So often winter is pretty dreary here but not always.

I’m always impressed with the way mallards manage to keep their footing on these icy surfaces. This duck skidded a bit but recovered well, maintaining his dignity.

I featured this duck close up to show off its marvellous bill and then pulled back some, as the background was worth a look too. I’ve only seen the northern shoveler in late November. I’ve read that it appears as if its rear is sitting higher up in the water than its front end. Not surprising with a bill like that.😊

Lightning strikes, wind and time have left their marks on this tree. I imagine it makes the hunt for insects easier for this woodpecker. 

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.

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.

Young birds are adventurous but you always wish their mother was a bit closer.

Not this duck’s first rodeo 😊 

I watched this hairy woodpecker as it moved along the tree, in and out of view.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

This part of the lake is pretty busy but the birds pass each other very peaceably. There’s a lot to learn from nature!

I glanced up and saw this nuthatch. I can only imagine it was enjoying the scenery as much as I was.

A White-throated sparrow going about its business.

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. 😏 

The river is only beginning to freeze, this scene is typical of early winter.

Well, the downy woodpecker thought so 😊

Actually more like a muddle, swimming off in all directions.

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.

In the warmer months local birds have a wider variety of menu options.

We are lucky to see Nuthatches all year long. 

I saw this family of mallards in July.  The young ducks will be all grown up by now.

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. 😊 

Volunteers had built two nesting platforms by a local marsh and we’ve been lucky to see osprey there most summers. I’m glad we passed by when we did because on our second visit in early September the nest was empty. The birds had probably begun their migration south.

They are beautiful birds but tricky to photograph given their dark plumage. This bird was looking for some lunch.

Ring-billed gulls don’t overwinter here, and will head towards the Great Lakes or the Southern United States when the cold sets in. They are very common during the warmer months and when seen outside the city, in a natural setting, are quite attractive birds.

I often see birds sleeping with one eye open. In this way they can be aware of danger as a part of their brain remains alert. As for the raised leg, it minimizes heat loss. Clever birds!

I watched as the mother duck led her young ones towards the pond. They all fell into line except for the one at the rear 😊