Baker Sanctuary

A short walk. We were hoping we'd encounter Sandhill Cranes, but no such luck. The pond, as always, was pretty. Michigan Audubon's Bernard Baker Sanctuary , south of Bellevue, Michigan.

Another view of Baker Sanctuary's pond.

Across the swamp at Baker Sanctuary.

Another photo from yesterday's Baker Sanctuary excursion.

A flower a day for January .... Orange splashes in the green, captured along the Meadow and Marshland Trail at Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary . When we first walked this trail, the site was a recently-abandoned farm, and an interesting contrast to the Baker's older Doty Trail; over the years it's become increasingly wild. And quite delightful.

Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, on the Marsh & Meadows Trail.

Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, on the Marsh & Meadows Trail. Looks better LARGE!

Best large. Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, on the Marsh & Meadows Trail.

Joan said: "There's a deer." Yup.

Photo taken at the Kiwanis Youth Area, near Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary. Just south of Bellevue, Michigan. My brother published a similar photo the other day.

Imagine, if you will, hundreds of four-foot-tall birds all landing at the same lake on a perfect October evening. This photo will help. Since we missed the 2003 Crane Fest, we spent this evening at Big Marsh Lake and watched the cranes come in with perhaps a hundred other mid-Michigan bird watchers. It was wonderful. If you live anywhere near where these birds congregate, I urge you to spend an evening with Sandhill Cranes. The sights are sublime; the sounds are incredible. Camera: Nikon N90s

Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, near Battle Creek (even nearer Bellevue).

Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, near Bellevue, Michigan.

Found during our hike at Audubon's Baker Sanctuary this afternoon. Dunno what it is, but there are lots of 'em around the place.

Joan took this last weekend during our hike at Audubon's Baker Sanctuary. Came out real nicely, I think.

South of Bellevue, Michigan. Michigan Audubon's annual CraneFest is next weekend . During October, Big Marsh Lake is one of the premier places for watching Sandhill Cranes. Around sunset thousands of cranes gather at this lake. Taken from the Kiwanis Youth Area a couple years ago. No cranes in this picture, but some time ago I posted another view which hints at the event's beauty.

Along the trail, Michigan Audubon's Baker Sanctuary, south of Bellevue, Michigan.