Pandemic Photos
The photos in this Gallery were all taken During travels around Michigan from March 2020 to March 2021.
All website photos are low resolution
This photo was taken in early April of 2020 just after the shutdown began. Lucky for me I live close to several of Genesee Counties largest parks. Which allow for me to get out and about. These 2 Trumpeter Swans were on Mott Lake in an area that is only accessible from the water or island within the lake back waters. Landing on the opposite side of the island and hiking to a concealed viewing location, where they put on a remarkable display. Right place, right time.
This was probably one of the shortest trips that I took. This is our front flower garden at home. Early March it is full of several patches of purple Crocuses followed by yellow ones.
As spring approaches early 2020 our yard fills with more and more life. Even though the cardinals are around all year. they add enjoyment and color where ever they go.
Spring in Michigan is full of several varieties of wild flowers in bloom. These are abundant everywhere in April. Some kind of wild violet? (Hepatica Americana)
Robins are said to be a sign of spring in Michigan. But during winter walks in the parks around here, Robins are around all year. And usually a couple or more every time. From what I have read. If there is enough food source they will stay. Also Robins from farther north in Canada may come to Michigan to winter. (Hogbacks Genesee County Park
Ok, This might not be a real Lion. But it made for an interesting photo on an early hike through the Hogbacks park. Someone stuck this stuffed Lion up in a tree just a little ways from the west parking area at the Hogsback. NOTE: (was very cooperative for the photo)
The Palm Warbler may be a sign of spring? Whether or not, this is the first that I have ever seen. Or could identify at least. (Hogbacks Genesee County Parks)
Well it looks like the trees at the Hogbacks will be having a "BUMPER CROP" this year. (Hogbacks Genesee County Parks)
Prior being a county park. This Property consist of several farms. Now that it is a park remnants of the past are still visible. Farmers disposed of trash and unwanted items over the side of hills or in low areas to infill. (Hogbacks Genesee County Parks)
More evidence of past history. Vernor's was a Detroit Michigan Based soft drink. First served to the public in 1866 by Detroit Pharmacist James Vernor. Vernors is America's oldest surviving soda and a Michigan Classic favorite. (Hogbacks Genesee County Parks)
This is a popular location for eagle watchers. Located in the Genesee County Frisbee Gulf Park. Look Close to See the babies head sticking above the nest to the right of the parent.
This is at the Shiawassee Wildlife Area. Southwest of the Saginaw City lines. It is a popular stopping off point for migrating birds of all kinds. This Common Tern just made a successful dinner dive.
This was shot on Cook Pond behind Cook Dam on the Ausable River. This is one of the cleanest rivers in the state by my opinion. It is teaming with wildlife and fish. Memorial weekend 2020 this female Mallard duck thought that we were getting a little close and took of by running on the water to gain speed.
These birds fly so fast you are lucky to get them in the frame let alone focused. This photo was shot at 1/1600 sec. Focusing in an area that they had been flying through. When one darted past, taking several shots as fast as I could, I managed to capture this one.
Also on Cook Pond, part of the Ausable River. Memorial Day weekend 2020. In the spring Geese with their young can be seen everywhere. These just meandered by our campsite without to much concern.
This trip to Hoft was the third week of June. When the State Parks opened back up. Not many other campers during the week. There are several walking trails that follow the beach and through the woods. Wild roses bloom along the trails that follow the beach/dunes along the edge of the woods.
Hoft State Park is located on Lake Huron, just north of Rogers City. It sets within forested sand dunes. The beaches are a mix of sand and colorful stones. The beach runs in a northwest to southeast direction so you can kind off watch both sunrise and sunset.
Ocqueoc Falls are located west of Rogers City. They are the largest falls in the lower peninsula of Michigan. In the last decade they have updated the park with a large parking area, restroom and information center. Paved handicap accessible trails to the falls and viewing platforms. Though this is great for people that can't walk dirt trails or navigate climbing up and down. It has made the falls a more crowded visit.
These wild Tiger Lilly's are scattered along the beach/dune trails at Hoft State Park near Rogers City Mi. They have smaller peddles than their domesticated cousins. Which give them a unique look.
Unlike many Great Lakes lighthouses, Forty Mile Point Light does not mark a significant harbor or river mouth. As stated it sets on a point of land protruding into Lake Huron. This lighthouse is also located approximately 40 miles south of the Mackinaw Straits. (hence the name) With the lakes being at record highs you can see the erosion that has washed away the beach and getting closer to the structures.
Back home Again in mid July 2020, This Black Eyed Susan was growing with several others in a park that I call the Gravel Pits. It is the former entrance to the now closed (several yrs) Timberwolf campground, part of the Genesee Parks System. The road back the mile to the campground wound through several gravel pits that have been growing over since the 60s from the looks of the trees. It is a very good place to hike/walk that is not crowded. Since the addition of paved trails recently added on the other side of the Flint River just south of the gravel pits.
This Monarch Butterfly has found a flowering Milkweed to feast on. The Milkweed is their favorite food. This was Taken Mid July 2020 along the dunes trail at Hoft State Park.
Sept 2020 finds me back on the Flint River, Mott Lake reservoir. I spotted this Egret looking in the water for dinner. So I sat a ways out, not to disturb him and waited for the moment he pulled up a fish. Not a bad size. Had no problem swallowing it whole.
Love this shot. He took off from a spot that he thought was to close for comfort and parked it on this log/tree just a ways off.
Not a great sunrise. But the only one that I got over Lake Huron during the pandemic summer of 2020.
This guy didn't give me the time of day. Usually when you even come remotely close on land or by kayak they are gone under the water and not seen again. This one was busy hustling around eating lunch.
This photo was taken from the highbanks trail at Lumbermans Monument on the AusAuble River. It was a great fall day as you can see from the colors of the trees and the reflections in the water. This is a replica of a kitchen raft that they floated down the river along with the logs and loggers to the mouth of the river in Oscoda.
While setting by the water at one of my favorite places in the upper lower peninsula of Michigan fall of 2020. This little guy came along. He looked at this acorn for quite awhile and from different angles, then finally flew away.
This is a small berry tree in my yard. Not sure the name? But with 14 inches of snow on the ground for some time now. This local squirrel decided that these would make a good lunch without having to dig for it.
