Native to Africa, the Cattle Egret colonized in South America, spread to Florida in the 1940's and has expanded its range ever since. Still It was a surprise to see one in northern Michigan--and in breeding plumage to boot. This one was found with several gulls in a field east of Arcadia. (Photo by John Ester)

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The Dickcissel is a bird of "special concern" in Michigan, normally breeding no farther north than southern Michigan. The species periodically invades areas to the north, and this seems to be one of those years. This male (one of several in the area) has found a favorite perch across from the pig farm on the northeast corner of M-22 and Esch Road. (Photo by John Ester)

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This has been another big year for tent caterpillars--bad news for many, but not for cuckoos and orioles. This Yellow-billed Cuckoo was found along the Betsie Valley Trail across from the wetland near Adams Road. Along with its yellow bill note its large white tail spots. (Photo by John Ester)

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The Freemans have had Black-and-white Warblers in their swamp all summer. This one was foraging in an apple tree right outside a window for close views. They also had a juvenile trapped in their garage for two days that was being fed by its parents and eventually left with them. The begging calls of the baby were strong enough to overcome the parents' fears of entering the building. (Photo by Carl Freeman)

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The Gray Catbird is another bird found in the Freeman yard. This one was up close and personal in the same tree as the Black-and-white Warbler. This year it has periodically fought its reflection in the window. (Photo by Carl Freeman)

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A small LBJ (little brown job), the Clay-colored Sparrow likes to nest in Christmas tree plantations. Most easily identified by its buzzy insect-like song, this one was in Blaine Township. (Photo by Carl Freeman)

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Insects sometimes allow one to get very close. This American Painted Lady:was in an old field in Arcadia Dunes. There are two "painted lady" butterflies in our area, this one (two large "eyes" on the underside of the lower wing) and the Painted Lady (a row of several spots). (Photo by Carl Freeman)

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This female Spatterdock Darner is laying eggs by inserting them into the stem of a spatterdock at Pearl Lake. The field guides say they are only found in fishless ponds . Perhaps the females can not tell which ponds have fish, with the fish surviving only where the larvae do not get eaten.(Photo by Carl Freeman)

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It sounds like a punch line of a joke, but this Lancet Clubtail (G. exilus) was eating a moth while lying on its back. Carl was photographing the dragonfly when it flew up 10 feet in the air, caught the moth and returned to the ground. To Carl's surprise (and perhaps the dragonfly's), it plopped down on its back, munched away for a minute or two, then flew away, dropping the moth. (Photo by Carl Freeman)

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The Showy Lady Slipper (Cypripedium reginae) is one of the beautiful orchids native to Michigan. This was one of several hundred orchids shown to the photographer by Carl Freeman at a bog close to Carl's home. (Photo by Jim Bovard)

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While none of the many varieties of Fuschia are native to Michigan, this female Ruby-throated Hummingbird doesn't seem to mind. (Photo by Jim Bovard)

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Who says a little rain will interfere with a Benzie Audubon field trip? Not Bryce and Paula Dreeszen, who led a trip to see loons on Pearl Lake on a very wet July 22. (Photo by Bill Gitlin)

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Not only did the leaders show up for the Pearl Lake paddle, they had company: Sarah Campbell and Bill Gitlin. (Photo by Paula Dreeszen)

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In July Rebecca Lessard of Wings of Wonder presented two programs for Benzie Audubon, the first being a mini-program for Tribal kids. This immature Northern Saw-whet Owl was featured in both shows. (Photo by John Ester)

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After Rebecca showed her live birds, she gave the kids an opportunity to inspect talons, feathers and owl pellets. Some kids (and parents) tried to piece together what animal the pellet-producer had consumed. (Photo by John Ester)

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Rebecca helps a participant try on a Barred Owl wing for size. (Photo by John Ester)

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When it was time for the main program, Rebecca drew an audience of more than 125, nearly filling the spacious Tribal Outpost. (Photo by John Ester)

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For Benzie Audubon Rebecca brought out one of her prized birds--a young Peregrine Falcon. She described the peregrine's amazing diving speed and this bird's voracious appetite. (Photo by John Ester)

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Rebecca closed the show with a Turkey Vulture. In Rebecca's view this much maligned bird should instead be admired. From the attendees' many questions and comments it was evident how much they enjoyed the program. (Photo by Chris Persinger)

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On June 19 Carl Freeman led a Birding by Ear field trip at Otter Creek. The trip featured perfect weather and cooperative singing birds, including warblers, vireos, orioles and cuckoos. (Photo by Char Ester)

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While not billed as a butterfly field trip, several butterflies refused to be ignored, including this Red-spotted Purple . (Photo by Char Ester)

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The Red Admiral was among the butterflies congregating next to the road. Butterflies lose wing scales during their life, which explains why this specimen looks less vivid than one appearing in the Photo Gallery last month. (Photo by Char Ester)

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