After miles of cruising through the infinite grasslands of western Dakota, my sister Eileen and I suddenly glimpse these bedazzled formations of brown and pink and red created millions of years ago. It is like seeing the Chicago skyline emerge like a mirage, from suburban lowlands.

Exploring Northern Michigan in winter is not for those deterred by single digit temperatures. As any stalwart Michigander will tell you, there is no bad weather, only those not dressed for it. Determined to demonstrate that my creaky bones would not slow me down, I accepted my younger daughter’s invitation to go winter rafting.

I earned my first “ Lifer” today. For the uninitiated, a lifer is a bird that you spot and identify for the very first time. You may even have seen the same bird before, but it doesn’t count if you can’t give it a name.

They descend from the clouds. In twos and threes and then in larger groups, the graceful birds land on the marshy field about 100 yards away.

I hold my breath as I unwrap the tissue in the Altoids tin.

April was the cruelest month for many Illinois residents.

I love watching birds. No other creature can beat these winged creatures for color or movement.

Hurricanes are not supposed to happen in New York City.