• Thursday-What'sUP June 6 - 07:42 am

Bill and Eloise Haller recently sent some pictures of the visitors they've been serving at their feeders in Bete Grise. Eloise said the list includes: yellow finches, purple finches, pine siskins, evening grosbeaks, a pair of mallards, a half-dozen pairs of un-wanted "gate crashing" blue jays, a pair of doves, Hans Solo, an un-mated juvenile male Sand Hill Crane, an occasional crow, and a grackle and that's just one days worth. Between both Eloise and Bill, they were able to capture some of those listed, including the Sand Hill Crane they've dubbed, Hans Solo, as he peeked into their window. I bet he was looking to see if Eloise was bringing some more grub, which she promptly did.

The last photo here is from Linda Corrigan and while it may not be the clearest shot, it still is quite unique to see a Pileated Woodpecker sitting on a bird feeder. Linda said she followed this bird around her Dad, Tom Corrigan's yard in Bootjack, waiting for it to land. She observed from all the running around trying to snap the picture, that these birds really don't like to be photographed!

Love all the pictures - wish I were there!

WOW!!! I love the rounded bird feeders too...and that crane! WOW!!! Very impressive!!!

Interest ad that Google tacked on the page this morning:

I love the pictures of the birds. Bring 'em on. What luck in having them so close.

Great pics!!
It's a beautiful day here in the city.
Red Wings win the Stanley cup!! Awesome job guys!!

I'm admiring the Haller's feeders their attempts to squirrel proof them and the variety of birdlife, but mostly their sense of humor - Han Solo indeed! Thanks for the pictures and especially the morning dose of humor.

Is it a coincidence that all the photos today have “Wings”?

Hi
The top picture, with all the colorful little birds and the lake in the background, really makes me wish I was there and not at work, downstate. Of course, later in the day if it gets as hot here as they say--nearly 90--I'll be glad to be indoors in the air conditioning.

At Kensington Metropark, a couple pair of sandhill cranes have become used to people and will come up next to the hiking trails. It's still a thrill to see them so close.

I'm glad the Wings won, and especially glad they didn't have to go into overtime to do it. With the score 3 to 2 and the Penguins attacking for all they were worth, a tie goal looked like a possibility.

One of my past times is taking pictures of nature, I love the birds. The wood pecker can become a nice size bird w/ a beautiful wing span. Cranes are also a large bird, it amazes me how they have such power in their bodies to pick them selves up off the ground.

Wow! I love the birdy pics! And Han is too good looking to be Solo!!! And with the lake as a background! Too Wonderful!

I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers you've been sending our way. My Nephew Kevin passed away early this morning after fighting a courageous battle with the demon Leukemia. He was 32 years old and the strongest man I know, having struggled to stay alive for so long. He is now rejoicing with his Grandparents, whole again and smiling.
Please keep my family in your prayers that we can be as strong as he was.
Thank you and God Bless....

Mary --

We are so sorry to learn about Kevin's loss. We will keep you and all of your extended family in our prayers. And we'll take heart in the knowledge that Kevin is now at peace.

With love --
Chris

Mary so sorry to hear of the passing of your nephew Kevin. Our prayers go to you and your family.

Mary: So very, very sorry to hear of your loss. May God bless and keep all of you in His care!

Mary,we will remember Kevin and our prayers will be with him and your family.

Mary, Kevin fought a good fight, he finished the course, he kept the faith, and he went HOME to our Lord! Prayers continuing for you and your family. May God give you comfort.

So very sorry to hear of the loss of Kevin. I will keep all of you in my prayers.

Oh, my, I prayed that God would stop Kevin's suffering, either give him back to his family or take him with Him to Heaven. I am so sorry for your loss.

My sympathy goes out to you and your family, Mary. You are all in my prayers.

Sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are sent your way.

Mary,please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. You bring us such pleasure each day and it is our turn to support you. God Bless.

Mary so sorry for you loss, you and your family are in our prayers.

Oh Mary, I am so sad for you and all of Kevin's family. Please give
Jane a hug from me. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
God's peace and strength is wished for Kevin's family.

My sympathy to you, Mary and your family. May Kevin rest in peace now.

Mary - deepest sympathy to you and your family during this time. It is so difficult to watch a loved one struggle with cancer! Kevin surely is is at peace now as his job here is complete. My prayers are with you.

Fantastic pictures!! What are the collars on the trees for though?
On another note, Mary my condolences go out to you and your family in this time of sadness.
Best wishes,
Renee in AL

Mary -
Our deepest sympathy to you, your family, and all the friends who knew and loved Kevin. May our Lord comfort you as He welcomes Kevin Home.


For I am persuaded the neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38, 39

Mary...thank you for sharing this heartbreaking news. I have 2 other friends that passed this info to me today...and they've both lost nephews...Mine called today to ask to visit. One of my friends told me "Hug him tight" and I did. Told him I love him too.

Had it not been for all of you today, it would be another precious moment taken for granted.

Never again.

Thanks...and God Bless....

And Kevin...go grab some Big Wings! You've surely earned them! Fly High kiddo!

Mary--My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
About now I figure Kevin's in that place where he's hearing angels
sing and spending time with his grandma. No more pain.
Blessings on all of your family.

This whole community has hoped and prayed for Kevin. I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to all who loved him and are missing him now.

Mary and family, my prayers go out to you at this time of loss. Kevin is in a better place and no longer suffering.

I'm sorry, Mary

An Ode To Kevin;

You tried so hard with all your will.
I know it hurt to be so ill.
You are healed and have seen the light.
God will help you and make you right.
Your pain is gone but ours will stay,
Until you guide us and show us the way.

God bless you Kevin.

Snowman

Mary: Very disappointing to hear this of your nephew. I had thought he was doing so well for quite awhile. Don't know more to say other then what has been said here. I would like to add we have 3 relatives and our next door neighbor with similiar situation. Relatives have had treatments and/or surgery and are doing OK at present but must be rechecked and watched. Next door neighbor has had treatments, surgery, but her prognosis is grim. This is very stressful for all concerned including us. So sad.

As for Pileated Woodpeckers, yes they are very wary and shy! Usually when spotted they will duck around the other side of the tree and quickly peek around to see if they are being watched! (peek-a-boo!)
We often see them at our cottage in Kalkaska county in the NLP (Pics in my Guest Album) But---Lo-&- behold this past March we had one right in our yard down here in SE MI trolland! ! More are showing up now down here in SE MI. There is a pair in the big woods near us over along the next road over. We've seen them now a few times! Really a unique thrill to see one around this part of the state!

Sure wish I had a Sandhill come to my feeders! And ---somebody has a lot of Purple Finches! Cool!

Russ Emmons, St. Clair county