A good approach to the week ahead!
Tag Archives: Animals
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.
ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET
The rabbit doesn’t have the best table manners but at least its eating healthy 😏
STEADY GAZE
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.
PULL UP A CHAIR
There’s plenty to eat but I’m not sure if this squirrel is willing to share. 😏
CAT IN THE WINDOW
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.
BASHFUL
The chipmunk’s pose showed off his fine racing stripes 😊
SIMPLY RED
This red squirrel blends in very well to his environment, particularly in fall.
BUSY SEASON (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
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.
CURIOUS
I liked this little dog. It watched me closely but never barked. Not guard dog material, I guess.
ON A WALK
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.
WATCHFUL
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.
PICNIC IN THE PARK
This grey squirrel was tucking in as I passed. A felled tree makes a nice surface for dining and hikers often leave seeds and nuts for birds and squirrels, particularly in the colder months. I was glad to see that this diner was well fed.
QUIET COMPANY
The woods in winter are quiet; the only sounds are my boots on the snow and the wind in the trees. I wasn’t alone though, as I looked up I saw this squirrel looking down at me.
EARLY MORNING MUSKRAT
Muskrats swim quickly and like to dive, particularly when they have an audience. I saw this one on an early April morning enjoying a solitary swim.
CHIPMUNK
Now that the weather has turned cold, I hope this chipmunk remembers where he has hidden the food he was busy collecting. It’s going to be a long winter.
RACCOON
On passing a lean-to in the reserve, I saw this raccoon ambling about. I think he had found something to eat on the floor and just gave me a passing glance as I walked by.
CHIPMUNK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I think this was a young chipmunk as it stayed quite close and watched me as I took some photographs of him. Young animals seem quite curious, this one was. I hope it grows up quickly because there’s a lot of danger lurking nearby.
MUSKRAT
You can see how the muskrat got its name. It has quite the tail. Like the beaver the muskrat uses its tail as a rudder and slaps it when it senses danger. They are terrific swimmers and when they dive it’s difficult to determine where they will resurface.
MUSKRAT
I haven’t returned to the reserve where this was taken at all this year. There are just too many people. In looking through my folders, I came upon this photo I took a few years ago. We usually see a few muskrats each summer and that year was no exception. They can be tricky subjects as their wet fur often reflects odd colours.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 