Eating "Michigan's" Fire for Breakfast

Fire in the Sky - Omena, Michigan by Sheen Watkins

Over the course of time, I've experienced many of Michigan's finest sights from behind the lens.  My idea of a good breakfast?  A fiery, Michigan sunrise!

I've taken thousands of images trying to reflect the diversity that's commonly known as "Pure Michigan."

With a vivid, intense sunrise glistening over our Great Lakes, it's an easy and energizing way to start the day.

If rising and shining is a bit of a challenge, get a jump start with a rich cup of coffee from Coffee Beanery, one of Michigan's finest businesses operating since 1976.  Or it may be the habitat friendly Birds and Beans Coffee or a cup of hot tea with a squeeze of citrus.

Norhport's Harbor by Sheen Watkins

From late fall to mid spring, Michigan is infamous for our grey, chilly winters.

For those who live (and photograph) here, we also know that gray is just a temporary state.   All you need is an early wake up call to go outside.  There...our breakfast may be served sunny-side up with a little fire mixed in. 

North of Omena on M22 by Sheen Watkins

There are those mornings where the sky's rosy red consumes land and water.   Skies go from twilight, shades of rich rose only to layer Grand Traverse Bay with glistening orange.

If red's not your taste, just wait a few minutes.  The red shifts to tints of oranges and yellows, adding a hint of warmth to the morning's chill.

A Door to Sunrise by Sheen Watkins

When the sun crests the horizon, don't rush the moment.  Just wait.

With a little local knowledge, you can find many interesting little unique treasures for the sun to peak through.

Some of my favorite spots?

Just head up Michigan's M22 on the east side of the Leelanau Peninsula.  Quaint towns of Sutton's Bay and Omena rest on the Grand Traverse Bay's shoreline. Then the veer up onto 201 along Northport's harbor and North Shore drive.

Along the way, savor the moment and let the sun rise to greet you.

Happy Shooting!
Sheen
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"Songbird Sung Blue"

It's spring time which means the woods and fields are filled with the delightful songs and colors of songbirds.  Birds are flocking together to nest, breed, have chicks and depending on the species, travel south for thousands of miles after their chicks have fledged the nest. 

Lazuli Bunting by Sheen Watkins

It's time to celebrate a few of our magnificent little birds of blue.

The Lazuli Bunting, taken in Arizona could almost be mistaken for a bluebird.  Their white wing bars are an immediate giveaway.  

There's something a little extra special about birds in blue.  

Maybe it's because there are not as many species in this color range. 

They are so striking with their azure plumage.  Their sweet songs carry through the distance with unique and brilliant trills, notes and screeches.

The Indigo Bunting is a common sighting in Michigan and the midwest.  Even though it's a bit more common, that doesn't make it any less special to see....and hear.  The melodious song carries a distance from their high perches.  

This little guy is a regular on the Leelanau Peninsula on a trail managed by the Leelanau Conservancy in Michigan.

Indigo Bunting by Sheen Watkins

What 'blue' posting would be complete without a favorite for many?  The eastern bluebird entertains us by using nesting boxes to build their nest and their family.

Eastern Bluebird by Sheen Watkins

And lastly, the common but yet so striking Blue Jay.  We hear the loud calls when they fly in flocks. We see them visit our feeders.  Their bold crest along with the bright blue patterns make them standout from the rest of their family - the crows.

Blue Jay, a member of the Crow Family by Sheen Watkins

The title of this blog was inspired by Neil Diamond's "Song Sung Blue".  This is the second blog title that he, along with mother nature inspired:  What do Neil Diamond & Northern Michigan Have in Common? Cherry, Cherry!

Happy Shooting!

Protect It....and They Will Come...Back...

Pure Sweetness , a Piping Plover photo by Sheen's Nature Photography on Flickr.

Nature photographers love to get up close and personal with their subjects. In addition to lighting and location there is one crucial element that has to happen before we even get started. The thriving and surviving of our subjects' habitat.

Many articles, documentaries and environmentalists have so much information that it can be overwhelming. Throughout all of their research there is a common thread - awareness and protection.

Let's take the precious Piping Plover which has been on the Michigan endangered list since 1986.  Natural predators are foxes, crows, gulls, etc. combined with human disturbance.

Additionally, to quote Kay Charter, founder of Saving Birds Thru Habitat "It's not only humans that cause problems, an increase in many other species that predate on these ground nesters take an incredible toll. We can all help by giving them their space and by keeping our pets away from their nesting and foraging areas." The Piping Plover's protection is their camouflage - with their nests being on the ground they are exposed to many hazards. If disturbed too much, they will abandon their nests.

The Piping Plover has not been seen in the Northern Leelanau Michigan area for 8 years. Yet this year there are 2 families about 5 miles apart with chicks being born just last week.

Nap Time - Piping Plover Chick,  Sheen's Nature Photography 

So what brought them back? Hopefully, it's the optimal environment for breeding for sustained livelihood on the peninsula!

For many years, dedicated organizations like The Leelanau Conservancy are intentional about every action they take with regard to protecting land and the environment.  Over the course of time they have forever protected 10,000 acres of spectacular views, sensitive wetlands and working farms.

Members of  The Leelanau Conservancy have also been communicating frequently with Saving Birds Thru Habitat and the Department of Natural Resources on the recent return of the Piping Plover. It takes multiple organizations and individuals partnering to document activities, safeguard their environment to bring future returns.                                                                                                                

These little juveniles have a 30% chance of survival to adulthood - they need a lot of help!

Proud Papa Piping Plover, by Sheen's Nature Photography