Northwoods lupine

Lupinus, commonly known as lupin or lupine (North America), is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family. The genus comprises about 280 species, with major centers of diversity in South and Western North America , parts of the Southern Hemisphere and the Andes and secondary centers in the Mediterranean region and Africa.

Northwoods Lupine

Northwoods Lupine

Northwoods Lupine

May Frogs

The frogs are out now.  My step son will be so happy to see them he loves catching them or at least trying to any way.

Northwoods frog

northwoods frog

May - Last Year

These are some shots from May of last year.  Wow what a difference from this year.  This time last year w were already at the lake and enjoying

Spring may 2012

Spring may 2012

Spring may 2012

Spring may 2012

Spring may 2012

Birds Return

I have heard them singing for awhile now, but finally was able to get out and get some pictures of the birds by the lake.  I can't wait to go boat riding again. 

Spring black bird

King Fisher

spring bird

Bear

Saturday while on our way to my parent house we saw two black bear club and their mother along the road.  The mother stayed back in the woods further but she didn't let the little guys out of her sight.  I can honestly say these are the first bears that I have gotten the chance to photograph.  I was so excited and a little scared.

Northwoods Black Bear Cub

Northwoods Black Bear Cub

Northwoods Black Bear Cub

Northwoods Black Bear Cub

Spring Owl

We spotted this little guy while collecting sap, one of the guys with us said it was a Saw-whet Owl. The scientific description of one of the sub-species of this owl is attributed to the Rev. John Henry Keen who was a missionary in Canada in 1896. Adults are 17–22 cm (6.7–8.7 in) long with a 42–56.3 cm (17–22.2 in) wingspan. They can weigh from 54 to 151 g (1.9 to 5.3 oz) with an average of around 80 g (2.8 oz), making them one of the smallest owls in North America. In relative size to other owls they are close to the size of an American Robin.

More Porcupine

The porcupine is the prickliest of rodents, though its Latin name means "quill pig." There are about two dozen porcupine species, and all boast a coat of needle-like quills to give predators a sharp reminder that this animal is no easy meal. Some quills, like those of Africa's crested porcupine, are nearly a foot (30 centimeters) long.

Northwoods Porcupine

Northwoods Porcupine

Northwoods Porcupine

Northwoods Porcupine

Leaves left in Winter

 Not all of the leaves managed to fall before the snow fell, these few have hung in there until the bitter end. 

Winter Leaves

Snowy Leaves

Northwoods winter

Close up northwoods

Northwoods winter scene

Snow Fall in Forest

The snow is melting now but these are a few shots from before it started to turn ito 'snirt' as my mother calls it. 

Northwoods winter

Northwoods winter

Northwoods winter

Northwoods winter

Last April

These Photos are from last April but I thought since the snow is melting that we should take a look ahead to spring, which seems to be just around the corner.

Spring bird

Spring on lake

Canada Goose

Spring on Lake

Spring on Lake

Deer

We went back to the bar where they feed the dear and saw this doe out there eating.  I was amazing how close we could get to them but too close and they do run off.

Northwoods Deer

Northwoods Deer

Northwoods scene

I like to get low to the ground and shoot up toward the sky, I like that way the trees look against the blue.  The lack of leave allows for more light to get through.

Northwoods winter forest

Northwoods winter forest

Northwoods winter forest

Northwoods winter forest

American Bald Eagle

I saw on Facebook awhile back that 4 American Bald Eagles were found dead in Washington sate.  They were still looking for detail and honestly I hope they find the person or people responsible.  I think they are big beautiful creatures, and here are some shots that I took this summer of an American Bald Eagle.

American Bald Eagle

American Bald Eagle

American Bald Eagle

American Bald Eagle