Meet Witch Hazel
Michigan's diverse ecosystems hold a hidden natural treasure - Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana). This deciduous shrub, part of the...
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Thank you for visiting NORDmi.com. My name is Laura and this is where I share all of my watercolor artwork and more! I am inspired by every season in Michigan and delight in the changing weather, water and wildlife around me. I hope you find something you love and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions.
Welcome Fall!
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laurastockwell74
- Sep 24
- 1 min
Meet Sharp-shinned Hawk
Sharp-shinned Hawks are small hawks characterized by their short wings, long tails, and distinctive slate-blue plumage in adults. They...
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laurastockwell74
- Sep 15
- 2 min
Meet Osprey
As fall stretches across Michigan, ospreys embark on their annual journey south. The osprey, scientifically known as Pandion haliaetus,...
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laurastockwell74
- Sep 10
- 2 min
Meet American Kestrel
Michigan is blessed with a diverse range of wildlife, and among its avian residents, the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) stands out...
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laurastockwell74
- Aug 25
- 2 min
Meet Stick Insects
The scientific name for stick insects is Phasmatodea, from the Greek word phasma (“phantom”), which refers to this insect’s ability to...
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laurastockwell74
- Aug 18
- 2 min
Meet Praying Mantis
Praying mantises belong to the insect family of Mantidae ("mantids"). All mantids have enlarged forelegs (“raptorial legs”) adapted for...
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laurastockwell74
- Aug 6
- 2 min
Meet Monarch Butterflies
Monarch butterflies have bright orange wings covered with black veins and rimmed with a black border and white dots. This brilliant...
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laurastockwell74
- Jul 31
- 2 min
Meet Dragonfly
Dragonflies belong to an order of insects known as Odonata, which means “toothed one” in Greek and refers to the dragonfly’s serrated...
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laurastockwell74
- Jul 12
- 2 min
Meet Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
In 1825, the original Fort Gratiot Light was built approximately where the Blue Water Bridge now stands at a cost of $5,762. That makes...
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laurastockwell74
- Jul 4
- 2 min
Meet Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse
The northeast tip of Michigan’s Thumb is named Pointe aux Barques (French for Point of the Little Ships). This spot is a serious...
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laurastockwell74
- Jun 20
- 2 min
Meet Gray Tree Frog
Gray tree frogs live in forested areas throughout the eastern United States and southern Ontario. They are about two inches long and have...
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laurastockwell74
- Jun 9
- 2 min
Meet Wood Frog
Wood frogs are found only in the United States and Canada. They are about three inches long and have bumpy skin that comes in several...
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laurastockwell74
- May 29
- 2 min
Meet Green Frog
Most green frogs are green, but some are brownish green, yellowish green, or olive. Their legs have dark bands across them, and their...
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laurastockwell74
- May 21
- 2 min
Meet Trout Lily
Trout lilies begin to bloom in Michigan’s deciduous forests soon after the last snow melts and the sun begins to warm the soil. These...
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laurastockwell74
- May 14
- 2 min
Trillium
Trilliums are the most familiar and beloved of Michigan’s woodland wildflowers. They thrive in the rich, acidic soil of deciduous...
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laurastockwell74
- May 7
- 2 min
Meet Morel Mushroom
Morels are delicious and elusive mushrooms found in Michigan woods in the spring. Black morels show up first, followed by the “half...
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laurastockwell74
- Apr 27
- 2 min
Meet Ramps
Ramps (also known as wild leeks) are members of the allium family, which includes chives, garlic, leeks, scallions, and shallots. Ramps...
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laurastockwell74
- Apr 21
- 2 min
Meet Killdeer
The killdeer is a familiar species across North America, thanks to its preference for open habitats and its loud calls, which give it its...
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laurastockwell74
- Apr 13
- 2 min
Meet Kirtland's Warbler
The Kirtland’s warbler is a small gray-and-yellow bird and one of the rarest songbirds in North America. It was named after Jared...
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laurastockwell74
- Apr 6
- 2 min
Meet Eastern Bluebird
Eastern Bluebirds spend the winter in the southeastern United States and return to the upper midwest to breed in early March. Immediately...
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