculptures spread across 37.5 acres of wooded property.
It is the kind of place that feels part roadside attraction, part art park, and part Upper Peninsula oddity in the best possible way. Whether you visit in summer or winter, Lakenenland is a fun stop for photography, wandering, and seeing something completely different from the usual waterfalls and overlooks.
Under The Sea Bathroom Art Prints
10 under-the-sea bathroom art prints featuring a hermit crab, ocean crab, seashells, fish, starfish, coral, and an octopus. The images were scanned from a book that fell out of copyright, digitally enhanced for clarity and color, and placed on an off-white background. Square, Landscape & Portrait Art Images Prints are currently shown in square format … Read more
February Phenology
Holy smokes! It is February 2023 and I have seemed to have misplaced an entire blogging year! Did you wonder where I was hiding? Last January I committed to posting monthly about the seasonal changes that occur in Wisconsin. After I committed myself, I was offered opportunities that made me reevaluate where my time, talent, and commitments were going to be held for the year.
Apostle Islands and Madeline Island
Apostle Islands and Madeline Island Trip
A few years ago, my husband and I took a trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Madeline Island in northern Wisconsin. We boarded the first ferry of the day from Bayfield and crossed Lake Superior to Madeline Island.
After arriving, we spent part of the morning exploring the island before renting a boat for the afternoon. From there, we followed the shoreline of the Apostle Islands and passed lighthouses, waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and sea caves.
Lake Superior was calm that day, which made the trip even more memorable. Because conditions were so good, we were able to safely reach areas that are not always easy to see by private boat.