June 28

Tuesday, Remi and I traveled 30 miles northwest of Alma to hike in the Hall’s Lake Natural Area, 140 acres of land off Broomfield Rd. owned by the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy. The early morning weather was mostly cloudy with a temperature of 57 degrees and gusty winds out of the north. We left the car and hiked north into the Kabana Preserve when suddenly a strong gust of wind blew through the leafy canopy disturbing the peaceful forest landscape. Turning west and following the Lakeshore trail, I paused to watch an American Redstart guarding a nest of hatchlings. Further along, I entered Schaftenaar Preserve and hiked over Sofie’s swamp where, after hearing several calls of Pileated Woodpeckers, I spotted one on the ground ahead of me. Nearby, I also noticed a well-worn snag with several holes made by these large birds. Soon after turning around and beginning to retrace my steps, I looked far off to my right where some pink blossoms of wild Rose caught my eye. Next, I took the Hilltop Loop up to where I could barely see Hall’s Lake through the dense foliage. Also, from there I enjoyed the choral duet of a Northern Cardinal and a Red-eyed Vireo. Back on the Lakeshore Trail, I proceeded into scenic Neely Preserve where I spotted a patch of Fan Club Moss on the ground. Looping back toward the parking area, I noticed some new trail signage authored by local naturalist, Doug Valek. Finally, we got back to the car and headed home.

Dawn of summer

Neath a mackerel sky

Hiking a forest edge

Jewelwings flutter by

Blanket of ferns

In a scenic glade

Breaking silence

Vireos serenade

Shadows cross below

Turkey Vultures glide

Remi right behind

Nature by my side

D. DeGraaf