I took this photo mid-afternoon in late fall. The water was still open and I caught the solitary beaver taking a swim before heading to its lodge.
ONCE UPON A FROG
There’s a spot at a nearby lake where the frogs like to congregate. When we walk by it we listen for a splash and usually see a couple of frogs. Although I’ve featured this photo before it made me smile when I came across it recently. I hope this slightly re-edited version has the same effect on you.
WINTER WOODPECKER
We’re lucky to have downy woodpeckers here all year round as most birds migrate south during the winter. This male downy has found some insects to eat under the bark of the tree. They’re also seen more frequently at backyard feeders this time of year.
EASTERN COTTONTAIL
I was surprised the Cottontail didn’t run off when it saw me. We both froze and I got the shot.
A LOOK BACK
On this grey afternoon a warm summer scene warms things up a bit.
SQUIRREL SCOUT
Despite the cold, this time of year has its advantages. It’s easier to spot the locals. 😏
WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
In the warmer months local birds have a wider variety of menu options.
NOVEMBER NUTHATCH
We are lucky to see Nuthatches all year long.
CURE FOR THE COLD WEATHER BLUES
A summer scene on a cold November day. It works wonders.
MORE LATE FALL
The light was just right on the morning I took this.
LAST TO FALL
Hanging on just a bit longer…
LATE SEASON DUCK
With snow in the forecast, opportunities like this are fading quickly. Taking a camera out in cold weather is a challenge. My plan is to use my camera phone this winter to take some decent photos, I guess that means I’ll have to read the manual 😏
SIMPLY DANDY
As the days get shorter and colder, seeing a last dandelion is something to relish!
BE PREPARED
Fall is a busy time for squirrels as they prepare for the approach of winter. It looked like this red squirrel was gathering nesting material for its winter accommodation.
MONARCHS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I only had a few sightings of monarchs this summer. It’s nice to revisit them on a grey November day.
NOVEMBER SCENE
I liked the partial shadow of the branches against the white wall. Quite stark and what a typical November looks and feels like. This year is not the usual though it’s been warm and sunny and some flowers are still in bloom.
MONDAY MALLARDS
I saw this family of mallards in July. The young ducks will be all grown up by now.
ON TAP
Winter dining for local wildlife.
A BANNER FALL
The woods still hold a bit of colour. These leaves looked like a streamer strung along the path.
SEEN ON A WALK
People often keep their Halloween Pumpkins out long after the holiday is over. Given the artistry involved I can see why.
NOVEMBER NUTHATCH
I was out taking landscape photos with a wide angle lens but when I saw the nuthatch I thought I’d give it a try. You never know. 😊
GOLDEN MAZE
The wood was a tangle of thickets and leaves. I’m glad I caught the foliage when I did as there are more leaves on the ground now than on the trees.
FINAL BOW
Some flowers fade sooner than others yet often leave a bit more to appreciate. I thought this was a good example and reminded me of a filagree necklace.
OCTOBER ORANGE
These flowers are a perfect pumpkin orange. All decked out for Halloween (and taken just a few days ago).
LIGHT AND SHADOW
I pass by this spot quite often but I like it best in fall when the ivy turns colour and the trees cast long shadows.
JAILBIRDS
These little sparrows landed on a fence right in front of me. I was lucky to get this shot, as a dog walker passed by a moment later and they flew off.
COMING UP ROSES
It’s hard to believe I took this last week. These late bloomers sure are hardy.
TIME PASSAGES
This building is a landmark on a gritty downtown street corner, sandwiched between an alley and apartment building. It’s been a Bible depot, reading room and gathering place. When trying to find out more about it, I learned that it had closed permanently. Perhaps another victim of the times.
TENDER CARE
Many older apartment buildings on downtown corner lots have small gardens that look to be maintained by the tenants. Someone had fastened this endearing little sign to the wall.
ON THE WIND
It’s been very windy over the last few days and the trees are beginning to lose their leaves. This maple leaf was caught on its way down. I took it with a small f/stop so I got this attractive background.
ANGRY BIRD
We were taking photos of an adult and osprey chick on their nest at a respectful distance (with long lenses and at least 40 feet below 😏 ) but the osprey parent was not happy at all. It flew from the nest, circled above and flew uncomfortably low and close. We took the hint and walked quickly back to the car, content with the photos we had got.
COOLING DOWN
Gardens in fall take on many forms here. This one had a more subdued display than some others in my recent posts. Still, with -C nights and +10C days it’s still looking pretty fine. I even saw a butterfly on a walk today.
CITY BLUES
I haven’t had many opportunities for bird photography this summer, so I was pleased to see this Blue Jay on the roof edge. I liked the way the elements of the building framed the bird.
FIREWORKS
We’ve been having a spectacular autumn. You don’t have to go into the countryside to enjoy the fall colours. Every tree in the neighbourhood seems to be celebrating the season.
SLOW DOWN
I spent many summer afternoons walking along the river. Scenes like this always draw me back.
LADY BUG ON SUMAC
On a recent walk, I saw quite a few lady bugs flying around and landing close by. I caught this one on some sumac.
PLAY OF LIGHT
I liked the sparkles of colour and textures in an otherwise sombre river reflection. At another time of the day, the light would have made for a different photo.
GROWING UP
Not a chick anymore and not quite adult but growing up fast.
Milkweed Bug (Correction)
The insect under question was misidentified as a Milkweed Beetle when first posted. (See Steve Gingold’s comment)
I was happy to get this shot so late in September as we’ve had several frost advisories at night. The milkweed bug didn’t seem to mind though. I had also planned to take landscape shots that morning, so this wasn’t taken with my macro gear. The natural light provided this interesting effect.
TOUCH OF PURPLE
Early fall is a great time for photography. Late summer flowers vying for space with the autumn leaves. I liked the way the purple flowers were standing their ground.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 