Update from the Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station

Posted on by farlane

First Whale of the Season, photo by Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station

The Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station has posted the first “confirmed” sighting of a whale for the summer of 2017:

This is the first confirmed whale sighting of the season on Lake Michigan. We appreciate the photo, however we strongly advise against getting this close to a whale. The kayak party from Lombard, IL spent the 4th of July weekend near Good Hart, MI. They reported seeing from the beach what looked like whale activity 200-300 yards offshore.

We expect more reports over the next 2-3 weeks and appreciate any efforts to share them with us via Facebook Message. Please record location, date and time of sightings, and stay at least 30 yards away from migrating whales. Stay safe!

View the photo bigger and definitely follow the Lake Michigan Whale Migration Station on Facebook for more updates!

Turtles don’t care about personal space

Posted on by farlane

Apparently turtles have no concept of “my personal space”, photo by Dale Devries

Regular readers are aware that World Turtle Day is a big favorite of mine. It takes place a week from today on Tuesday, May 23rd, and I’m extra excited for this year as I will post the 10th and final turtle on my list of the ten turtles native to Michigan! Be sure to tune in and definitely consider supporting American Tortoise Rescue and their World Turtle Day!

I tried to find a definitive answer as to why turtles “stack” like this. It appears to be a way for littler turtles to get more sun, but I’m curious if anyone has a definitive answer.

About the photo Dale writes:

I took an old section of dock and made a ramp up to it just above the waterline, and the turtles have voiced their approval! I have no idea why we have so many turtles here, but it must mean the lake is healthy!

View the photo background big and see more in Dale’s The Best of West Lake slideshow.

Shopping with Kevin

Posted on by farlane

Kevin reading the sign, photo by Penny Thompson

OK. I know I’m REALLY heavy on birds lately, but come how can you resist??!!

A reader (Bill S) tipped me off that there was a story out there on Kevin so I have an addition:

A Michigan gas station where a rooster showed up a few months ago and refused to leave built a coop for the bird and named him Kevin. Michelle Brink, a 15-year employee of Magoo’s gas station in Paw Paw, Michigan, said the rooster first turned up on October of last year, and started making regular visits to eat the deer feed outside the store.

“After the deer feed left we thought maybe he would go home [but] he never left,” Brink told WXMI-TV. “So we’re like OK, winter’s coming, we better build him a box.”

Read on for more including a great video report featuring Kevin from UPI.

View the photo bigger and see more in Penny’s slideshow.

More funny business on Michigan in Pictures.

A Tale of Two Sunsets

Posted on by farlane

Here’s two photos from the Absolute Michigan pool taken from the same spot in Grand Haven on the same evening by two photographers that I recently featured on Michigan in Pictures! I just love coincidences, don’t you?

driftwood-and-reflected-pastels-of-afterglow

Driftwood And Reflected Pastels Of Afterglow, photo by David Behrens

View David’s photo bigger and see more in his slideshow (where you’ll see the photo of the Grand Haven Fog Signal I featured the other day). Then when you’re done with that, check out Jerry James’ photo bigger and see more in his slideshow (where you’ll see the “Alley Adventures” from a little while back).

drifting-by-jerry-james

Drifting, photo by Jerry James

Bay City Santa Attack!

Posted on by farlane

Santa Attack

Santa Attack!, photo by Tom Clark

The annual Santa Claus for the Cause in Bay City takes place next Thursday (December 15) from 5-10 PM. It’s a pub crawl and just $10 gets you a Santa Suit and supports local charities.

View Tom’s photo bigger, see more in his whimsical things slideshow, and follow him at TAC Photography on Facebook.

Photo-op gone bad

Posted on by farlane

photo-op-gone-bad

Photo-op gone bad, photo by Paul Wojtkowski

Paul got caught by an unexpectedly large wave on Lake Superior – good thing he had already taken his selfie-stick shots!! :D

View his photo big as the biggest lake, see more including Manabezho Falls in his slideshow, and view and purchase photos on the-woj.com.

On a more serious note, as yesterday and today’s posts show, these big lakes have big and sometimes unexpected power, particularly as we head into fall and winter. Take a moment to see what’s going on, watch for a minute so you know what’s going on, be sure of your footing, and take a buddy or two if you can!

Hello … is it me you’re looking for?

Posted on by farlane

hello-is-it-me-youre-looking-for

Hello … is it me you’re looking for?, photo by pkHyperFocal

Happy Friday everyone! Check the photo out bigger and see more in pk’s Macro slideshow.

#TBT Idle Moments on Torch Lake

Posted on by farlane

Idle Moments on Torch Lake

Idle Moments – Torch Lake, photo courtesy Don Harrison/UpNorth Memories

I think the woman on the right is really glad that cell phones hadn’t been invented yet.

View Don’s photo background big, check out his slideshow, and definitely follow UpNorth Memories on Facebook!

More Throwback Thursdays and more funny business on Michigan in Pictures!

Wienerlicious

Posted on by farlane

Wienerlicious, Mackinaw City

Wienerlicious, Mackinaw City, June, 2016, photo by Norm Powell

Remember folks: I don’t take the photos, choose the titles … or name businesses Wienerlicious. That said, have a Wienerlicious Wednesday Friday!

View Norm’s photo bigger, click for more of his Pure Michigan photos, and view & purchase photos at normpowellphotography.com.

More Roadside awesomeness on Michigan in Pictures.

Pure Michigan Picnic: April Edition

Posted on by farlane

Pure Michigan Picnic April 2016 Edition

Nice Day for a Picnic, photo by mileelanau

I don’t usually post my own photos on Michigan in Pictures, but I felt I had to share this one from Sunday. Pure Michigan! …yay??

mileelanau is the Instagram for my “flagship” Leelanau.com, and where I post pictures from hiking around northern lower Michigan. Follow mileelanau on Instagram for more.

PS: This turned out to be the picnic table of some old family friends. Loved discovering that on Facebook!! ;)

PPS: More beach and more Lake Michigan photos on Michigan in Pictures.