The squirrel was tearing across the ground and finally stopped for a moment and stared in my direction. Another spring first.
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WELCOME BACK, CANADA GEESE
The first of the Canada Geese began returning a few weeks ago. I saw this lone individual on the river one sunny day during the week.
EARLY BLOOMER
I saw this single white flower growing close to the ground in a neighbour’s yard. It was surrounded by other perennials. I don’t remember seeing this flower before but thought it very attractive.
BREAK TIME
Every spring some house sparrows build their nests in the eaves of a downtown building. I saw this female on a nearby lawn.
AMERICAN ROBIN
I watched as the robin ran across the lawn and finally came to a stop. Nothing says spring like a robin!
FIRST OF THE SEASON, BLACKBIRD
Last weekend was beautiful and warm and I had my first sighting of a Red-winged Blackbird. The bird seemed to enjoy the weather too and burst into song 😊
NEIGHBOURHOOD FIND
I’m not sure if this was once a trellis or a part of a garden gate. Just a little treasure in someone’s yard.
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
The house sparrow blended in so perfectly to its surroundings that I was pretty pleased to get a clear shot.
ON A WALK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Along with crocus, snowdrops are among the first flowers we see in the spring. The dried flowers from last season were surprising to see, given the winter that just passed.
THIS OLD HOUSE
I often photograph this old house. The tree is slow to bud but casts some interesting shadows on the wall. You can see some green shoots on the lawn too. The weather shot up to 29 C/84 F today (last week we were digging out from an ice storm 😏).
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.
LAZY RIVER – 2
I keep returning to this spot on the Ottawa River. These reflections are a part of the draw.
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
These birds are a sure sign of Spring. I haven’t seen or heard one yet (I took this photo last year). It shouldn’t be long now!
MAY GOSLING
With freezing rain pouring down this morning, it was time to revisit a fine spring day last May. I saw a few Canada Geese fly overhead the other day, I hope they can hold on a little longer. Warmer weather coming next week.
BY THE RIVER
We’ve discovered a few new trails close to the river. Walking by one day, I saw this Great Blue Heron in the reeds. I wasn’t far from the bird and didn’t want to cause it to fly off. I shouldn’t have worried though as something else had its entire attention.
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT
This part of the Ottawa River is popular with Cormorants; there are plenty of perches for them to dry off after fishing. An interesting looking bird with its turquoise eyes and bright yellow facial patch.
GARDEN ABCs
I liked the repetitive pattern of these plants. I noticed the frothy substance on one of the plants and learned it was produced by the nymphs of spittle bugs. The mature bugs are no friends to gardeners and are often preyed upon by other insects.
BLACK DUCK
The solitary duck looked small against the high waves but on it swam. A duck called Intrepid 😊
LAZY RIVER
There’s no better place to spend some time.
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.
HOVER FLY ON FLEABANE
The hover fly really tucked into the daisy and fed like this for a considerable time. It did not really live up to its name here.
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.
READY SET, GO
Come on Spring…
EARLY SPRING
This is what an early spring day looks like here. We still have a ways to go.
EXCUSE THE MESS
I usually see painted turtles sunning themselves on logs. So seeing one in motion, swimming through its swampy surroundings made for a change.
COOL DUCK
I found this image on an old drive. I think mallards were among the first birds I photographed and I never get tired of them. 😊
SPRING FORWARD
Daylight saving time begins here in the early hours of March 12. The chickadee looks about to make the leap too.
STAR
Canada Geese are attractive birds but the Egret was a real standout. I took this by the the river close to shore; this spot often attracts a lone egret or heron and a lot of geese.
REVERIE
I saw these lupines growing in a wildlife garden. I can’t wait to walk its grounds again.
GEESE AND FRIEND
As loud as geese can be not these three. I think we all were enjoying the stillness of the afternoon.
IN THE AIR – 2
No signs of Spring yet, so until then…
IN THE AIR
It might not look like it yet but scenes like this are not far off.
WINTER SHADES
So often winter is pretty dreary here but not always.
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.
FOOTLOOSE
I’m always impressed with the way mallards manage to keep their footing on these icy surfaces. This duck skidded a bit but recovered well, maintaining his dignity.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I featured this duck close up to show off its marvellous bill and then pulled back some, as the background was worth a look too. I’ve only seen the northern shoveler in late November. I’ve read that it appears as if its rear is sitting higher up in the water than its front end. Not surprising with a bill like that.😊
BEE CURIOUS
Although the bee was busy feeding it did cooperate with this photographer. 😊
PILEATED WOODPECKER
Lightning strikes, wind and time have left their marks on this tree. I imagine it makes the hunt for insects easier for this woodpecker.
SPRING MELT
Not quite yet, I took this scene in April a few years ago. I hope this year things warm up sooner.
WEDNESDAY WOOD DUCK
As soon as the waterways are free of ice the wood ducks will return. I took this photo in early April.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 