We see red squirrels quite often in the woods usually giving chase to the larger eastern gray squirrels.
Summer Sparrow
Another little bird that is often overlooked. It was nice to see her perched on some long grass.
Junior
I do appreciate these birds as individuals, not as much in flocks when they can be aggressive and messy 😏. This immature ring-billed gull made a nice subject.
Female Wood Duck
She must be enjoying some warmer temperatures right now like the other Canadian “snowbirds. They’ll all be back once the snow has melted and the nice weather returns 😊
Hummingbird Moth
Hummingbird Moths are spectacular looking insects and good pollinators. I don’t see them every summer so when I do spot one hovering by a flower it’s pretty exciting.
Downy Woodpecker in Winter
There’s still a meal to be found for woodpeckers under tree bark though bird feeders must be an easier alternative for them this time of year.
A Look Back
I spend a good deal of the winter looking forward to spring; on a day like this particularly, when the temperature is in the -20s C, though the sun is shining. A look back here at more pleasant times 😊
Red Squirrel
Red Squirrels don’t hibernate in winter but do spend a lot of time in their nests to stay warm and conserve energy. I hope this little squirrel has a cache of food to see him through the bitterly cold weather that’s on the way.
City Bird
The common pigeon wouldn’t win any popularity contests but I do photograph them from time to time. They’re content to pose and have attractive colouring. And in winter with a shortage of bird subjects, I make allowances 😏
Buddy Swim
I took this photo before the water began to freeze though it was still pretty brisk.
Promise of Spring
It’s been snowing lightly all day. Just when it looked like it was winding down it picked up again. Looking for a photo to post I came across this scene from last spring. I’m counting the days 😏.
Bird on a Wire
European Starlings are not popular birds. They are an invasive species and aggressive to native birds. No friend to farmers either as they raid their crops. They sure are photogenic though.
Lesser Scaups
I had several opportunities to photograph these beautiful ducks last year. We kept returning to the same area over several days and there they were. I guess they’re being enjoyed right now by those living in more hospitable climates. 😏
DOWNY WOODPECKER
A downy woodpecker going about his business.
AT THE PARK
It will be fun to get back to this park when the weather warms up. I think the dogs there have a better time than most people 😏
Something to Crow About
Another sighting while looking up.
UP ON THE ROOF
I like weathervanes and rooftops. I struck it lucky here.
Cheers
Here’s hoping for calm waters in 2025. Happy New Year!
I Couldn’t Eat Another Bite
The chipmunk had a very successful raid of this garden. I took a lot of photos of him with his cheeks stuffed with nuts. Unfortunately my settings were off and this was the only reasonably sharp shot I got.
REWIND – 2
The days are sunny and cold right now, here’s a bit of warmth to add to the mix.
BAY STREET
In the older parts of the city you can still see a few old street signs fastened to the walls of buildings. I almost missed this one as the ivy had pretty much claimed the brick.
Downy Woodpecker
Best Wishes for the Holidays!
Winter Light
I like catching mallards in this light. They seem to glow 😊
REWIND
It turned very cold overnight with the temperature now hovering at -17C. I thought this was the perfect time to revisit some summer scenes. Besides I can’t use my camera while wearing mitts 😏
Night Owl
As owls are nocturnal, when I see them during the day they often look half asleep. The eastern screech owl is tiny and blends into its surroundings so well that you have to be pretty lucky to spot one.
LATE FALL – 3
This small lake attracts a lot of ducks; even in winter we see a few mallards. They are hardy. The wood ducks have left now but I did catch this one as it took a last solitary swim.
Downy Woodpecker
I haven’t seen many downy woodpeckers this year but I did see this one in the spring. I really like these little birds, our smallest woodpecker.
ALL IN THE DETAILS
I had taken a photograph of the entrance of an old row house. The picture was ok but it fell a bit flat. I had my spouse look at it and he suggested I concentrate on the brickwork and the ornament that was between the doorways. He was right, the rest was just window dressing. My fella’s got an eye, he’s been taking photos since he was a kid 😊 .
Wistful
While looking for a photo to post, I came across this flower I took last spring. A sweet memory 😔.
LATE FALL – 2
A few more migrants passing through, I’ve only seen ring-billed ducks a few times and always as it gets colder.
Late Fall
One last swim at the lake. The waterfowl usually remain until the lakes and rivers begin to freeze.
WINDOW SHOPPING
I always stop to look in the window of this antique shop. There’s always something interesting on display.
Junior
This juvenile ring-billed gull was coming in for a landing. They take three years to reach maturity and acquire an adult’s white and grey feathers, yellow legs and bill with the distinctive black band. I like taking them in flight, good practice for the bigger birds 😊
Eastern Phoebe
These flycatchers are one of my favourite songbirds. I look forward to their return next spring.
Team Building
Canada Geese were gathering like this as we moved into fall. Just before the recent snow, I saw two large formations of geese overhead. They made it out just in time.
A Different View
We’re under a winter weather advisory (10 cms/4 inches is forecast). Luckily, I don’t have to be anywhere today and can watch the snow fall and swirl around from my window. When I was a kid the schools stayed open even with considerable snow. The snowfall would have to approach 25 cms/10 inches before we had a snow day. We could count on several each winter growing up.
I thought the daylily I took this summer would provide something else to look at 😏
Redhead
I saw this mallard in October. I was taken with his red head feathers. It was an unusual sighting, a first for me.
In the Reeds
The red-winged blackbird had found a good perch and and finally moved its head long enough to give me a clear shot.
STOCKING UP
Chipmunks don’t hibernate and with winter fast approaching they’re busy gathering food to build up their reserves. They seek shelter in underground dens and live a solitary existence. On warmer winter days you can see them out foraging.
Canada Geese
From early spring to late fall I watch Canada Geese a lot 😊. I think they’re beautiful birds and when not acting up or messing up they make great subjects to photograph.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 