Few things are as calming as watching a muskrat swim silently through the water.
ON HIS TOES
Nuthatches are agile birds. Watching them move sideways and upside down as they forage is very impressive. One of the birds we enjoy year round.
SPRING PREDICTION
February 2 is Groundhog Day in Canada and the United States. Legend has it if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks, if not spring will come early. Given how winters seem to drag on here I always thought six additional weeks meant an early spring 😏.
I’ve featured this photo before but in honour of the day here it is again, slightly re-edited.
RUFFLED CROWN
This osprey was a considerable distance from me but not far enough away not to give it a try. Some cropping did the trick. I liked the angle of its head, showing off its head feathers.
SUNDAY RED
You often find these little red squirrels under a bird feeder. Easy pickings!
YOUNG WOOD DUCK
Young birds are adventurous but you always wish their mother was a bit closer.
ON THIN ICE
Not this duck’s first rodeo 😊
AT THE LAKE
The geese posed nicely in front of the beaver lodge. I think it is abandoned as there is no evidence of fresh wood.
SUMMER’S EASE
When I took this scene I pictured it in black and white. A lazy afternoon in summer.
ON A MISSION
I watched this hairy woodpecker as it moved along the tree, in and out of view.
PARTY TIME
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
CRISS-CROSS
This part of the lake is pretty busy but the birds pass each other very peaceably. There’s a lot to learn from nature!
ANTICIPATION
Waiting for the kids to return.
BY CHANCE
I glanced up and saw this nuthatch. I can only imagine it was enjoying the scenery as much as I was.
RACE YOU
That’s what it looked like to me 😊.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season!
STRANGER THINGS
One day last summer while I was photographing some metallic bees I saw this unusual insect and changed my focus. I think it might be a type of fly. Can anyone shed some light?
SEEN ON A WALK
A White-throated sparrow going about its business.
LATE FALL VISITORS
Some years we see a few American Wigeons at the local reserve. Although quite common, we only see them occasionally in early spring or late fall. Their main breeding ground is further west and of course they’re “snowbirds”, heading south as the cold sets in. 😏
OPEN WATER
The river is only beginning to freeze, this scene is typical of early winter.
FINE DINING
Well, the downy woodpecker thought so 😊
PUDDLE OF DUCKS
Actually more like a muddle, swimming off in all directions.
Copper Beauty
I believe this is a beetle, and one I have never seen before. Its colour was eye-catching against the green of the leaf.
HEADING HOME
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 