The Great Grand Rapids Sidewalk Chalk Flood

This was one of the most brilliant ideas ever! Local college student Rob Bliss conceived and organized a massive community sidewalk chalk event. The weather couldn't have been more perfect and the mood downtown was overwhelmingly positive and happy.
>>See Videos and Read More About the Sidewalk Chalk Flood

The Weekend in Numbers

Over Easter Weekend, I spent four days photographing in Iosco County, Michigan. A wrap-up of the trip can probably best be summed up in numbers:

• 13 - different species of birds photographed at Tuttle Marsh (not counting songbirds)
• 4 - species of birds I'd never seen before
• 3 - early mornings getting up to photograph at Tuttle Marsh
• 2 - garter snakes that were very willing subjects
• 1 - patient husband along for the ride

A few of the Tuttle Marsh highlights:
Bald Eagle


Ringneck duck pair (front), Hooded Merganser (back left), Bufflehead (far right)


Two pairs of Ringneck Ducks


Great Blue Heron

I'll post more pictures from the weekend on my Flickr stream and in this blog as soon as I'm able to get them processed. :)

Fun at the Museum

On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining some friends and their kids for my first-ever visit to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum. We had a wonderful time! These are a couple of my favs from the trip...





This the beginning of a very busy couple of months. This weekend I'll be traveling to Iosco County in northeast Michigan for three days of shooting at Lake Huron, Tuttle Marsh and the AuSable River.

One Year Ago...

... these wonderful little barred owls entered my world.



They were around for a month and I was able to photograph them almost daily. I've heard barred owls again this spring, but have yet to spot any. I still hope their mom will be back with more little ones. You can see the full set of owl pics from last spring here.

Web Site Updates

New images have been posted on the Pine Photography web site!
>>Check it out!

Here's one from the archives. This opossum came for a visit back in December. The full story and more photos are up on Flickr.

Spring, Where are You?

The robins are back in force and the crocus are popping up! If it wasn't for the snow currently falling, one would think spring is upon us. Guess it'll be a bit longer before the trees begin to turn green. After a long, cold Michigan winter, we're all antsy for the arrival of a warmer season.

New Chihuly Glass in GR

So exciting! The Grand Rapids Press recently announced that Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will be installing another piece of Chihuly glass art this spring in their cafe.
>>Read the Article

I love Chihuly glass. This is a close-up of part of the "Gilded Champagne Gardens Chandelier," which hangs in the Gardens' atrium at the entrance to The Grand Room. It's stunning and one of the first things you see when you walk into the Gardens.