White Violet
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I was pleased to find this White Violet a few days ago growing in the woods at a local Ottawa County, Michigan park. I’ve read that many flowers have guide lines that draw in pollinating insects much as runway lights guide planes in for landings. The lines on this flower will make it much easier for insects to find the right spot to land 
Diamonds in the Sky
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I was amazed by the sea of stars that appeared after I uploaded this image from my camera. I used a Sigma 10 mm Fisheye lens at F-2.8 ISO 800 for a 30 second exposure in Allegan County, Michigan last night. The conditions were perfect with a clear sky with no wind and no need for a jacket during the warm Spring evening. (Click on the image to see an enlarged version)
Great Blue
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This Great Blue Heron decided it was time to take off after it did some fishing today in an Allegan County, Michigan wetland area. This has always been one of my favorite types of birds to photograph.
American Goldfinch
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I spotted this American Goldfinch perched on a flowering tree branch in Zeeland, Michigan yesterday. Now that warm Spring weather has arrived in West Michigan, I’ve been seeing a large variety of birds and flowers arriving. I’ll do my best to share these scenes here
Dandelion Masquerade
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This little Yellow Warbler decided to become one with the dandelions today in Ottawa County, Michigan. I found the little bird masquerading as one of the yellow flowers as the sun came out this morning bringing yet another beautiful and warm Spring day to the area.
Spring Lineup
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found these marsh marigolds lined up and freshly blossoming over an Ottawa County, Michigan wetland area today. With sunshine and warm temperatures arriving for several days this week, flowers have begun to emerge in West Michigan with more on the way.
Spring Beauty
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found these tiny, appropriately named flowers called “Spring Beauty” today growing in Ottawa County, Michigan. Each flower is only about 1/2 inch wide opening fully on sunny days. They can be found growing in the woods where they emerge from underground tubers similar to small potatoes. Click on the image for an enlarged and more detailed view.
Dragon Swallowing the Sun
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I noticed an interesting opening in a dark cloud bank as the sun was setting tonight over Holland, Michigan. I waited for the orange glow from the sun to break through and looked for an opportunity to capture an interesting image. To me the abstract shape seemed to coalesce into the form of a dragon. Or… maybe I’ve watched one too many episodes of the Game of Thrones.
Upland Sandpiper
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Upland Sandpiper in a large Southwest Michigan grassy field yesterday. It wasn’t too surprising to find it there since the habitat for this type of Sandpiper consists of tall grass. Normally spending up to 8 months of the year in South America, they come north to breed during the summer in such areas before they return south.
Red Camouflage
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This Cardinal seemed to feel at home at it perched surrounded with red twigs today. I photographed the beauty in Zeeland, Michigan this afternoon.
