top of page

Stories
Search


laurastockwell74
Jul 22, 20243 min read
Snapping Turtle: An Ogemaw County Year
That’s when I saw it – a large snapping turtle, half-submerged in the shallows, basking lazily in the morning sun. Its shell was encrusted w


laurastockwell74
Jul 13, 20243 min read
Wild Blueberries: An Ogemaw County Year
The turkey moved with purpose, and soon, I realized why. It had discovered a patch of wild blueberries, the tiny berries hidden among the gr


laurastockwell74
Jun 30, 20243 min read
An Ogemaw County Year: Tickseed
Each July and August I collect seeds from the tickseed, which indeed do look like ticks, and then start them indoors each spring and plant t


laurastockwell74
Jun 25, 20243 min read
An Ogemaw County Year; Bluegills
Leaning over the edge of my kayak, I peer into the depths and spot numerous small depressions scattered across the sandy bottom. These are t


laurastockwell74
Jun 20, 20243 min read
An Ogemaw County Year : June Fawns
This post is part of a project in the works; " An Ogemaw County Year". The blog and eventually the book will encompass nature noticing,...


laurastockwell74
Jun 19, 20241 min read
A New Project: An Ogemaw County Year
Explore the natural beauty of Ogemaw County through "An Ogemaw County Year," a project celebrating its diverse flora and fauna across the se


laurastockwell74
Mar 16, 20242 min read
Meet American Robin
The American robin is most abundant songbird in North America. It was named the state bird of Michigan in 1931. Some robins spend the...


laurastockwell74
Mar 2, 20242 min read
Meet Red-breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird found throughout much of North America. It is gray-blue on top with a white belly and...


laurastockwell74
Mar 1, 20242 min read
Meet Mourning Dove
These birds are just about everywhere. From cities to suburbs to the peaceful pair in our forest, they are able to thrive in most...


laurastockwell74
Feb 18, 20241 min read
Meet Northern Saw-whet Owl
This owl has a distinct presence with a round face and large yellow eyes.


laurastockwell74
Feb 9, 20241 min read
Meet Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned Owl, scientifically known as Bubo virginianus, is a formidable predator that thrives in the varied landscapes of the...


laurastockwell74
Feb 3, 20241 min read
Meet Barred Owl
The Barred Owl (Strix varia), is a resident of North American woodlands. It draws attention not only for its distinct appearance, but also


laurastockwell74
Jan 25, 20242 min read
Meet Red Bellied Woodpecker
Contrary to its name, the Red-bellied Woodpecker sports a striking red cap on its head, while its belly, though tinted with a blush of pale


laurastockwell74
Jan 18, 20242 min read
Meet Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeckers are skilled foragers, primarily feeding on insects like wood-boring beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders found beneath


laurastockwell74
Jan 3, 20242 min read
Meet Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker boasts a wingspan of up to 30 inches and can measure around 16-19 inches in length. Its prominent red crest, black body,


laurastockwell74
Nov 23, 20232 min read
Meet Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed Grouse. Known scientifically as Bonasa umbellus, these birds captivate with their drumming displays and natural adaptation


laurastockwell74
Nov 13, 20232 min read
Meet Wild Turkey
Wild turkeys, often associated with Thanksgiving, are more than just a holiday symbol. They are an integral part of our ecosystem, and their


laurastockwell74
Nov 8, 20232 min read
Meet Ring-Necked Pheasant
The Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), is not native to Michigan but have become an integral part of Michigan’s avian heritage....


laurastockwell74
Nov 3, 20232 min read
Meet American Woodcock
Nestled in the heart of the Midwest, the American Woodcock, scientifically known as Scolopax minor, is a fascinating bird that thrives in...


laurastockwell74
Sep 24, 20231 min read
Meet Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawks are small hawks characterized by their short wings, long tails, and distinctive slate-blue plumage in adults. They...
bottom of page