Merlin Takes a Meal

   During the 9 o'clock hour this morning a Merlin flew over my yard with an unfortunate (American Tree?) Sparrow in its grasp.  It took it to a nearby tree, ripped it open and consumed the unfortunate bird.

Feathers Flying

 Earlier in the morning I walked the south pier at Ludington Harbor and saw a Horned Grebe.....

....and a cooperative pair of Red-Breasted Mergansers

  Yesterday afternoon I found the Male Northern Harrier below in Amber Township.

  The morning started out cold in the mid-teens

  Before that it started out dark as I check for Northern Lights before dawn.