Bombs away!

A frog in a log in a bog.

Actually, a toad, and yes, IN a log, located in somewhat of a bog.  I have found thousands of toads UNDER logs in my life.  Never have I found a toad INSIDE a log.  A solid log, that is...perhaps just soft enough to allow an amphibian access to the protective pulp within. 

Find the toad (Bufo americanus) in the first photo.  This was taken immediately after I tried to flip the log, but instead broke the top part off, revealing the toad. 

By the way, the toad was returned to its chamber after I snapped a few photos.

Video Land.

Keep low, Doe.

Michigan Sunset

On Vernal Pond

The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is one of the most common species of songbirds (and birds in general) in most of its range.  I saw a number of them this morning, including this male.  It is hard to get a really good picture of them, since they were wary of me (the crunching of leaves and sticks as I approach doesn't help), and for the time being, I am using only a simple point-and-shoot digital camera with average zooming capabilities.  But, I thought this one turned out pretty good.

 I found this female western chorus frog (Pseudacris triseriata) underneath some bark.  She wasn't being a willing candidate for my photographic efforts, and even though it was a near-record low of 44 degrees (for mid-May), she was froggy and wouldn't sit still.  This was the best I was able to muster.  These frogs are extremely adaptable and can endure very low temperatures.

 The blue-spotted salamander (Ambystoma laterale) is one of my favorite local amphibians.  I always get excited when I find one.  The blue-black combination is so unique to this group of animals.  They are fairly common, but secretive.  I found two today, but since they were nearly identical, I'll leave you with an image of the first.

Apple Blossoms

Yeah, pictures of flowers are all too commonplace and played out.  But, these were on MY apple tree in MY backyard.  So, booyah.  They don't last long- this was taken less than one week ago, and whatever flowers are left on the tree are wilted and dying.

Backyard Lagomorph

This cottontail rabbit (genus Sylvilagus) was squatting in my backyard.  It sat perfectly still as I knowingly walked within a few feet of it while taking out the trash.  I again passed it by when I went back into the house, and again it sat motionless.  Only when I returned with my camera did it become nervous and twitchy- it bounded across the yard toward the house (hence the aluminum siding backdrop), and was very wary (and hairy).  I took a few pictures and tried getting closer before it took off under the fence and returned to urbanization.

Vintage Shelter

Accipiter cooperii

When I arrived home from work and was fiddling for the key to the front door the other day, I heard a commotion in the tree right out front of my house.  I looked up and saw a raptor (no, not a dinosaur adept at opening doors and eating Australian big-game hunters), perched on a limb, beginning to eat a smaller bird.  I'm not all too good with bird identification, so I wasn't sure what it was, but it wasn't anything I've seen before.  I often see red-tailed hawks, but this one was a little smaller and the appearance was way off.  I eventually learned it was a Cooper's Hawk, and a female at that.  I watched as it ate the entire bird (I'm not sure what species the prey was), plucking its dinner's feathers out and sending them fluttering to the ground.  I took some photos, as I'm not sure when I'll witness this again.