animals

The winter waiting game with Woody

Posted on February 2, 2022 by farlane

Waiting with Woody by Howell Nature Center

The Howell Nature Center is home to Woody, Michigan’s official groundhog. Woody has an accuracy rate is 76%, she will be making her 22nd prediction in 2022. A winter storm warning is in effect for Livingston County today, so they have rescheduled their annual festivities from today to this Saturday (Feb 5) from 7:30-9 AM. Get all the details on Facebook or their website & stay safe out there today!!

PS: If you look to Punxsutawney Phil for your Spring prognostication, I’m sad to report that the shadow was seen meaning six more weeks of winter.

Make Isle Royale your office in 2022!

Posted on January 21, 2022 by farlane

Tobin Harbor Sunrise by Carl TerHaar

How would you like to wake up to this view?? Well, if you are a college student, the Isle Royale Wolf-Moose Research Project is seeking volunteers to assist with data collection for the 2022 summer field season. Students studying natural resources, conservation, ecology, or related fields will gain valuable field work experience working with distinguished researchers in Isle Royale National Park in the longest continuous study of any predator-prey system in the world.

The opportunity is for 4-5 weeks between early-May and mid-June, and requires students to have documented experience backpacking & camping for extended periods of time in remote settings, proficiency with orienteering, and the ability to get along with others in backcountry settings for 10-day periods of time are all critical. Get the full rundown of qualifications, activities & more on their website at IsleRoyaleWolf.org.

Carl is definitely Michigan in Pictures’s Isle Royale Bureau Chief! His photos feature prominently in our posts about Isle Royale & his photo of a Bull Moose Faceoff is one of the most popular photos of all time on Michigan in Pictures. He took this way back in the summer of 2009, and you can see hundreds more in his Isle Royale National Park gallery on Flickr. For sure head over to his Mackinaw Scenics website to view & purchase his work!

So Cold

Posted on January 14, 2022 by farlane

So Cold by Julie

With Michigan is plunging back into the deep freeze this weekend I think we can all identify with this little guy.

Julie took this back in 2017. See much more in her massive Winter gallery on Flickr.

Stay warm folks!!

Before the Plows Come By

Posted on January 7, 2022 by farlane

Before the Plows Come By by Ann Fisher

Ann captured a nice winter mood in this photo from a late December evening in Marquette. See more in her 2021 UP gallery on Flickr & thanks to all the hardworking plow drivers around the state!

Bobcat Bingo!

Posted on December 28, 2021December 28, 2021 by farlane

Bobcat by Paulv21

Bobcats are one of the most elusive animals in Michigan. Last winter I was “lucky” enough to have two of them race in front of me while driving. I say “lucky” because even though they were able to run in front of my car from a starting point almost next to me, I was able to slow enough to see them close up. The thing that surprised me most in addition to their speed was how muscular they are – seriously ripped!

Paul captured this bobcat last week with his trail cam which ~~I think is in the UP~~ is from Loomis near Clare, but as The Leader shares, bobcats are found all across Michigan, even in cities! See lots more shots in his 2020 Trail Camera gallery on Flickr.

More about bobcats aka Lynx rufus on Michigan in Pictures.

Do Androids Dream of Alien Sheep?

Posted on December 9, 2021 by farlane

Alien Sheep by Steve

“Mors certa, vita incerta,”
― Philip K. Dick, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

Philip K. Dick mused in the novel that inspired Blade Runner that while death is certain, life is uncertain. While that is certainly a difficult reality to live with, here’s hoping that as many of our uncertainties as possible turn out to be happy ones.

Steve took this photo back in December 2016. While I’ve featured it before, it’s too darn good for a single engagement! See more in his Canon Mark II / III / IV gallery on Flickr.

Happy Back Into the Woods Day 2021

Posted on December 1, 2021 by farlane

Deer by David Marvin

While I have yet to get any elected officials on board with an official holiday declaration, I will once again wish all of you a very happy Back Into the Woods Day!

As longtime Michpics readers know, Back Into the Woods Day celebrates the end of Michigan’s annual firearm deer season making most of the state’s wild places off limits. Here’s hoping you get a chance to get outside this week or weekend … and that you see some of our many forest friends while you’re there!!

David took this photo last weekend at the Fenner Nature Center. Head over to his Flickr for more.

Belle Isle Bambi

Posted on November 19, 2021 by farlane

Deep Thoughts & Work Comps by Cave Canem

Reaching all the way back to November of 2007 for a sweet shot from one of my favorite photographers & Michigan in Pictures fans, Cave Canem. He no longer lives in Michigan, but regularly shares photos from other photographers in our Facebook group. Check out more in his My Belle Isle gallery & have a great weekend!

Opening Day: 2021 Deer Season begins in Michigan

Posted on November 15, 2021 by farlane

Untitled by Etzel Noble

November 15th is Opening Day of firearm deer season & basically a state holiday in Michigan. Deer season runs through November 30th & many state and national parks allow hunting so be sure to check the regulations before a hike!

Etzel took this photo back in November. See more in his 5 Stars gallery on Flickr.