Robins have been plentiful this year; the occasional one remaining for the winter. Most fly further south but are among the first birds to return in the spring.
Light and Shadow
The mallard had the right idea, it was resting in the shade on a very hot morning. Much of the scene was in shadow but the sun found its way through the trees and illuminated the bird’s head nicely.
Northern Cardinal
There are a lot of cardinals in my neighbourhood. This one picked a nice spot to land.
Not so quiet Saturday
On a recent walk in the neighbourhood, I saw this colourful parking jam on the sidewalk leading to the house. It looked like something important was going on 😏
Common Boneset – Correction
The plant above is a yarrow. I have to thank Eliza for the correct ID (see comments). Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo of one. That will have to wait until next year. Pretty plant though 😏
I took this photo in late June when the plant was beginning to flower. It’s native to Ontario and other parts of North America. It got its common name from its use as a herbal medecine to break fevers. I liked the way it was set off against that summer green background,
Anticipation
A little kid was playing in the park and left his bike close by for the return trip. At first I thought the helmut in the photo was a large ball. I don’t know how little children keep their balance wearing such huge things on their heads 😏.
Late Summer -2
September has been a beautiful month. Summer isn’t leaving quietly.
Time Out
I took this photo in early June. I liked the way the little gosling was positioned, all I had to do was take the shot. It’s all grown up by now and getting ready to head south.
So that’s what they call it
When squirrels (and other animals) lie spread out like this it’s called splooting. It helps them cool off or relax. I’ve often seen squirrels do this on a hot day and this one was no exception.
Seen on a Walk
This small section of a landing caught my eye, I love old brick.
Daisy
When I took this scene in June, it seemed that summer would stretch on forever. Daisies were everywhere. Not so now; until next year then.
Bad Beetle
This little beetle might look innocent enough but it’s not. It’s a spotted cucumber beetle. It damages plants and spreads pathogens. I hadn’t seen one before and was pleased to see it until I looked it up 😏
Late Summer
The flower had faded but the sun still made it glow.
Cedar Waxwing
We saw a flock of Cedar waxwings swirling around overhead and I managed to catch one when it landed for a moment.
Turn, Turn, Turn
The temperature is getting a bit cooler, so city walks are becoming more comfortable. It’s beginning to look more like fall, the trees are berry laden and their leaves are no longer a vibrant green. I enjoy watching and photographing these changes.
Swirls
I believe this is a tendril of a wild grapevine that was hanging over the path I was walking. I liked its twirls and swirls.
Late Summer Scenes
The dominant garden colour now is a golden yellow, sunflowers and goldenrod taking centre stage.
A Rare Bird – 2
Another photo of the Greater White-fronted Goose I took last month. It did spend quite a lot of time preening which allowed me to get this.
Three’s Company
At first there were two female mergansers sharing the rock. The younger bird (front left) finished her swim and joined them. This was taken in July and we haven’t seen any since. Perhaps we’ll have another opportunity during the fall migration.
Along the River
Walking along the river a saw a group of black birds on the move. I have never seen so many cormorants at one time. I wish I could have got a closer shot but I was at the limit of my lens. Funny, the people in the sailboat didn’t even turn to look.
A Rare Bird
In North America, the Greater White-fronted Goose breeds across a broad range of the arctic and is an uncommon visitor to Ontario. We spotted this individual in a group of Canada Geese. A first time sighting for me, very exciting 😊. More photos to come.
Late August
The landscape is taking on a different look as August winds down.
Delightful Dahlia
I particularly like this colour and the flower wears it well.
The Prize
The light was tricky here. The squirrel was in such deep shadow I was surprised I saw it. Spot metering and post-processing got these results.
Fan Dance
I like the way the lily pad curled around the water lily.
Beauty and the Beast
I was happy to photograph the damselfly earlier in the summer, there weren’t many about in my area. I saw the paper wasp the other day. I took the photo from a distance. I didn’t get in its way and it didn’t bother me either.
It’s all relative
Both knapweed and daisy fleabane are members of the aster family. I saw these flowers growing in an empty lot. They’re invasive and crowd out native plants but in their defensive, pollinators like them and they’re very attractive.
Attention!
The robin assumed a miliary stance and looked ready to give orders rather than take them 😏. We’ve seen a lot of robins throughout the spring and summer. Their expressions can be very funny and they aren’t timid birds which allows for mamy photo opportunities.
A Slight Shift
Late summer is reflected in the landscape. As August moves along, greens aren’t as vibrant, seed heads are forming and berries are replacing some flowers. Summer is slipping through our fingers and that familiar feeling of regret returns, as it does every year.
Marvellous Mallards
I have a soft spot for these ducks!
Wearing Stripes
I caught a glimpse of the garden through the Porcupine Grass. An interesting plant tthat I’ve never noticed before. Too bad I didn’t see its namesake too😏
Squirrely Saturday
Walking along the path, I came across this squirrel starring in my direction. Maybe he was about to hide some food and I interrupted hm.
Bee’s Business
Globe thistles attract bees and other pollinators. The bee was so intent on its task that it never raised its head once for me 😏
Breaking the Rules
I didn’t crop the photo because I wanted to keep all of the background. No rule of thirds here although the flower isn’t quite centred. I only noticed the aphids on the flower’s stem when I imported the photo. A lot of aphids but no ladybugs 😏
Seen on a Walk
This classic wagon looks like its been repurposed as a garden planter. In 1930, the owner of Radio Steel & Manufacturing named the wagon Radio Flyer to honour the era’s advances in communication and aviation. Over the years, a lot of kids have played with or been pulled along in these little wagons.
Sunflower
A part of town has gardens full of sunflowers. I wanted to get there before the season was over. Many had begun to fade but this flower really stood out. I have never captured the disc of a sunflower at quite this angle before, it appeared almost three dimensional.
The Beetle and the Bee
The Japanese beetles and bees were competing for the same flowers. This beetle was having none of it and the bee beat a hasty retreat 😏
Ducks in a Row
This trio had been swimming behind their mother and must have decided to get a little rest before rejoining her. The adult stayed close, just out of the frame.
Buttercups
I love buttercups but they can be tricky to photograph with their glossy petals. I imagine a lot of you will remember the “chin game” we played as kids with buttercups!
Chipping Sparrow
Earlier in the month I posted photos of some Chipping Sparrows. I was lucky to get several shots, this one shows off its chestnut cap.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 