May 6

Since leaving its source in Barryton, the Chippewa River meanders southeast about 14 miles before emptying into Lake Isabella. On a cold, misty morning, I’m hiking in Gilmore Park on the northwestern shore of the lake. This 700-acre impoundment was created 50 years ago when a dam was built on the river by a private real estate developer. The park trail I follow is partially flooded from recent rains as I take in the sights and sounds of a wooded area of mature broad leaf trees. After spotting fresh Whitetail tracks in the mud, I spook one of them as it hightails it away. From the fishing platform, I scan the lake through thick fog and spot a lone Common Loon swimming and diving. While not classified as ducks, these waterfowl spend the winter either along the Atlantic coast or the Gulf of Mexico. Migrating here in the spring to breed, they require adequate fish to feed on, undisturbed shorelines for nesting and quiet bays for chick rearing. Back on the trail, I notice some lichens as well as colorful Red Tree Brain Fungi thriving on a decayed log. While only growing on poplar or aspen trees, the fruiting bodies of these fungi are dull and crust-like much of the year, but swell into crimson, jelly-like blobs in the spring. Looping back toward the car, I pause to first hear the alarm call of a Redwing Blackbird followed by a chirping Robin. Nearby, silhouettes of sumac panicles catch my eye. Moving on, I come upon fresh evidence of a wood-chipping Pileated Woodpecker. Back in the car, I drive around to the east side of the lake onto the Pines Golf Course to observe the dam and spillway where the water rushes down into the river channel and continues its journey southeastward through the fields and farmlands of mid Michigan.

Life in the wild

From the oak above

In the morning mist

A cooing dove

From a leafless maple

A catbird sings

On the earth below

First blossom clings

Nature surrounds

She wakes once more

Dresses for spring

She sets the decor

D. DeGraaf