I took this photo two weeks ago before the trees had really begun to bud. This male downy woodpecker stood out nicely against the bare tree.
Sunday Best
This past weekend saw the warmest temperatures so far this spring. Everyone was out enjoying the spring sunshine.
Spring Goose
I saw this goose on a small patch of grass close to the river. The current was strong and the water was high given the recent ice melt. We only saw a few geese on the water; this one was looking for something to eat but I can’t imagine the grass holds much nutrition yet.
Finally…
The best kind of snow drops are the kind pushing through the warming earth 😊
In the Neighbourhood
The lines and curves caught my eye.
In the Market
I watched as the house sparrow perched on the brick and window sills of this old house. I looked to see whether it had a nesting hole somewhere in the brick, as sparrows often build their nests in buildings, but saw nothing. It’s a busy time for them,
Canada Goose
Geese are returning after a long winter. I took this before today’s snow 😏
Young Robin
Late last spring, I saw this young robin perched on a park bench. I didn’t see any adult birds around, so I guessed he was on his own. He’ll be all grown up now.
Looking On
I believe this is a leucistic Canada Goose, it lacked the usual pigmentation of the other nearby geese but otherwise resembled them. I hope he joined the group after a while, he looked a bit lonely 😏.
Black-capped Chickadee
We’re lucky to enjoy these birds all year round.
Nice to See You
Around the city there are several parks and green spaces that we go to as the weather warms up. We’ve seen the same photographers at these locations over the years and at the beginning of the season it’s always nice to stop and catch up. I liked the way the dog was looking in the same direction as the photographer.
Light and Shade
I like the shape and colours of this flowering plant. The flowers contrast nicely with its dark leaves.
Robin Ready
I saw two robins recently when the weather was a bit nicer. It’s been a stormy weekend. Hopefully, that’s it for the snow and ice and scenes like this are around the corner.
Electric Blue
The Blue Jay landed on an old electrical insulator as I followed its flight down a laneway.
Chipmunk
It’s nice to see chipmunks putting in an appearance.
Good Timing
There are no bees out yet, and still a bit of lingering snow. I like the way people paint these electrical boxes, this one is particularly welcome.
You Go Your Way, I’ll Go Mine
Sometimes, that’s just the way it is 😏
Queen Anne’s Lace
A simple wildflower can really shine in the right light.
Setting up House
On a recent walk, several house sparrows flew past me and landed in a nearby yard. This one had a mouthful of fluff that I imagine was going to be used in nest building.
Seen on a walk – 2
A warm March sun brightens the neighbourhood.
SEEN ON A WALK – RELIC
Yesterday was a beautiful day to finally get out with our cameras. We went for a walk in a part of town that has a mix of old and new buildings. This restaurant/tavern has been in operation since 1934. Note the sign above the side door. Bars at the time served drinks in separate rooms to men and women. Only “bone fide” escorts could enter the ladies’ bar 😏.
Pondering
Many of us are wondering what exactly is going on right now 😏
Early Heron
I took this photo at the beginning of April a few years ago. The water had begun to thaw so I imagine he found something to eat. I had never seen a heron return this early before or since; usually they wait until the ice has melted and the locals come out.
Soft Power
Fleabane daisies symbolize a kind of innocence as well as being tough and resilient.
It’s not quite daisy weather yet, but the temperature rose to 9C today and I saw a few people wearing shorts 🇨🇦 !
In the Spotlight
Males mallards seem to chum around more than the females. This can lead to a portrait like this.
Coming Attractions – 2
It won’t be too long before the Scilla push their way through the dried leaves and brighten the landscape.
Black-capped Chickadee
Usually black-capped chickadees don’t stay in one place for long. I’ll raise my camera just to miss them as they fly to another tree, I was more fortunate with this bird, it stayed put long enough for me to get the shot, Another year round bird here.
Something About Mallards
I think I’ve said it before but I do love these ducks 😊
On Alert
A common sparrow, yet I think her stance and the spring setting set her apart.
Cute as a Bug…
At least I think milkweed beetles are 😊.
Waiting in the Wings
It’s snowing (again) but before too long spring’s turn will come. Here’s a preview of coming attractions…
Female Cardinal
Getting her colour back. I took this photo in late summer as her feathers were growing back in.
MONDAY MALLARD
Regular readers will have noticed that it’s been a few weeks since my last post. I was out of town for a while and then picked up a nasty bug (yes, Covid is still very much out there). I’m on the mend now and what better evidence than to feature one of my favourite ducks 😊
Sheltering Sparrow
Every spring, house sparrows construct nests in the crevices of this office building. In the winter as the wind whips around you can see them sheltering there, like this male house sparrow.
A Hint of Spring
I’ve been enjoying the photos of Snowdrops some bloggers have been posting recently. It will be some time before they appear here along with these wild violets that we see in spring. As we slog through February I needed a bit of colour.
Forest Floor
It looked like someone had called a meeting but few showed up 😏 . I think fungi and mushrooms make interesting subjects but they were pretty scarce last year. I’ll keep my eye peeled as things warm up around here.
Buddy Swim – 2
A sight I love at the end of the day😊
Groundhog Day
This is the only time I’ve seen a groundhog emege from its burrow. Although I’ve posted the photo before, I thought it was a timely encore.
Barred Owl
We see barred owls year round in our woods. I was hoping the owl would open its eyes wider but he was content to doze and I was happy just to have seen him.
Coming Attractions
It’s getting closer to sights like this again 😊
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 