Southeastern Michigan enjoys the opportunity to witness the migration of many bird
species. Some are permanent occupants. Here are a collection of captured birds both
native and those just passing through...
While shooting waterbirds on the ice filled St. Clair river, a car stopped and told
me there was a great big hawk in the nearby Algonac State park. I finished shooting
and drove up the road looking for a hawk. I almost choked when I saw the bird! We live
in southeastern lower Michigan, and don't see many bald eagles. Well, here was one
right close to home!
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I spotted this red-tailed hawk sitting on the wire as I drove past. I quietly got
out of the van and slowly crept up to it. He was quit intent on watching for his prey,
that he let me get very close for this shot.
Not all birds here in Michigan are native. Here are a group of Lovebirds and
Cockatiels being raised by a co-worker of mine.
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You might think you're in Africa when you see these photos of the Michigan
Turkey Vulture! From the spring of the year thru to the chilling days of fall, you can
see these magnificent birds soaring upon the winds in search of their next meal. They
glide effortlessly in ever moving circles, usually in groups of from two birds to
twenty! Quite a dance in the sky do they make.
Occasionally, you will see them perched in old tree limbs, in old houses and barns
(very spooky...!), and on the roadside eating. Here is a photo showing the birds
drying their wings after a meal. Quite a sight!
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I had a family of robins in my back yard in June, 2003. They set up house in my lilac bush.
I learned a bit of how the robins both share in the care and raising of the young. From
the continual demanded feeding to the cleaning of the nest. I caught the father robin with
a beakfull. This amount of food was a constant all the day long. Even after the young
left the nest, the adult still feeds them. The young follow the adult around as she shows
it how to hunt for food.
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We have had the oppertunity to visit my wifes' parents in upper lower Michigan, for the
last two years. They have a few bird feeders in their back yard, and it gives me the
opportunity to photograph the local flock. Sparrows, finch, woodpeckers, nuthatch,
bluejays and bluebirds all share the feeders.
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Here is a native Great-horned owl. It was Christmas day of 2002, and my wife and her
daughter Rachel went tromping through the snow. I snuck up on this guy, who just wanted
to be left alone.
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My wife and I saw this red-tailed hawk dive to the ground up ahead as we were driving.
I readied my camera, then slowly approached. He didn't let me get too close, so I shot
what I could.
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While upon the Isle of Harsens, my wife and I took a little ride through the shipping
channel, which runs parallel to the south channel of the St. Clair river. Here, at the
top of a channel marker, sat a few Cormorants preening their feathers, and drying the
channel waters from their breast.
