Bald Eagle — Craig Elston

Tag: Bald Eagle

Ice On The Big Lake

January

Grand Haven Pier

Even though it was in the teens along the lakeshore and very cold with a slight northerly breeze, the sun finally came out today. I have been wanting to do some ice and lighthouse photos this winter but it has been almost constantly cloudy here and at the lake. Today was cold but perfect for light and the lake affect clouds stayed out over the lake making for good lighting and contrast, something we don’t always get with snow. You will notice in the photos that the ice extends as far as you can see except for a few small openings here and there. This is because Lake Michigan is frozen almost quit a ways out and with the prolonged arctic blast we are in, it will likely continue to build ice further out. It is predicted that this will be a record year for ice on the great lakes. One benefit from this is that the lake levels will stay up and we should start seeing less lake affect snow as there won’t be the evaporation with the ice cover like there is with open water. If going to the beach, be extremely careful as the ice is not always as safe as it may look.

Lake Ice

As I traveled down the lake to Port Sheldon I say an immature Bald Eagle. In the open water of Pigeon Lake there were good numbers of Buffleheads and Canvasback Ducks. These and other northern breeding species can often be found in open waters of and near the great lakes in winter. The problem this year is that there isn’t much open water since it has been so cold. If you find open water on the rivers or drowned river mouths, you should find plenty of water fowl.

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Much Ado in Winter

December

Cattail

As the weather begins to cool and visions of snow covered landscapes are only a dream so far this year, there is much to experience in West Michigan out of doors this time of year. With the warm fall, things like Skunk Cabbage and other spring ephemerals that begin their growth in the fall are exposed for the viewing with the lack of snow this year. The warm weather has been good for a comfortable walk in the woods, but even when it is cold it’s a good time of year to be out. Chances are you’ll be alone or one of the few who venture out and many times in winter, the place to be to enjoy the view around you is to be where everyone else isn’t As you pass by the wetlands or ditches along the road, check out the cattails and other vegetation. As the snow and ice comes this dead vegetation can become very photogenic.

Winter birds are more friendly and easier to observe since they are not so territorial or protecting young at this time of year. Many species also come down from the more northern areas to the Great Lakes for the winter in search of food and milder weather.

Bald Eagle at Palomita Preserve

As the cold comes and ice begins to form on the local lakes and waterways, water fowl and eagles will congregate at the open water in the ice to feed. This is also a good time to find birds we don’t often see in our area. A few weeks ago a White-winged Crossbill was sighted at Hemlock Crossings Park in Ottawa County. The lakeshore areas are some of the best for birding this time of year. Even though Eagles are becoming more and more common in West Michigan, they are still a welcome sight. Eagles can be seen around the Palomita Preserve along Lakeshore drive south of Grand Haven. They will be by the open water in Grand Haven and Holland areas when it finally freezes things up. The next month or so will be great times to view these majestic birds if we get the ice to consolidate them into easier to find areas.

Rare or uncommon birds can also show up at the bird feeders through the winter months. There are already reports of Redpolls in the area and these birds will show up at feeders when the weather turns cold and the natural seeds are under the snow.

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