UP Nature Notes (Blog)
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Hummingbird Wingbeats - UP Nature Notes, No. 10
December 9, 2023
Hummingbirds beat their wings up to 200 times per second, so shutter speeds of at least 1/2,000 of a second are needed to ‘freeze’ them in flight. These images of a ruby-throated hummingbird feeding on a Zinnia were shot handheld in natural light at 1/1,600 of a second to show…
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The Reciprocity of Purple and Gold - UP Nature Notes, No. 9
December 9, 2023
While photographing a prairie restoration area at our homestead, I was reminded of the wonderful essay, Asters and Goldenrod, in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass, in which she explains why bees and humans perceive the complementary colors of purple and gold as beautiful. In this case it’s black-eyed Susans…
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Ladies’ Tresses - UP Nature Notes, No. 8
December 9, 2023
Do you know the Ladies’ Tresses (Spiranthes spp.)? These tiny native orchids with spiraling ice-like flowers bloom during early August in the Upper Peninsula’s dry fields, open woods, and disturbed areas. One must look closely to find them, and some magnification is needed to truly appreciate their beauty. …