Back to Michigan

Snow, snow, and more snow.  That pretty much sums up the environment out here at present.  My return to Michigan with my new binoculars has not revealed any new species (now that I am officially allowed to use my new bird books, post-Christmas) but I have enjoyed watching some ones that I know.  Yesterday a lone mute swan hung out for awhile in the bay...see if you can tell which white blob is the swan.

Here is another picture of him, right-side up:

Which brings me to another point: now I need a better camera.  My Lumix can only go so far!  Hmm, this bird-watching is turning into a real money-pit...where will it all end?  After the camera, I will then need to travel to all ends of the Earth in search of more birds.

Well, that sounds pretty good!

Also sited recently have been eight mallards, three tufted titmice (titmice? titmouses?), a black-capped chickadee, blue jay, and very briefly, the lovely male cardinal.  Gone completely are the gulls...or maybe I am not getting up early enough.  I am back to my night-owl habits of late, so I'm no doubt missing the most bird-active part of the day.

I'll leave you with the lovely titmouse in the bush near the feeder:

Happy new year of bird-watching!