While the signs of spring may already be starting to arrive elsewhere, here in northern Michigan the thermometer still rarely gets above thirty degrees. Actually, its spending about 98% of its time much closer to zero than it does anywhere near anything that would even seem warm.

It’s amazing to me that even though most of the woods around the pond appear almost lifeless covered in its unending blanket of snow there is life and beautiful detail if you know where to look. In the case of the Fish Pond a perfect example is the short stream that feeds into the pond.

The flow of water that helps keep the pond free of ice also provides an opportunity for a small amount of plant life to stay green throughout the harsh northern winter. The constant temperature of the stream water seems to keep the air just over it and along its banks warm enough for the moss that covers some of the rocks to remain green all year round providing promise that spring will eventually arrive here too.

The mix of water drops that get airborne as they bounce over the streams rocky bed and the freezing air that hovers just a foot or so away from the waters surface create the perfect opportunity for Mother Nature to turn the fallen branches and bank overhangs into a continuously changing canvas of small icy art. While they are not large and imposing they are incredibly impressive in their intricacies.

As always, get out there and try to enjoy the many beautiful wonders in the small details of the world around us. They are everywhere, you just have to slow down and take a few minutes to find them.

Stay warm and have a great one.

Kevin

Cold, Crunchy and Crowded

Now most people with half a brain wouldn’t even think about heading out to sit in the snow when the temperature approaches zero. I’m a little nuts though and the inconveniences and discomforts caused by the frigid morning air proved to be worth the suffering.

After walking most of the way to my photo blind the radio station I was listening too reported that the temperature had risen to around a balmy four degrees Celsius. I stopped walking and was considering an about face when I spotted several large ducks over the tree line ahead. They dropped quickly from view and appeared to have landed on the pond.

Since I hadn’t expected to see much of anything today I figured I might as well sneak in and grab a couple of quick shots of them and maybe a few of any interesting snow and ice features regardless of the temperature.

The snow was so crusty and loud that I didn’t even try to get to my normal spot for fear of scaring off anything that was on the pond. Instead I made a wide circle through the woods, crossing several sets of fresh deer tracks, until I got to a spot I could make my way down to the lowest point of the ponds bank without being detected. As it turned out it was worth the effort to do so.

I thought it was impressive this fall when there were 30 or so ducks on the pond. Needless to say I was really impressed this morning when I caught my first glimpse of the waters surface and there were well over a hundred. They were everywhere!

Mallards, Mergansers, Buffle Heads, Goldeneyes, and even a group what I think were Gadwall (photo below, please feel free to add a comment to correct me if I’m wrong).

While it was hard to decide which group of birds to photograph I did get to see one behavior I haven’t seen before.

A pair of Mallards that had been along the bank made their way out onto the open water. The hen stopped about thirty yards from where I was and sat there lowering her head until her beak was just in or just above the water.

The drake turned and swam towards her bobbing his head up and down until he was right beside her. He then climbed up on top of her and lay there making sure she stayed under water for several seconds.

As I’m sure most people who would have witnessed this display would have reasoned, it appeared as though they were getting a jump on the mating season. But not being an expert on duck behavior that’s just a guess.

After almost two hours of sitting in the snow, my toes starting to burn from the cold, I decided to head for home. I managed to sneak away from the pond without causing a mass duck panic and hobble back to my vehicle and some warmth.

I mention the mass duck panic because it is very important to remember that wild animals need their space more now than any other time of year. Their winter survival depends on their ability to find food and maintain their fat and energy reserves. When they are forced to run or fly, even from well meaning people, it causes them to unnecessarily burn up these much needed reserves.


Even when it seems colder than cold life in the wonderful world around us goes on. While I won’t recommend that anyone who does not have lots of experience working in extremely cold weather venture out into the wild on days like today when its gets a little warmer, and if you have experienced guidance, get out there and enjoy the wonderful winter season!

Have a great one and please be sure to leave a comment if you enjoy my blog!

Kevin