Cedar Waxwings…and frustration

 Yesterday, K and I went show shoeing at Hidden Lake Gardens.  On every trip I carry my camera and binoculars.  I try to capture bird close-ups whenever possible to use in my art.  When it comes to Cedar Waxwings I learned that it’s best to let them come to you and not go out to [...]

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Mexican plants and new project

 In preparation for my next project I’ve been collecting photographs of Mexican plants from the Arid Room at Hidden Lake Gardens.  This one is Palmer Agave.  It’s one of my favorite plants in the arid room.  I love the subtle squiggle which adorns the center of this plant.  I love a lot of the plants [...]

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Horned Larks

  I recently joked with a fellow birder about driving long distances to see birds…only to see them when you get home in your own yard.  Well that happened to me today.  I went snow shoeing this morning at HLG but didnt see any new species.  On my way home I bought a new shovel at [...]

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Hoppy New Year

 On my last visit through Hidden Lake Gardens this year I was greeted by two Wood Frogs in the Conservatory.  Since they both look pretty much the same I’m only showing one here.
To learn more about Michigan Frogs go to the Michigan DNR website.

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It’s easy being green…for some

I started doing some work on a woodcut this morning but the smell of 60 degree air was too much to resist.  After a quick lunch in Tecumseh I took off to HLG for a quick walk.  I had my camera with me and stopped in the conservatory to see if the Cacao tree had [...]

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Christmas Bird Count at Hidden Lake Gardens

 Yesterday, a friend of mine and I spent the day counting birds at Hidden Lake Gardens for the Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count.  We spent the entire day, from sunrise to nearly sundown seeking out and counting birds in all corners of the property.  By the end of the day I was Jaded (hence the photo [...]

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Evening of Lights, Hidden Lake Gardens

Last nights display of lights at Hidden Lake Gardens was a photographers dream.  I could have easily spent the night in the Gardens.  I’ve always loved this fountain in the Conservatory, so the fountain at night with candles was the highlight of my night.  I laid down on the floor to take this photo.  I’m [...]

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Junco yard

Yesterday I goofed off and went to the Toledo Museum of Art to see Winslow Homer.  Today, I had to get some much needed yard work done.  The sun was shining and there was very little wind.  I couldnt ask for a better day to rake leaves.  So I put on my iPod and headed [...]

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Waiting for Snow

A few years ago I did a painting of thistles at Ramsdell Park.  Ramsdell Park is supposed to be a Pheasant preserve but I have to admit I’ve never seen a pheasant there.  But that’s not to say they are not there.  The meadow is THICK!  When I think of Ramsdell Park I don’t think [...]

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A Reason for Singing

 The Trumpeters are singing…and for good reason.  Hidden Lake Gardens received their new male swan (shown on the left).  He’s a tad spunkier than the last male swan.  He bobbed his head in agitation as I approached to take these photos.  I think it’s a little easier to identify this male.  His neck is thinner [...]

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