Under the current Covid stay at home orders staying close to home is what we’re doing. I’ve always enjoyed walking in our neighbourhood and this spring it’s like seeing everything for the first time.
ALL TUCKED IN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I liked the shapes and swirls in this image, the water forming perfect circles around the little duckling.
HINT OF VIOLET (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These two flowers are early spring arrivals and share a subtle beauty. More delights of the season.
LOOK, UP IN THE SKY… (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Walking down a neighbourhood street I happened to look up and saw this construction worker suspended in midair. I can’t begin to imagine what that must feel like.
SPRING CLEARWING
I took this photograph in May 2019. It’s the first time I’d seen a clearwing so early. A pleasant surprise.
PATIENT PAL
We walked past this Basset Hound on our way to the store and he hadn’t budged on our return. A study in patience.
LAST SEASON
I took this photo in August when the cardinal hadn’t finished moulting and was still a bit patchy. Still stylish though!
ON A WALK
I almost missed seeing this little meadow vole or field mouse as it quietly moved through the leaf litter. If it sensed my presence it didn’t show it.
HEADING HOME (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like to capture the wake pattern as a duck races towards shore. Have to wonder what the hurry is 😏.
IN THE REEDS
Despite that long neck, when a Great Blue Heron stands motionless it can blend in easily to its surroundings. They imitate statues quite well.
SKIPPY
The merganser coming in for a landing reminded me of the game of skipping stones. I was a considerable distance from the duck but I liked the scene and used a Sepia Preset for added effect.
QUIET MOMENT
Canada Geese can be rather loud and aggressive but you’d never know it looking at these two.
HOVERFLY
I believe this is a mimic or hoverfly. Wasps have four wings, while a hoverfly has only two so that would be my best guess.
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
No matter the season, chickadees are always around; near a feeder or seen in the woods. Although they’re common it’s hard to think of these little birds in that way.
EASTERN PHOEBE
The eastern phoebe is a member of the flycatcher family. With the arrival of spring they have returned to our area. Their distinctive song announces their presence often before you see them.
AMERICAN ROBIN
Spring is a season of firsts. First robin, first tulip, even first fly. Isn’t it great. 😊
SKIPPER
Though very small, it’s hard to miss these orange butterflies especially against the green. It won’t be long before the fields are full of skippers.
MALE AMERICAN WIGEON
One of the most attractive ducks that migrate through each year. I chose not to crop in further as the reflections in the water were also vying for attention.
CONNECT THE SPOTS
After a bit of research I found out that this is a two-spotted grass bug. (The spots are on its back which made it a bit difficult to identify. 😏 ) When I started out in photography I never thought I would take an interest in insects and enjoy photographing them as much as I do.
MIRROR, MIRROR
A wood duck admiring its reflection.
RING-BILLED GULLS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These gulls have presence and this one was no exception. He looked around like he owned this patch of grass.
DAMSELFLY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Damselflies are quite comical when you can catch them like this. I wonder what they make of us. 😏
BY THE RIVERSIDE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
On this side of the reserve the river runs quickly. Threats to these mallard ducklings are fewer; the snapping turtles remain on the lake opposite and fewer hawks patrol the area. I came upon this family group on the river’s edge, two years ago. I hope to see similar scenes before too long.
LADYBUG
I like to watch ladybugs as they make their way though the greenery. They appear to be hard working beetles. Though attractive to look at their bright colour warns potential predators that they aren’t good to eat. The brighter they are the more poisonous.
EASTERN PHOEBE
With its wings by its side, the phoebe reminded me of a penguin. I took the photo a few years ago, so I can’t remember the reason for the unusual angle or light but it worked.
WATCHFUL
These squirrels are quite common in my area and in the same family as the eastern grey squirrel. They often run off as you approach but not this time.
DUCK DRAMA
Not sure what’s going on here, not sure the mallard on the left knows either. Just another afternoon at the lake. 😏
DOCK OF THE BAY
This female cardinal gave me a strange look. I almost felt like I was trespassing as I passed by.
MONDAY MALLARD
Mallards are among my favourite ducks, and a familiar subject on my blog. This duck was enjoying a swim on an early December morning.
WINTER WOODPECKER
I usually see pileated woodpeckers high up in the trees, often hearing them before I see them. It’s easier to spot them in winter when there are no leaves to block the view.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
With their tucked in necks, these herons often look like they’re skulking around. I took this photo in early spring so it was easier to get a clear shot. This becomes tricky later in the season with all the greenery.
STANDOUT
I like these sunflower-like flowers. They bring the promise of sun and warmth and Summer! Insects love them too. I took this photo late in the season when the surrounding vegetation was starting to fade, making the flower stand out that much more.
TABLE FOR ONE
Some picnickers had just packed up and this ring-billed gull was checking for any leftovers. There was nothing left behind but the gull was polite enough to wait until they had gone.
CANADA GOOSE
Some mallards remain here year round. They can find enough to eat if the water along the shore remains free of ice and if people feed them. Canada Geese, on the other hand, fly south in late fall. Smart birds!
SEASON FAVOURITE
These are some of my favourite late fall subjects; a solitary leaf or several on a stem among the surrounding fall display. I always keep an eye out for these fading beauties on my walks.
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
This was the first and only time I’ve seen a Chestnut-sided Warbler. Unlike many warblers at this reserve, it wasn’t hiding up in the pine trees, so I could get a clear shot. I wish it had turned a bit so I could have got more of its colouring but was still pleased to add another bird to my list.
ON THE WATERFRONT
I took this photo on holiday a few years ago. The warehouse was well cared for and appealing, a nice photo opportunity on a misty morning.
INCH BY INCH (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These old boxwood rulers with brass fittings were used to measure bolts of cloth and date back decades. Along with the bright yellow measuring tape, the rulers form the subjects of my second studio series.
GET CRACKING
During this unusual winter, I thought I’d try my hand at doing some studio work. Here is my first eggample 😊. Learning how to use flash: diffusing, blocking, reflecting and positioning it is a steep learning curve but fun too. Stay tuned for more…
FAN DANCER
This is the first time I’d seen an insect with such fancy head gear. It turns out it’s a male non-biting midge. They fly in swarms and can be very annoying on early summer mornings as you walk along. Not sure how I spotted this individual, just lucky I guess.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 