Goldfinches breed later in the summer than a lot of other birds. I watched as the goldfinch gathered nesting material and flew back and forth to her nest deep in the trees.
SIDEWALK VIEW-2 (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I thought the little statue added some charm to this small yard. It looked as nicely weathered as the house beside it.
CABBAGE WHITE
Cabbage White on the fly.
LEOPARD FROG
Frogs blend in well to their surroundings. I was lucky to see this leopard frog as it stood out against the grey of the pebbles.
THE DAISY AND THE BEE
A nice pair, they complement each other.
GRAND ENTRANCE
Coneflowers in summer, a welcoming sight.
SECOND LOOK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like scenes like these, just a bit quirky.
CITY BIRD
I thought the robin fit right in with its elegant surroundings.
NEIGHBOURHOOD MIX (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There are many old homes with pretty gardens in this downtown neighbourhood. Turning the corner I noticed these little green visitors that added a bit of whimsy to the mix.
CHANCE
The coneflowers caught the sun while most of the garden was still in shade. At a different time of the day the light would have been more balanced but then I don’t think the picture would have been as interesting.
ANOTHER BLACK-EYED SUSAN
These are rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed susans. I caught them as they danced on the breeze.
MELLOW YELLOW
I like to watch bees as they fly between the flowers. Unlike other insects, they’re not scared off easily or bothered by my presence.
DON’T FENCE ME IN
I saw this bull dog in a small fenced in lawn. He turned away as I approached but I did get his handsome profile.
SUSPICION
It seems to me that damselflies often look suspicious when their photos are taken. 😏
SUNNY SIDE UP
Painted Turtles enjoying the summer sun.
DOWNY WOODPECKER
The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. We see them all year round. If you hear a tapping sound in the woods it’s likely a downy going about its business.
SUMMER COLOURS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Given our short summers, it’s not only the warm weather I enjoy but the variety of flowers that spring up throughout the season. It looks like the blanket flowers are having a party!
SIDEWALK VIEW
I noticed the blue graffiti on the door frame earlier in spring. When I passed by recently and saw the day lilies I knew I had my picture.
CAT
A cat enjoying the sun on a warm afternoon.
FLOWERS TELL A TALE (THREE PHOTOGRAPHS)
The first flower peeked out of the long grass, its stem bent by a recent rain. I thought the shadow added interest to the tiny flower below.
ROBIN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’m not sure what insect the robin had firmly in its grip. I think he was unsure of it as well 😏.
BALANCING BEE
A local business association maintains a small garden on a busy city street. I stop by frequently to see what’s in bloom. They only plant native species and I’m always pleased to see the insects they attract.
PLEASING POPPIES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like the brilliance of these red poppies but white poppies with their purple centres are appealing too.
ANTICIPATION (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I imagine the basketball was left there as I took the photo around lunchtime. The same holds true for the bike.
QUEEN ANNE AND FRIENDS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Queen Anne’s Lace is just coming into flower. These flowers were in a garden setting though I usually see them in fields and along roadsides. It’s nice to see them thriving in the city too.
READY, SET, GO (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Chipmunks always appear energetic, this one in particular!
RAMBLING ROSE
From this angle it looks like this cottage is being overrun by rose bushes. A friendly takeover.
LUNCH
The sparrow had to really stretch to feed on the seeds of this dandelion. I’ve never seen bird behaviour like this before 😏.
MID-WEEK DRAGONFLY
I’ve yet to get to the lake where I normally see dragonflies, so I thought I’d post a photo from a few summers ago.
ON THE VERGE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS
It’s almost summer and these new arrivals are welcoming it in.
PIGEONS ROCK
The rock dove or common pigeon is not a bird I usually pay attention to but this one was kind of special. I had been aiming for a goldfinch that flew off as I approached but I didn’t walk away disappointed.
PURPLE AND PINK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I noticed these flowers in a neighbour’s garden. I liked their colour and spiky appearance. I believe they are mountain cornflowers.
MAKE WAY!
This was one popular rose patch on a recent sunny day.
UNCOMMON STARLING
Nothing common about this Common or European Starling. Their plumage is extremely colourful and unlike many birds in the neighbourhood, they never shy away from my camera.
MAY BEE
I saw the daisies before I saw the bee but he seemed to have his eye on me as I took the shot. Summer is fast approaching when these two team up.
NEIGHBOURHOOD FAVOURITE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
This was taken in a garden of an old house in the neighbourhood. The garden is left to itself and it’s thriving. It begins the season with a few tulips, then on to lilacs, lilies of the valley and later in the summer, tiger lilies. There are plenty of wild flowers too including these Dame’s-Rockets. A neighbourhood favourite for bees as well.
DOWNTOWN SCENES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I liked the sign on the old apartment house. The blue design on the red brick caught my eye as well.
PURPLE AND WHITE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’ve noticed a lot of violets this year. They’re pretty tenacious and can grow in shade or bright sunlight. As pretty as they are, they can take over a garden. Like many wild flowers/weeds, attractive to some a nuisance to others.
PAINTED LADY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Another reason to like dandelions. They attract beauties like these.
SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT
I’ve driven by this barbershop often. This time I was on foot and noticed the nifty signage. It’s nice to slow down sometimes.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 