We always had terriers when I was growing up and I have a soft spot for this breed. This west highland terrier was enjoying the park as much as we were.
READY SET, GO
Come on Spring…
EARLY SPRING
This is what an early spring day looks like here. We still have a ways to go.
EXCUSE THE MESS
I usually see painted turtles sunning themselves on logs. So seeing one in motion, swimming through its swampy surroundings made for a change.
COOL DUCK
I found this image on an old drive. I think mallards were among the first birds I photographed and I never get tired of them. 😊
SPRING FORWARD
Daylight saving time begins here in the early hours of March 12. The chickadee looks about to make the leap too.
STAR
Canada Geese are attractive birds but the Egret was a real standout. I took this by the the river close to shore; this spot often attracts a lone egret or heron and a lot of geese.
REVERIE
I saw these lupines growing in a wildlife garden. I can’t wait to walk its grounds again.
GEESE AND FRIEND
As loud as geese can be not these three. I think we all were enjoying the stillness of the afternoon.
IN THE AIR – 2
No signs of Spring yet, so until then…
IN THE AIR
It might not look like it yet but scenes like this are not far off.
WINTER SHADES
So often winter is pretty dreary here but not always.
COY COTTONTAIL
The rabbit wasn’t really very shy. When I walked into the clearing it looked up at me but then continued eating the grass not bothered at all.
FOOTLOOSE
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.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
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.😊
BEE CURIOUS
Although the bee was busy feeding it did cooperate with this photographer. 😊
PILEATED WOODPECKER
Lightning strikes, wind and time have left their marks on this tree. I imagine it makes the hunt for insects easier for this woodpecker.
SPRING MELT
Not quite yet, I took this scene in April a few years ago. I hope this year things warm up sooner.
WEDNESDAY WOOD DUCK
As soon as the waterways are free of ice the wood ducks will return. I took this photo in early April.
CHILL
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 