European Starlings were introduced to North America in the late 19th century and are considerd invasive. They compete for nesting sites and can cause extensive agricultural damage. This individual though was content to search the grass for something to eat and only snagged a dandelion.
On a recent walk, we turned down a laneway we had never noticed before. Some of the back gardens were fenced off but these two weren’t. The first scene had an expectant air; a flower basket ready to be hung and a child’s toy, on the right, waiting to be ridden. The stone figure below is a watchful presence.
After a long winter when we’re craving colour, nature really shines.
We took a walk along the river on the weekend and came across two pairs of Canada Geese and their young. Given what a slow start to spring we’ve had, I was particularly happy to see that some things continue right on schedule 😊
It looks like I might have taken this photo last Fall but this Red Maple is wearing its new Spring colours.
The lawn daisy has become naturalized here and is considerd a weed. Pretty though and pollinators like them. I think they resemble pincushions.
I thought the robin bore a striking resemblance to Batman’s sidekick 😊
Black-capped chickadees know all the best places!
These wild violets are among my favourite early spring flowers. They appear unexpectedly among the dry leaves like little gems.
Walking along a neighbourhood path we heard a lot of birdsong. When I looked up I saw this. If the bird had been smaller I could almost believe it was someone’s pet in a cage.
We’ve had a colder than normal start to spring but things are headed in the right direction.
The temperature has taken a dip but the robins know it’s spring and they serve as a reminder to those of us who are back to wearing warm jackets. 😏
A pretty sprig of red maple buds shouts Spring!
I saw this glass collection in a basement apartment window. It must cheer up their view, it sure did mine.
We’ve had a couple of beautiful spring days in a row. The trees are budding, the lawns have turned emerald green and are hosting these lovely scillia everywhere you look.
Ducktail that is. Male woods duck could have been the inspiration for the ’50s ducktail haircut. We saw our first wood duck pair at the lake last week, very exciting 😊
We were at a favourite reserve a few days ago on a windless and warm day. A few weeks earlier there was still some ice on the surface of the water. The trees are slow to bud but their branches make for nice reflections.
We’ve had two wonderful days of warm spring weather and this was one of several robins I spotted. It was nice to walk around without a coat and and enjoy the earth waking up again 😊
I enjoy the patina of wooden fences as well as the plant life that usually springs up wherever they do. They are a lot more attractive looking than other enclosures.
Enjoying the sunshine while running some errands.
It was a grey wet day yet this tree continues to bud as it should do in April. Despite the temperature it’s right on schedule.
Seen on a recent walk. It’s a good thing the snow shovels were still on the porch. We had a bit of snow last night 😏
The temperature zoomed to double digits today so we grabbed light jackets and headed out the door. A walk in the neighbourhood revealed a bit of spring growth, melting snow and people out enjoying the milder temperatures 😊
We drove by a local reserve to see if there were any animals about. A quick look around didn’t amount to much. On the way back we passed this coffee bar. There’s a small cafe inside but it’s a lot more fun to grab a seat outside when it warms up a bit.
I’ve been enjoying signs of spring on other people’s blogs, so I thought I’d join in and share a photo I took in late April last year. No real signs of spring yet, we just reached +2C today; sooner or later… 😏
I enjoy taking these intimate landscapes, a term my spouse introduced me to when I first picked up a camera. I wish I could say I took this photo early in the winter but I took it today. Winter has not yet decided to make room for spring 😏
I liked this duck tableau, taken in late fall just before most of our mallards headed south.
A nice day to be inside looking out.
I love walking along the water. The air is clean, there’s always a breeze and if you’re really lucky a couple of geese swim by to complete the picture.
Walking along I caught some interesting reflections of my surroundings. Right now reality appears somewhat distorted as well.
These poppies are an introduced species in Ontario. They’re popular in gardens and can naturalize in the landscape; I saw these growing in a field.
Early for an appointment, I sat in the parking lot waiting to go in. Overhead I saw some crows fly in and took this photo.
No tulips yet but things are moving in the right direction. It reached +5C today and snow banks are beginning to melt; I even saw a jogger wearing shorts 😊
Another warm weather scene on a cold and snowy day. Not a great fan of winter anymore 😏 .
Cormorants tend to swim and perch far offshore. I would have liked to have been closer to the bird but it did pose rather nicely all the same.
Well, it’s snowing again so here’s a summery alternative to the scene outside my window. I think this is a Long-leaved speedwell but would appreciate a positive I.D.
These little tree frogs are still hibernating but I thought it would be fun to feature one in February. I’ve only seen them a few times, this one on a suburban deck.
Great Egrets are usually so pristine lookong but when it comes to hunting for food a bird can get a bit dirty. The egrets and herons who fish close to shore are usually successful but end up looking a bit messy.
I often see female mallards taking a solitary swim, they must enjoy the quiet 😏 . I was fortunate that this one was swimming into nice reflections.
I like grackles although they have a poor reputation as bullies and agricultural pests. Despite that they’re attractive, intelligent birds that can be fun to watch as they strut around the grass. I look forward to their return in early spring.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 