I stopped to chat with a neighbour the other day and asked her if she had seen many bees in her garden. Not too many, she said but plenty of rabbits. On our walk today we came across this young cottontail who seemed to be enjoying the flowers. I wished it had turned in my direction but it still gave me some good photo opportunities.
This West Highland Terrier was enjoying the cool morning air a few weeks ago. With the hot temperatures we’re experiencing right now, I imagine he’s being walked a lot earlier.
The chipmunk found a quiet spot to have a snack. It was aware of me but didn’t seem to mind and just kept on eating.
If the groundhog sees his shadow this is supposed to indicate six more weeks of winter. Around here that still means an early spring 😊 . I’ve featured this image before and it’s still one of my favourites.
There seemed to be a lot of cats in our old neighbourhood. They were mainly indoor cats and I’d see them looking out the window. This cat claimed the entrance to the house but sat there quietly just taking it all in.
Groundhogs hibernate here during the winter months, in specialized burrows below the frost line. This individual was fattening up for a long “sleep”.
We have several varieties of squirrels in Ontario. The Eastern Grey Squirrel is the most common. Nothing common about this one though 😏
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 😊
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.
I was at a fair distance from the dachshund but I still didn’t go unnoticed 😏
Cats like to perch on window sills. I looked up from the tulips I was photographing and took this shot.
On a recent walk, the woods were alive again with the sounds and sights of spring. A familiar rusting in the leaves alerted me to nearby squirrels. This one approached and stood there staring, hoping for a snack I guess.
We’re all feeling wary these days.
It’s nice to see chipmunks putting in an appearance.
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.
We see red squirrels quite often in the woods usually giving chase to the larger eastern gray squirrels.
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 😏
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.
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.
Along the river parkway there’s a landing for canoes, kayaks (and dogs) to enter the water easily. On our walks I always hope to come across a scene like this.
This red squirrel was enjoying his snack and wasn’t about to assign the nut to his winter stockpile.
Groundhogs are true hibernators and usually hibernation begins in late October and lasts through March. We’ve had up and down temperatures and the grass is still nice and green so maybe the locals will delay their long winter nap for a while.
As I was walking along the sidewalk I saw this rabbit bounding across a lawn. I was using a wide angle lens so I had to crop in quite a bit but I think catching it mid hop made the shot!
Everyone seemed to be enjoying a fine morning in the park 😊
The red squirrel was sorting through the seeds under a feeder. Another animal I haven’t seen much of this summer.
It’s been so hot and muggy lately but this dog doesn’t seem to mind a bit 😊
One of several groundhogs I saw earlier this month.
It could have been Groundhog Day at the park. We spotted at least four. They tend to be solitary but it’s a big park with enough grass for all 😊
The chipmunk had found a quiet place to do a bit of grooming. If it sensed my presence it wasn’t bothered.
I was pleased the squirrel slowed down for a minute so I could take the shot.
I was hoping to see a cat in the window, one is usually looking out as I walk by. Instead I heard some very loud barking coming from this little guy.
Yesterday was Groundhog Day in Canada and the United States. Two famous Canadian Groundhogs, one from Quebec and another from Nova Scotia predicted that we will have an early spring as neither saw their shadow. It seems their American pal is in agreement .😊
I couldn’t see what had caught the cat’s attention but watched as it slowly moved towards whatever it was. It did remind me of a “big cat” stalking its prey.
The cat was keeping an eye on things as I passed by its yard. I looked back as I walked along and it never altered its gaze.
I took this photo in mid-December, a few years back. We’ve seen very little snow this winter, more rain than anything else. Today is colder though so maybe we’ll see some soon. A December without any snow is unusual. I wonder if this is the new normal …
The squirrel couldn’t have posed any better 😊
The groundhog was fattening up for his long winter sleep. In our climate they will hibernate in their burrows from October through March or April. We’re under a winter storm watch today, so I think they have the right idea. 😏
Walking through the local arboretum we heard rustling in the underbrush. After a few minutes a large cat appeared. It sat and looked around and wasn’t in a hurry to leave. It didn’t have a collar so we presumed it was wild and made its home here. Judging by its healthy appearance it knew how to fend for itself.
The dog’s owner was working in his yard, his dog resting on a towel facing the sidewalk. I couldn’t resist taking a quick shot.
Chipmunks are getting ready for winter; gathering as much food as they can and preparing their dens for the cold months to come.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 