Dutchman’s Breeches
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
With flowers beginning to emerge in West Michigan woodlands, it wasn’t surprising to find Dutchman’s Breeches today since this is known to be an early Spring Flower. They are resistant to moderate frost. The name originates from the white flowers that appear to look like Dutch pantaloons hanging upside down.
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.
Ruby Crowned Kinglet
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Ruby Crowned Kinglet today as it was guarding its territory, driving off any other birds that approached within a few yards. It didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence as I photographed the colorful bird from a bridge overlooking a stream in Holland, Michigan.
Ice Ornaments
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found these ice ornaments this morning on an Ottawa County, Michigan pond. I had to photograph the formations quickly because within minutes the ice shards melted and disappeared as the sun warmed the waters.
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.
Killdeer in the Grass
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
I found this Killdeer walking along the side of a West Michigan road today. Its feathers blended in well with the backdrop of brown vegetation. Killdeer are known for their broken wing distraction display. They will pretend to have a broken wing to lead predators away from their young.
Osprey in Flight
Copyright Jeffrey Foltice
This Osprey had me in its sights as it flew overhead today. Also known as the Fish Hawk, it enjoys catching fish and will normally have a nest near a water source. (Click on this or any of my images to see an enlarged version)
