Category: Wild Flowers

Snow Day

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We had our first 6″ snowfall since 2001! The roads were a mess, but the Miller Woods trail in a snow storm is not something to miss.

I have been experimenting with capturing falling snow. A shutter speed of at least 1/1000s and close focus are key.
This trail has a stand of dead and decaying trees that can give this stretch a bit of a creepy vibe. A group of coyotes howling and yipping not too far off added to the ambience.
This leaf was pointed right into the wind, collecting snow. This plant is robust enough not to get weighed down by the snow and will likely remain erect through the winter.
This Goldenrod however will not be standing for long. This winter storm will drop enough snow that most of the grasses and tall wildflowers will be matted down.
The darker background across the top of the image helps the falling snow stand out.

Autumn Arrives!

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Well it took a while, but Autumn has finally arrived at the marshes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. September and most of October were unusually warm which probably confused the flora and fauna which just kept going like it was summer. But after a week of cool weather the transition to dormancy is well underway. Just two weeks ago this area was still mostly green with wildflowers and pollinators still noticeably present.