When Philip Odum goes birding, he really goes birding, as he actually lives downstate, so when he decides to seek out our winged friends in the U.P., it is quite a drive for him. He recently made another trip UP North (I wonder if he keeps count) and today's pictures are the result of that northern drive.

Phil found these two tom turkeys in the little town of Eckerman, which is located on M-123, about 2 miles north of M-28. They were all ruffled UP, displaying their finery and when Phil would give a yelp, they would answer him. He said it was quite funny and when he started his car up again, they gobbled back at him about that, too.

It must have been a day for spotting birds with red feathers, as he captured a male Pine Grosbeak and a Common Redpoll in the mix, too. Beautiful birds, both adding some needed color to the mostly white and gray landscape here in the U.P. this time of year.

I'm sure most of you recognize where Phil is in the last photo. He said he just happened to catch a beautiful sunset at the Mackinac Bridge on his way back downstate. Talk about being in the right place, at the right time!

Great pictures of the winter birds. The turkeys are strutting their stuff and looking good. My favorite though is the capture of Big Mac at sunset. That is a great picture.

All beautiful photos here...but I have to say that
is one of the best photos I have seen of turkeys!
And the 2013 photo gets a thumbs up with me!

Excellent photography!

...are turkeys really that color? I've been to the Detroit Zoo where black bears are black, brown bears are brown and camels are humpty backed...say it ain't so.

you must have a heckuva camera..those are gorgeous!

Great photos!

"Two toms"?
Is that like Tom-toms? Were they drumming too?
Oh no, that would be Ruffed Grouse that are into "drumming". 😉

Outstanding pictures!

Oh wow! I love bird pictures. And these are some
great ones. And I love the picture of the Mackinac
Bridge also.

The deer picture in the review gets my vote.