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.
Coming Attractions
This will be a running theme on my blog for the next little while…
Spring
Just six weeks to go!
Sunny Start
The sun made an appearance this morning. We were supposed to get flurries throughout the day but the sun won out.
At the Gate – Two Photographs
I liked the scale in both of these scenes along with the imagination that went into them.
Happy Groundhog Day
If the groundhog sees his shadow this is supposed to indicate six more weeks of winter. Around here that still means an early spring 😊 . I’ve featured this image before and it’s still one of my favourites.
Lucky Duck
We’re fortunate to have a nice variety of ducks. Last year was a very good year for wood ducks. I saw this young female towards the end of the summer.
American Black Duck
We see quite a few American Black Ducks during the warmer months. They resemble female mallards though they’re darker and their bills are yellow, they are also heavier than mallards. They seem less rowdy too but perhaps that’s because there are fewer of them. 😏
One Foot in Front of the Other
Sometimes that’s all you can do 😏
In Transit
We usually see Lesser Scaups for a few days in the spring as they migrate through eastern Ontario. Their primary breeding range is further north and west. It’s always a pleasure to see them though, if only briefly.
September Garden
We’ve had frequent snow squalls today, so I thought a bit of late summer would be welcome.
Leaf’s Edge
I’m not sure if the ant saw the wasp but it was clearly in its sights. These small dramas play out in nature all the time.
Sunday Sunset
A sunny day ending on a high note.
His Best Side – Wood Duck
I took this photo in early fall. The duck had regrown his fine feathers to be ready for the breeding season in spring. We should begin seeing them again in April.
Quiet Watcher
There seemed to be a lot of cats in our old neighbourhood. They were mainly indoor cats and I’d see them looking out the window. This cat claimed the entrance to the house but sat there quietly just taking it all in.
Snow Day?
When I was a kid, on a snowy morning we’d listen to the radio for school closures as we got ready for school in case our school didn’t make the list.
We’re supposed to get 35 centimetres (13.8 inches) by tonight but it wasn’t enough to cancel school.
Green and White
These two colours are well represented in our winters by snow covered evergreens. I thought these hostas would be a nice change of pace.
Cute as a Bug
If an insect can be cute this one ticks all the boxes 😊
Best for Last
We’ve had some unusual weather for January, mild and rainy; perhaps this is the way it will be going forward. In any event, at the end of a dark wet day, this splash of melba mixed with the grey created a pretty effect.
Welcome
Coneflowers have a long growing season and are always a welcome sight. They were particularly attractive in this garden patch.
Ladybug
We saw few ladybugs this year, few insects in general. But I was lucky to catch this one as it made its way along.
Winter Blue
We’re lucky to see Blue Jays in winter. They’re clever birds and store large quantities of food in hidden caches as well as show up at bird feeders during the colder months.
Close Call
Though we live in the city, there’s a nature reserve close by that we go to frequently. Good years attract a lot of ducks and geese and several herons. The pond supports turtles and birds. This young wood duck was swimming quite close to where we had just seen a snapping turtle go by. Fortunately she didn’t linger long.
Make a Big Splash
To a bright year ahead. Happy New Year!
Park Time
Canada Geese seem to enjoy this park as much as people do. There’s a lot of grassy lawn, shade trees and the river is close by. Just add a bit of sun, perfect!
Days Like This
Today began with a fiery sunrise but its bright start faded to this milky sun. It’s the season of short walks, hot tea and books.
Be Prepared
Groundhogs hibernate here during the winter months, in specialized burrows below the frost line. This individual was fattening up for a long “sleep”.
Open Air Gallery
This pathway along the Ottawa River is well known for its balanced rock sculptures and birds. It always makes for a pleasant walk in the warmer months.
Holiday Greetings
Wishing you all the best for the Holidays!
Tilt
December 21 is the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, after which we begin to gain more daylight, slowly moving towards scenes like this.
All in the Detail
I enjoy these architectural details. This natural motif is one of a collection that is featured at the top of the dormer windows of the Confederation Building, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
Sunrise, Sunset
Well almost, as both were underway.
Summer Visitor
I stopped by the lake where I took this photo last summer. I had hoped to see some wildlife to photograph but there was nothing about. Looking through my files when I got home, I came across this cormorant swimming through some pretty reflections and felt a bit better about this whole winter thing 😏
Spreading its Wings
It’s nice to revisit spring when things are anything but outside. I caught this very young gosling spreading its wings one day last May.
Sky Watcher
The days are short right now but you can usually count on a spectacular finish.
Snowy Saturday
It’s been snowing all day, nature has a way of decorating a tree just right! The red topped sticks you see mark the path to be cleared when (if) it stops snowing 😒
As sunset approaches the sun makes a dramatic appearance in the sky.
Winter Sun
We’ve been seeing some interesting and unusual skies lately. When the sun does make an appearance it’s usually towards sunset as was the case here.
Neighbourhood Walk
This neighbourhood has a lot of old brick houses which I enjoy photographing. Their windows are often covered in this translucent fabric that lets light in and keeps curious eyes out. I liked the street name too, it reminded me of that old T.V. soap opera.
Waiting to Board
While waiting to board the train one summer, I noticed this service dog lying on the cool tile just out of range of the sun- beam. The dog looked tired, but I imagine he could rest up a bit once he had escorted his owner onto the train.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 