We had driven to a spot outside the city hoping to photograph some birds. It was a quiet day with little around but we did see this cormorant. We watched him fish for a while (with no luck) but he did put on a nice display as he dried his feathers.
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ONE COOL FROG
I had heard some frogs in the water so I was surprised to see this one sitting in the shade of some trees. It seems they are quite happy to forage on land and shelter there as well. It was such a hot day, this one might have just wanted to get out of the sun.
COOLING OFF
The sparrow looked like it just had a dip in the nearby pond and found a place to dry off. The temperature has gotten very hot again so I imagine it was enjoying the coolness.
FINALLY, A MONARCH
Butterflies have been pretty scarce this summer, so I was very pleased to see a monarch. It flew between the clover and made itself visible for quite a while.
HERE COMES THE SUN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Sunflowers are such cheerful looking flowers. These flowers were practically beaming at me as I walked up to them.
Silver-spotted Skipper
This is the second silver-spotted skipper I’ve seen recently. When I did get a clear shot, it was flying off but did display some of the silver that it’s known for.
HEADLINERS
I came across these attractive flowers in the garden of a small theatre. They occupied their own flower bed, no need for a supporting cast 😏
WOOD DUCK
The temperature has cooled off somewhat so it’s more pleasant to get out with our cameras. Although I’m not seeing the number of birds I usually do, I have seen quite a few young wood ducks. This female was going for a quiet swim when I caught up with her.
ALONG THE PATH
This field borders an entrance to a reserve we visit from time to time. On a hot day this area has the most wonderful scent as the sun works its magic. It’s a favourite spot for rabbits and bees as well.
DON’T WORRY, BE HAPPY
These American Black Ducks turn it into that kind of day!
Canada Geese
I liked this family scene with the gosling following closely behind its parents.
GROUNDHOG
One of several groundhogs I saw earlier this month.
ANOTHER SUMMER TREAT
Echinacea or coneflowers are native to eastern and central North America. I started seeing them a few weeks ago, another sign of the hotter summer months.
LESSER SCAUP (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
The lesser scaup is a new duck to me so it was pretty exciting to see some on two occasions this summer. I took a lot of photos, next time I’ll feature the pair swimming together.
FRAZZLED
It’s shaping up to be a very hot summer. What remains of this seed head sums it up nicely.
FEMALE NORTHERN CARDINAL
The cardinal landed on the path, just a little ahead of where I was walking. She was one of the few birds I saw that day. There were many around but none were visible through the dense forest.
OH ME, OH MY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
We came across this fledgling on a recent walk in the park. The little bird looked dazed and confused. I assumed it was a very young red-winged blackbird because some adult birds were nearby and very raucous. We went on our way and hoped the chick was claimed when we left.
COLD SHOULDER
I’ve seen fewer butterflies this summer, as other bloggers have mentioned. So I was happy to see this one even though it was turned away from the camera 😏 . I believe it’s a silver spotted skipper.
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 😊
CATCH THE LIGHT
Our favourite reserve has become very popular so we took a quiet path to avoid the crush. Looking around I saw this scene. My spouse calls these intimate landscapes, I like that!
BROWN THRASHER
I’ve only ever seen a thrasher a few times and almost missed this one as I was at quite a distance from it. They’re a common species but not to me 😏. Thrashers are in the same family as catbirds and mockingbirds.
TWIRLS AND SWIRLS
A wildflower I saw growing alongside a small pond.
SOFT LANDING
I enjoy seeing a dragonfly on a lily pad. I associate both with summer by the lake.
Happy Canada Day to all those celebrating!
WOOD DUCK
We hadn’t seen much on our walk but as often happens, we had better luck as we were heading back. I’ve only seen wood ducks once before this year so I was very happy to come across this female duck and one of her young.
DUCKS OUT OF WATER
The ducks at this reserve often take a walk by the car park. Mallards don’t mind people which makes for some nice photo opportunities.
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.
DRAGONFLY
I’ve only had a few opportunities to photograph dragonflies this year. They can be very flighty subjects but fortunately, not this one.
KEEPING COOL
On these hot summer days, the goslings seek the shade as do the rest of us.
GLOW
Walking through a public garden I spotted this flowering bush. Among all the plants, it attracted my attention. Its flowers reminded me of candle flames.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
The only sightings I’ve had this year of night herons have been in the same suburban park. He’s a handsome bird showing of his breeding plumage and those yellow feet 😊
DRESSED TO IMPRESS
I saw these mallards in early May taking a leisurely swim. Hoping to be noticed, I guess. 😊
IN THE WILD (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
We had planned to go to a park by the river but there was an event going on so we went to a nearby trail instead. There weren’t many birds but there was a nice variety of wildflowers. The bladder campion, though not native to North America, has been naturalized and insects are attracted to its nectar.
R0SE AND FRIEND
Among all the bees, I saw this one little wasp seeking some nectar. Like bees, wasps are also pollinators.
THE PLACE WAS JUMPING
There must have been several bullfrogs in the pond, given the racket as we approached the water. I watched and waited as the frog inflated his throat. He was likely trying to call a mate or guard his territory.
GOOSE ON THE LOOSE
Earlier this spring, I caught this goose in a quiet moment with a bit of green stuck in its beak 😏
EASTERN PHOEBE
We stopped by a wildlife garden recently and were told that a hummingbird was in the area. While waiting for it to appear (never saw it) I saw this phoebe and took several shots. I was also told the phoebe had a nest nearby (which I never spotted), so I imagine the caterpillar was for its chicks.
ROBIN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’ve seen a lot of healthy looking robins this year. We’ve had a good mix of sun and rain, food must be plentiful.
DISTORTED VIEW
I have been doing some street photography recently. Towards the end of a walk I noticed this tower under construction. The reflection made for an interesting if distorted view of the surrounding buildings.
GRACKLE
I knew that grackles were omnivores but I was still surprised to see it fishing. He flew away with his catch a short time later.
CHIPMUNK CAPER (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Where did I hide that nut?
Maybe it’s over here.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 