Michigan Thread - all are welcome!

[lbrykowski2011]

@Opa - when I look up the Merganser in my book, they have green heads with black around the neck, sorta like a mallard. This duck had black and white, very pronounced instead. However, when I look at the pics of the females, the female looks like a Merganser, not the wood duck. Wonder what the chances could be of a male wood duck being in company of a female Merganser? Might have to send the pic into birds and blooms to find out. We have a ton of beautiful swans in the farmer's field down a lil ways, love seeing all these birds coming back. Spring is truly here

 

[glambka]

Well that was fun. I figured that I could get some rises out of that comment.
Ain't I a stinker?

Ya think?

 

[lbrykowski2011]

Ok Opa, it was bugging me, so upon further investigation, I found the duck, love birds and blooms. Bufflehead, also known as Hooded Merganser. Thanks A 1st for me seeing them, now to sit and watch for some wood ducks .

 

[1muttsfan]

Actually buffleheads and hooded Mergansers are different birds - scroll down a little

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/...Cornell_Lab_eNews_2012_10_11&utm_medium=email

 

[JewelsChicks]

My son's EE at 6wks now. I love the coloring, she/he I think looks like a lil hawk almost. The EE blends in well with the Light Brahma's also. For an added bonus, a pair of wood ducks stopped by my pond for a visit, wish they would've stayed, they are so pretty

That is a beautiful bird!

 

[gladahmae]

Pretty sure I know the answer, but does anyone have swedish flower hens? Preferably between Traverse City/Cadillac (M115/US-10/I-75) and Flint? I am wanting to hatch a few and will be traveling down to the flint area to pick up a cockerel from Wynette and could pick some up on the way since there aren't many active users in my area.

 

[SillyChicken]

We can all blame Raz when we get snow next week!

I actually saw a loon this last weekend on the Raisin River! I tried to get a photo of it, but it keep diving and popping out several yards away... never ever seen one down here before. I'm guessing he's passing through. I would love to have him stay so I could hear him from home. It used to be so nice and quite out there, all we could hear at night was the river going over the Dam...... and now the stupid oil driller a few miles away has drowned out all that. All I hear anymore is the constant deep rumble from that **** thing. If any of you find out they're drilling in your area, fight it if you can. I swear they are trying to drill right under us, I feel the rumble in the air and earth.... hate it!

Opa, the issue lies with his nephews greed. I'm glad that you and your friend see that and have taken steps to thwart his efforts. Just keep an eye on him, cause if he can find a lawyer that will do it, they can make a real mess of things quickly (happened to my DBIL's mom).

Gail! So cool about the eggs articles, congratulations again! I shared them on my FB pages (I have a lot of artist friends so maybe it would peak their interest too). I will continue to hold eggs for you!

 

[tori8780]

Has anyone ordered chicks/ducks/whatever from a farm store like TSC or FFH (espeically in the GR area)? I'd like to get some freedom rangers and no one seems to have any. Is there a minimum when you do this usually? I dont really want 15, I dont have the freezer space, lol. Do any other stores in GR sell chicks? Maybe some other place that I dont know about has them. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I found someone that will come teach us to butcher properly (we are apprehensive about our skills) and want to make the most of the lesson!

 

[Opa]

I was considering putting my snow shovels away this morning, but I think I will wait and see if the snow Raz is longing for arrives. If it does I think I know where I will be putting those shovels.

Sure is a beautiful morning today. Four decent sized toms are strutting in my yard along with at least a dozen or more hens. With the sunlight playing off their iridescent feathers and the changing palette of colors of their head and wattles it is quite spectacular. Little moments like these certainly enrich our lives.

Being able to go fishing on Thursday and Friday will enrich mine even more. After the winter we've experienced being outdoors wearing something less that arctic survival gear will be a pleasure. Plus being able to sit in water and not on top of it will also be a joy. I'm sure I'll feel different later but right now catching fish isn't even a concern. Just being able to be outdoors is reward enough.

 

[BattleFires]

I was considering putting my snow shovels away this morning, but I think I will wait and see if the snow Raz is longing for arrives. If it does I think I know where I will be putting those shovels.

Sure is a beautiful morning today. Four decent sized toms are strutting in my yard along with at least a dozen or more hens. With the sunlight playing off their iridescent feathers and the changing palette of colors of their head and wattles it is quite spectacular. Little moments like these certainly enrich our lives.

Being able to go fishing on Thursday and Friday will enrich mine even more. After the winter we've experienced being outdoors wearing something less that arctic survival gear will be a pleasure. Plus being able to sit in water and not on top of it will also be a joy. I'm sure I'll feel different later but right now catching fish isn't even a concern. Just being able to be outdoors is reward enough.

I agree with your second sentence whole heartedly!

My other half is also longing for fishing season. He's been driving by the local lakes to see if the ice is gone every chance he gets!