This was my first sighting of a Black-crowned Night Heron this year, looking somewhat ruffled.The suburban park where I took this photo borders the river and attracts a lot of wildlife. I wonder what’s next 😊
BENEATH THE SEA
I saw this plant at a recent visit to a local wildlife garden. I thought it looked a bit like an aquatic plant. I haven’t been able to identify it.
MALLARD MAYHEM
Not sure what happened here, all was calm and then this 😏
ONE MORE BLACKBIRD
The Red-winged blackbird stood out against the dry grass. I had my choice of these birds to photograph on a recent walk.
TULIP TIME (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I walk by the lawn of this old house very frequently in the spring and summer. Left to its own, old plantings as well as wild flowers put in an appearance when it’s there time to shine. Tulips against the warm brick attract me like a magnet 😊
FEMALE RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
I’ve seen more Red-winged blackbirds this spring than I have in many years. More males than females though, so I was pleased to see and hear this female.
SPRING MALLARD
Mallards are among my favourite ducks and I feature them frequently. More to come 😊
SPRING NOT FALL
I was surprised at the fall-like colours of these leaves, colours I associate with September not April (when I took this). A plant I’ve never seen before.
EARLY BIRD
The robin persisted and found its prize in the grass, it appears to be a worm. I was surprised to see that the robin was molting. It seems they can also molt in the spring.
SPRING SCILLA
I like the way these flowers grow. They know exactly how to show off their colours.
EUROPEAN STARLING
Like many other migrants, starlings reappear in early spring. As attractive as they are, they are an invasive species in Canada, compete with native birds for food and can cause a lot of agricultural damage. I watched as this one and its mate tore across the grass.
SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY
There’s nothing like a sunflower to perk up the day.
CHIPPING SPARROW
Another spring first!
LATE SEASON BUTTERFLY
I wish it was warm enough for butterflies. It’ll be a while yet but in the meantime here’s one from last year. It was still beautiful despite the wear and tear on its wings.
MR. AND MRS.
Given their size difference I assume they’re a couple. A black and white treatment seemed the right choice.
SPRING FIRSTS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’ve seen several robins recently but this time I had my camera with me.
Quackers
I saw my first Red-winged blackbird the other day, so did the mallard 😏
NEIGHBOURHOD WATCH
I was hoping to see a cat in the window, one is usually looking out as I walk by. Instead I heard some very loud barking coming from this little guy.
SPRING EXUBERANCE
After months of cold greys and whites, spring is showing off its colours.
AROUND THE CORNER
A neighbourhood favourite.
SEEN ON A WALK – TWO PHOTOGRAPHS
The weather was truly spring-like last weekend. It’s wonderful to see crocus pushing up through last fall’s dried leaves.
DOUBLE TAKE
When I looked up, at first I thought it was a real cat walking along the fence. I wonder how many others have done a double take. 😏
BRIGHT SPOT
Despite the slow start to spring, house sparrows are always around and their cheerful song can be heard the minute you step out your door.
THEY’RE BACK
It’s so nice to see Canada Geese again. It’s been a long winter 😏
BEE’S BANQUET
The bee must have had pie on its face (Joe-Pie-Weed that is). I hope I identified the plant correctly. 😏
Guard Bird
The bird was guarding a neighbour’s front door. Pigeons are disliked by many for their messy ways but they are intelligent birds and this one definitely had presence.
RUFFLED FEATHERS
I’m not sure how the argument got started but it ended soon enough!
DAYDREAMING
An early spring snowstorm is forecast for tomorrow so I thought I’d do a bit of daydreaming .😏
METALLIC BEE – TWO VIEWS
These jewel-like bees are very small yet stand out due to their brilliant colour. They are also called sweat bees as they are attracted to the salt in human perspiration. Not the nicest name for this attractive bee.
Anticipation
Seeing a Red-winged Blackbird is a sure sign that spring has arrived. This photo was taken last year, around this date 😏.
ONE MORE BITE
A house finch sure likes what’s on offer, a few seeds to augment its berry diet.
TIPTOE
I enjoyed watching the young goose tentatively explore its environment.
BEE PATIENT
The calendar says spring but the temperature is struggling to reach double digits. No snow though so maybe we’ve turned a corner. 😏
CORMORANTS’ COURT
This small man made lake attracts a lot of waterbirds during the nicer months. The water is crowded and the birds seem to get along. I liked the way the gulls appeared to form a guard around the sunning cormorants.
STILLNESS
I took this at a nearby conservation area I should visit more often. A boardwalk winds its way through this section of the popular reserve but looking out it feels like you’re the only one there.
SNUG AS A BUG IN A RUG
Late each summer grasshoppers show up in great numbers. They’re skittish and scatter as you walk along. I watched this one as it jumped off the path into the grass and nestled in the leaf.
SEEN ON A WALK
I enjoy taking scenes like this. The fall foliage casts beautiful reflections on the river.
BY THE RIVER
Balancing rocks, another public art gallery to enjoy while walking along the Ottawa River.
REGAL
Viceroys, another one of summer’s delights.
COMING ATTRACTION – 2
Stopping to stretch my legs at a highway rest stop, I heard the familiar honking of geese overhead. Looking up I caught the team as they flew by. Another sign of spring’s return. 😊
