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.
This dog was beating the heat!
I often spot a cat in the window as I walk by a house. In this case, a dog was watching as its owners drove away in the car. He took a moment to look in my direction too.
This dog has it made. 😊
I stopped and watched this cute little guy as he paused between bites to look at me. I finally walked away and left him to his snack.
I’m always surprised at how hefty groundhogs look as their diet consists mainly of grass and the contents of people’s vegetable gardens 😏. They hibernate from late fall through the winter so right now they’re working on their fat reserves.
Under the bird feeder was the place to be for this red squirrel.
A good approach to the week ahead!
The squirrel was tearing across the ground and finally stopped for a moment and stared in my direction. Another spring first.
This lovely cat watched me intently as I took its photo. It continued to stand guard even as I moved along.
I took this in late fall. It looked like the red squirrel was in a hurry to gather nesting material before the cold set in.
We always had terriers when I was growing up and I have a soft spot for this breed. This west highland terrier was enjoying the park as much as we were.
The rabbit wasn’t really very shy. When I walked into the clearing it looked up at me but then continued eating the grass not bothered at all.
Few things are as calming as watching a muskrat swim silently through the water.
February 2 is Groundhog Day in Canada and the United States. Legend has it if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks, if not spring will come early. Given how winters seem to drag on here I always thought six additional weeks meant an early spring 😏.
I’ve featured this photo before but in honour of the day here it is again, slightly re-edited.
You often find these little red squirrels under a bird feeder. Easy pickings!
That’s what it looked like to me 😊.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season!
I took this photo mid-afternoon in late fall. The water was still open and I caught the solitary beaver taking a swim before heading to its lodge.
Fall is a busy time for squirrels as they prepare for the approach of winter. It looked like this red squirrel was gathering nesting material for its winter accommodation.
The window was rain streaked but it didn’t block the cat’s view of the street. It seemed content to stare, so I took my photo and left him to it.
I couldn’t see what the cat saw but it definitely had something in its sights.
We found a new spot along the river this spring. It has a nice trail, few crowds and a fair amount of wildlife. One day last week I noticed some movement in the reeds and to my delight I saw this young beaver. The vegetation along the shore was thick so I had to wait a long while before I could get a clear shot. He looked like one contented beaver!
With the continuing cool temperatures you can’t blame the raccoon for not giving up its snug quarters. Spring is taking its time around here.
I think this was a young chipmunk given how tolerant he was of my presence. I hope he grew up quickly, it’s a dangerous world for these little animals.
We’re lucky to have a variety of squirrels in the area including the black squirrel. They’re a real standout, particularly in the Fall.
Raccoons are becoming more common in cities as their habitat shrinks and with it their sources of food. I saw this raccoon at a reserve one day. I watched as it moved silently through the water looking for something to eat. It kept an eye on me but carried on with its search.
The dog’s owner had run into a store and left his Great Dane in the car. The huge dog in the tiny car drew a lot of attention and I had to wonder how the owner managed to drive with him on board.
The rabbit doesn’t have the best table manners but at least its eating healthy 😏
Late in the season some wildlife seem less skittish around people. Either they’ve gotten used to our presence or just hoping to be fed.
There’s plenty to eat but I’m not sure if this squirrel is willing to share. 😏
The cat in the window struck a regal pose, something they do so well. There are a lot of indoor cats in this downtown neighourhood. When the weather gets milder I’ll have to photograph more of them.
The chipmunk’s pose showed off his fine racing stripes 😊
This red squirrel blends in very well to his environment, particularly in fall.
As the end of summer approaches it’s time to prepare for the colder weather. It looks like the chipmunk above is doing a little product sampling.
I liked this little dog. It watched me closely but never barked. Not guard dog material, I guess.
I saw this bull dog in a small fenced in lawn. He turned away as I approached but I did get his handsome profile.
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.
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.
