We’re starting to see some seed heads alongside new buds. In this case a Salsify and an emerging flower directly in front of it. I like the intricate design of its seed head.
Forget-Me-Nots
I saw these flowers in a nature reserve and assumed they were native plants. Although considerd invasive and can displace native plants, I do like their delicate beauty. As I only saw a few of them growing and they seemed to be contained to a small area, I’ll have to check on them again next year.
Friday Grackle
I’ve seen a lot of grackles this year although I’ve seen fewer birds in general. Grackles are intelligent birds and fun to watch as they go about their business. They are known for their striking yellow eyes and iridescent plumage. This bird was enjoying a snack in the shade so its colouring was more subdued.
Roadside View
The roadsides in summer turn into landscapes. Chicory and daisies are adaptable and seems to grow wherever there’s a bit of earth. Chicory has become naturalized in North America, brought over by early European settlers.
Didn’t Blink
On a recent walk, we turned off the main path and came face to face with this imposing fellow/gal. I think it might have been a pregnant frog, but my knowledge of frogs is limited 😏. In any case we walked around it and I wished her well.
On Main Street
Seen on a walk in a small Ontario town.
Over the Fence – 3
I saw this cheerful looking Columbine in a garden we passed on a recent walk.
Milkweed Bouquet
Milkweed is coming into flower now, I hope it will soon be attracting monarch butterflies. I was struck by the way this plant was growing. It looked like a florist’s bouquet, vase ready.
Lone Gull
I liked the starkness of the scene. Just a bird on a branch with the river all around.
Kept Waiting
Walking around the pond I heard more frogs than I saw but this one looked like he was just waiting for me to show up.
Hooded Mergansers
The adult female merganser was giving her young brood a little space to explore the world around them.
City Blackbird
I don’t often see Red-winged Blackbirds perched like this. No leaves to shoot through here 😏
Queen Anne’s Lace
I set out to find some Queen Anne’s Lace as it’s begining to flower right now. There’s a hint of pink in the bloom when it first starts to bud.
Morning Glory Bee
At a distance, I wasn’t sure of the insect inside the flower. As I got closer, the bee made its presence known.
Along the Trail
I liked the way the light shone through the underside of the daisy. So much to appreciate in one little flower.
People Watching
This litle dog was sitting in the shade watching a group of people doing yoga in the park. It was a hot day, I think the dog had the right idea 😊
Here Comes the Sun
Someone had this patch of pansies growing on their lawn, not in a flower bed. It was a remarkably cheerful sight!
Butterfly
I haven’t seen many butterflies his year. So I’m featuring one I saw last summer.
A Particular Peony
It was a spectacular season for peonies this spring. They were all vying for attention but this single white flower really stood out.
Painted Turtle
I think turtles must welcome summer as much as the rest of us. It does make you wonder though, why they always look so grumpy 😏
By the River
The central part of the country is under a heat and humidity advisory.There’s no nicer place to spend some time than under the tree canopy by the water.
Car-struck
I frequently see Red-winged blackbirds perched on car side mirrors. I was waiting for this one to peer into the mirror but it was content to just stand there.
Daisy
Some of my favourite flowers are there for the taking; growing wherever there’s a bit of soil and sun or just by the side of the road.
Out of the Gate
The dog was tearing down the path running towards us. Then we saw its owner turn the corner holding the dog’s leash. Given the chance, it was enjoying the run.
Seen on a Walk
I liked the weathered hoop and the shadow it cast.
Walk by the River
There’s no nicer place to be on a warm day in spring.
Daisy Fleabane – Two Photographs
The daisy fleabane is a native flowering plant with an unfortunate name. In the past, people thought that its aroma would rid their homes of pesky insects. I found these growing in a laneway.
Faded Beauty
Among all the new growth, I found last year’s Queen Anne’s Lace still making its mark in the field.
Tiny Bubbles
While photographing some wild flowers, I noticed this frothy substance on a nearby plant. It is produced by spittlebug nymphs and protects them from predators and temperature extremes. A mature spittlebug is also called a froghopper. It’s been a number of years since I’ve seen one. Actually, I’ve seen few insects so far this year. It’s been colder than usual, that might be the cause.
Morning Buttercup
Another summer favourite.
Side by Side
The rose and wild flowers were growing in the same small garden of this house. It is an appealing space that isn’t overly manicured.
Tree Houses
I was hoping to see a few tenants coming or going. No luck that day.
Out and About
Starling out for a stroll.
Gosling
It’s been a fine spring for these young birds. I see them on most of my visits to the lake.
Blackbird
Red-winged blackbirds can be difficult to photograph given their black feathers. I liked the exposure on this bird, I just wish I could have got a bit more of its wing colour 😏
Wood Duck Duckling
I featured a portrait of this duckling’s mother a few days ago. In this photo the young wood duck is trying to keep up with her as she heads back to the lake.
Sharing the Sun
While exploring a new neighbourhood, the street we were on suddenly came to an end on the edge of a small wildlife garden. This rather whimsical looking plant, commonly known as prairie smoke or old man’s whiskers was sharing the sun with some other native plants.
Lesser Scaup
One in a group of Lesser Scaups we saw at the very beginning of last month. They are known to breed in the west of the country and in smaller numbers in eastern Canada.
Over The Fence – 2 (Two Photographs)
More glimpses of neighbourhood gardens.
Female Wood Duck
Wood ducks are usually a lot shyer at this point in the season. The reserve where I took this has become more popular in the last couple of years so the animals are more used to people. Probably not a good thing for them, but it does work out for the photographer.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 