Most readers know how much we love Michigan’s Northern Peninsula but even the Northern Lower Peninsula is amazing.  Despite the heat, we enjoyed Northern Michigan in many different forms this weekend.  Whether kayaking, hiking, photographing or sitting on the deck enjoying the company of friends, it was a great weekend.  At one point we had Purple Finches feeding no more than 5 feet from us at the cabin (and yes, I said Purple Finches, not House Finches).  We were well South of Traverse City so a great sighting! 

Click Here to see a video clip of a Male Purple Finch

Not sure how our final bird list ended up but between all of us, we saw and/or heard some amazing birds including the illusive Golden-winged Warbler.  Unfortunately, we only heard the bird but it was most definitely a GWWA.

Our first night, we enjoyed a float on Big Bass Lake.  It’s a busy lake but after 7:30pm, it’s “no wake” and at that point became very enjoyable.  Near the end of the evening, we found the Common Loons that are typically there and I captured some more nice shots in evening light.  Most images were classic poses but it’s always nice to take away Loon shots.

During our river float, we tallied some nice birds but also saw some great flowers including Showy Lady-Slippers, Indian Paintbrush, and Wild Iris.  It was nice to float a river again and enjoy the sunny reflections in the wake as well as Rough-winged Swallows picking bugs off the water.  The Manistee wasn’t the AuSable but it was pretty fantastic in its own right and I think it may trump the AuSable in fall from the looks of it.  Hopefully we’ll get a chance to float it in the fall to find out!  We had great views of a Map Turtle and just before our lunch spot, real nice looks at a Pickerel Frog which was a first for both Kara and me.

Not too far from the cabin was a very active Blueberry patch with birds such as Indigo Buntings, Redstarts, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and more.  I was going for specific shots that never materialized but it was still good birding.

Our trip ended with a short float on a small lake that we had to ourselves for the most part.  We were there mid-day so not a whole lot of bird activity but we did see some bog plants as well as some great views of Painted Turtles.  Luckily, clouds moved in creating a cooler float but also tamed my harsh lighting a bit.  Most of the shooting this weekend was at bad times (as far as the lighting goes) but while the lighting was tough, it was still manageable.

Before getting off the lake, I photographed an Eastern Kingbird who was busy hunting Dragonflies.  While the bird was hunting, its mate was busy building a nest with Cattail fluff.  Very cool!  As always, we were shown great hospitality, good eats, and great new places to bird.  3 days up north was great but we can’t wait until the next time!