Up a Tree

INSIDE the Belle Isle Conservatory!

Seals at the Detroit Zoo

Seals underwater at the zoo, from the underwater tunnel.

Wildlife, Pier Park

OK, so we don't have moose or bison here. It is DETROIT! (It was also quite dark.) (I always see animals when it's dark). (Plus, I didn't have a real camera, only a point and shoot.)

Still working on a tight deadline!!!

The Ford House Muskrat

This muskrat was fairly tame and happily foraging for food along the shores of Lake St. Clair on the Ford House grounds.

Two More from the Detroit Zoo

Aardvark (anteater) and Giraffes at Detroit Zoo.

Two from the Detroit Zoo

Horse Barn, Michigan State Fair, Detroit

We wandered around the horse barns looking at the Horses and their ribbons, but it was very dark inside and not terribly photogenic. It was most interesting when a horse was taken out to be cared for or prepared for the show.

Mule and Donkey races, Michigan State Fair

The Mule and Donkey races at the Michigan State Fair were absolutely HILARIOUS! I laughed my head off. I did not take many pictures, though, because the lighting in the ring was terrible, all wrong. The mules and donkeys were, for the most part, not very cooperative with the whole concept of racing. Or running, or doing anything, for that matter. It was so funny watching the owners trying to coax them into racing! We stayed quite a while and only left because we were getting COLD! (It was cold that day, but it's warming up here now.)

Hot Day in the Old Town

It was REALLY HOT here yesterday! AK! Even the elephants thought it was hot!!!

Stoney Creek

Here in Detroit, the fall colors are at their peak, probably, but up at Stoney Creek, a Detroit area Metropark, The color is past it's prime, but still lovely. We saw sandhill cranes, swans, ducks (not
shown), dragonflies, milkweed going to seed, and lots of lovely nature.

WE VOTED TODAY! We voted early [but not often.] If you live in the USA, I hope you vote(d).

Zoo Sculpture

The first sculpture piece is by Marshall Fredericks (a native Detroiter, thank you anonymous). I HATE this piece and the "Leaping Gazelle" at Belle Isle, but I love some of his other work. I hate this one and the one on Belle Isle because they and some of this other his animals look as though they have just been shot and are in their death throes, inappropriate for the ZOO if you ask me!!! I can't get past his portrayal to appreciate this work.

The eagle sculpture, by Dan Ostermiller, is much nicer. So is the pig sculpture, made from pumpkins and squashes for the Zoo Boo. And the regal eagle himself (or herself?), looking very much like a sculpture, is the best of all. YAY! Have a great holiday!

The Spooktacular Zoo-Boo Two

Saturday, we went to the Zoo to walk and see the animals. Being old fogies, we weren't thinking about Halloween, though how anyone could miss it was beyond me--as we soon found out. The Zoo was in the process of setting up for the Spooktacular Zoo-Boo. There were Halloween decorations everywhere, pumpkin carving and decorating contests, kids having fun, and of course, the animals (here, otter and Tiger.) We were away again yesterday, so I will try to catch up soon!

The Butterfly House at the Detroit Zoo

Such a treat to see all the butterflies so close up.  I apologize for not getting the names of the butterflies, but it was almost closing time and I had to dash away.

Staying cool at the zoo

All the animals were trying to stay cool, but in the last photo,
there's someone not succeeding--me! There are lots of gardens at the zoo and that reflecting ball was in one them. It reflects me taking a picture of the scene, if you don't see me, try clicking the picture to make it bigger.

Turtle Scultpure, Bear Fountain, Flamingos (Zoo)

I've never seen the turtle sculpture without kids clamoring over it. (I've never seen the zoo as quiet as it was this week, even in winter.) The Flamingos don't seem to mind the heat as much as some of the other animals.

A Plate of Oranges, new water color painting by Detroit Artist (me).

More Zoo

This fresco-painted inner archway is at one of the rest facilities at the Detorit Zoo (click on the image to view it larger). There are pleasant garden pathways to stroll along.

The otter, often very playful, was passed out sleeping in the shade because it was so hot. It wasn't dead though! I could see it breathing!

Flight, new pastel drawing by Detroit artist (me).

Another Hot Day at the Zoo--Phew!

Caliente--Hot Day at the Detroit Zoo

Many of the animals were sleeping or resting in the shade. Mad dogs
and Englishman . . . and zoo visitors . . . go out in the nonday sun.

A Hot Day at the Detroit Zoo

AH!

(Click here to see my own backyard wildlife.)

We Visit Australia (at the Detroit Zoo)

LOL! Anon's pictures don't look like this! But here is someone's
idea of Australia.

Advance warning of various absences: I will be out of town Friday, June 27 through Wednesday June 2, near Syracuse, NY. I may or may not be able to get on-line. I will also be away July 8-20. We will be camping in Michigan's U.P. (Upper Peninsula) and will be wholly and totally incommunicado the whole time prolly. I can guarantee lapses in the daily nature of Detroit daily!!!