Groundhogs hibernate here during the winter months, in specialized burrows below the frost line. This individual was fattening up for a long “sleep”.
Tag Archives: Animals
Waiting to Board
While waiting to board the train one summer, I noticed this service dog lying on the cool tile just out of range of the sun- beam. The dog looked tired, but I imagine he could rest up a bit once he had escorted his owner onto the train.
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.
Neighbourhood Watch
You know that feeling you get when you know you’re being watched? 😊
SUNDAY SQUIRREL
The red squirrel was sorting through the seeds under a feeder. Another animal I haven’t seen much of this summer.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
It’s been so hot and muggy lately but this dog doesn’t seem to mind a bit 😊
GROUNDHOG
One of several groundhogs I saw earlier this month.
Eat Your Greens
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 😊
A LITTLE ME TIME (TW0 PHOTOGRAPHS)
The chipmunk had found a quiet place to do a bit of grooming. If it sensed my presence it wasn’t bothered.
RED SQUIRREL
I was pleased the squirrel slowed down for a minute so I could take the shot.
NEIGHBOURHOD WATCH
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.
SNOW DAY
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 …
Planning Ahead
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. 😏
SOULFUL
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.
EASTERN CHIPMUNK
Chipmunks are getting ready for winter; gathering as much food as they can and preparing their dens for the cold months to come.
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
This dog was beating the heat!
GROUNDHOG IN THE GREEN
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.
The Best Dining
Under the bird feeder was the place to be for this red squirrel.
READY, SET, GO
A good approach to the week ahead!
RED SQUIRREL
The squirrel was tearing across the ground and finally stopped for a moment and stared in my direction. Another spring first.
CAT IN THE GREEN
This lovely cat watched me intently as I took its photo. It continued to stand guard even as I moved along.
ON THE FLY
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.
A FINE DAY OUT
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.
COY COTTONTAIL
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.
CHILL
Few things are as calming as watching a muskrat swim silently through the water.
SPRING PREDICTION
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.
SUNDAY RED
You often find these little red squirrels under a bird feeder. Easy pickings!
RACE YOU
That’s what it looked like to me 😊.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season!
HEADING HOME
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.
BE PREPARED
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.
CAT WATCH
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.
WHAT THE CAT SAW (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I couldn’t see what the cat saw but it definitely had something in its sights.
YOUNG BEAVER (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
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!
NEIGHBOURHOOD WALK
I’m not sure who was expecting the delivery here.
WAITING IT OUT
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.
CHIPMUNK
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.
BLACK SQUIRREL
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.
BEST FRIEND
This dachshund looked patient and a bit wistful as it waited for its owner to return.
LEAVE IT TO BEAVER (AND THE GEESE)
An iconic Canadian scene (taken in early April as the lake began to thaw) a far cry from the siege-like images right now in Ottawa.
TAKING IN THE SIGHTS
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 