After a lengthy sabbaticle from birding and photography I finally summoned up the energy to bring my camera on a quick excursion to one of my favorite late summer desinations, Pt Mouillee in Southeastern Michigan. The day started out beautifull but promised to heat up into the 90's as the day progressed so leaving early was important. As I was unloading my bike from the car I was surprised to see fellow birder Jerry Jourdan pull in and begin unloading his gear. We teamed up, checked our gear and headed out to the marsh. Our destination was Cell#3 where a number of shorebirds had been reported earlier in the week.
Upon arrival we immediatly found the eight American White Pelicans that have been staying in this area for the last month or so. Also located was the lone American Avocet and a number of smaller "Peeps" I located a Spotted Sandpiper while Jerry was digiscoping a small group of Sanderlings in the middle of the mudflats. A nice surprise was seeing two Ruddy Turnstones behind the resting Pelicans. The Turnstones were to distant for my camera lens but I have included a photo of a couple of them taken at Crane Creek a few years back. On the way back out we found a small Fox Snake.
We made it back to the cars after riding the entire distance against the strong westerly wind
that had blown up; no small feat considering this was my first bike ride this year.
that had blown up; no small feat considering this was my first bike ride this year.
It was good to get out again and kickoff the fall migration with some truelly wonderful birds
Namaste,
Charles Owens
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