Máistir Nádúraí: Migration!

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987, leading field trips since 2002, and sharing his nature observations on his blog since 2005. While most at home at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, his explorations often take him to other regional treasures like Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, the Wisconsin River, and the Baraboo Hills. His photography has appeared in newspapers, magazines, a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and even a National Geographic feature. In 2012, Mike received the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology’s Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award for outstanding contributions to ornithology in his community. A skilled digiscoper, he was a multiple-time finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year contest. His interests range from insect macro-photography—especially tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies—to fossil collecting, botany, natural history, amateur astronomy, and long-range rifle marksmanship. A former gigging musician, Mike has rekindled his love for Fender Stratocasters, with a prized 1957 Vintage Custom Shop “Mary Kaye” White Blonde. After 15 years in IT, he has spent the past 25 years in the sport optics industry.

Disclaimer:

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of the author's employer, organization, committee, or any other group or individual with whom the author may be associated. Furthermore, any assumptions, conclusions, or inferences drawn from the content herein are the sole responsibility of the reader. The author disclaims any and all liability for misunderstandings, misinterpretations, hurt feelings, eye-rolling, second-hand embarrassment, or spontaneous combustion resulting from exposure to the contents of this blog. For the avoidance of doubt, this blog is written for entertainment, education, and/or catharsis and should not be mistaken for professional advice, legal counsel, or the inner workings of a well-adjusted mind.

8.24.2025

Migration!