I’ve noticed lately that quite a few of my comments on other people’s blogs aren’t being received. https://wordsfromanneli.com/ mentioned that she found one of mine in her SPAM folder. I just checked my folder and there are comments sent to me that I hadn’t seen so hadn’t replied to.
It might be an idea to check your SPAM folder (and that tin of suspicious luncheon meat in the back of your cupboard 🙂 ). You never know what you might find.
The wind was blowing these flowers about but I was determined to capture them as I didn’t know what kind of shape they’d be in next time I passed by. I took a lot of shots, constantly adjusting my speed and my position. I think it payed off.
I took this photo as the mallard was emerging from the river. The duck didn’t look too pleased by my presence 😏
I like to see robins strike this pose, stretching to their full height. It stopped feeding for a moment, looked around and then continued on.
Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood is a mix of the old and new. A lot of old houses and apartments have avoided the wrecker’s ball and are a source of much of my photography. The garden in the first photo is one I return to throughout the warmer months, I like its untended look. The elements in the balcony garden look carefully chosen, a little oasis in the city.
The black squirrels we see in Ontario are a subgroup of the Eastern Grey Squirrel but when I saw this squirrel with its unusual blond tail I thought the light was playing tricks on my eyes 😏. Another interesting discovery on a neighbourhood walk.
There’s just something about yellow flowers in springtime!
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!
This mailbox reflects a time when receiving mail was an event. Along with the usual bills and notices there might also have been a much anticipated letter!
Despite the heat, I just felt cooler looking at the plant growing in the shade. Its common name is Bleeding Heart, not a name I would have chosen for such an attractive plant.
The shapes and colours of the budding maple reminded me of a fine drop earring; except its enjoyment comes at no cost.
This downy woodpecker is one of the first I’ve seen this spring. She appeared to be considering how to approach the job of searching for insects.
If you see a Red-winged Blackbird, it’s supposed to be a lucky sign. Given that they usher in Spring, I would have to agree!
I liked the effect the breeze had on the tulips, it almost looked like they were dancing.
In an older part of town many of the houses were built of brick. I liked the play of light and shadow on the red brick and the fringe of green the unopened tulips formed.
When I saw this beautiful tree I pointed my lens up to fill the frame. I believe it’s a Forsythia, if not please let me know. No doubt about the daffodil, an annual spring favourite.
The red brick made an attractive backdrop for this common pigeon. Often maligned, I thought this bird had presence.
After a long winter, the temperature is warming up! The ground is coming to life again and there’s something to savour everywhere you look.
I’m not sure who was expecting the delivery here.
Walking along the path, I happened to look up and saw a wood duck sitting on the branch of a tree. There’s a first time for everything 😊
I liked the frog’s pose but the background was too messy. I tried cleaning it up, without much success. In changing the crop I managed to remove most of the pond debris and was pleased with the outcome. It goes to show that in most things it pays to take a second look.
You can’t get much cuter than these goslings.
I took this Black-crowned Night Heron one day in May a few years ago. We’re having snow showers today. The early spring migrants must be wondering what’s up with this weather 😏
Not much spring colour yet so I thought I’d revisit fall when the leaves were putting on a fireworks show.
I took this photo earlier in the week at a wildlife garden I hadn’t been back to since the start of the Pandemic. I saw a few robins (photos coming up), a bit of new spring growth and this meadow scene that caught my eye.
You may have noticed that the Comments section was closed on my site for the last few days. It seems to be working again!
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.
Warm spring days aren’t with us yet so it’s a bit cold for much photography. I continue to dip into my archives for now. A duck for your Monday viewing.
Wood Ducks are the most colourful ducks we see in this area. A few have been spotted here this spring. They return to breed and remain until the temperatures dip. I took these photos several years back.
Window shopping in Montreal. Design with flair.
While visiting an art gallery, I looked out a window at this scene. The mesh shade I shot through made for an interesting effect, I thought.
I took this photo in the fall and the cardinal hadn’t quite finished moulting. A few weeks earlier he probably looked pretty rough, not here though.
If I had been asked what I thought of insects before I began in photography I would have probably shrugged my shoulders and wondered if they stung. Now quite a few years on, I have to admire these hardworking and determined little critters. Seeing the bee move along the leaf’s surface makes for an interesting glimpse into their world.
With the temperature struggling to get out of the single digits, I thought I’d retrieve a warm weather scene; perfect for a grey day in late March.
The hammering sound broke the silence in the woods and we followed it to its source; a male hairy woodpecker excavating a tree.
We have a good number of mallards in my area and they’re a favourite on my blog. They’re handsome, lively ducks and you usually see them in large groups or rafts. This male mallard found the perfect spot for a quiet stretch.
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.
The metallic green sweat bee was working its way along the flower. As small as they are they’re easy to notice with that dazzling colour. It’s day one of spring and I impatiently wait for the first flowers and bees to emerge.
This beetle led me on quite a chase through the milkweed. Impressive antennae 😊
It’s fun to walk along the quiet lanes in residential areas. The sheds there can be weather worn or sport a new coat of paint. Once the snow melts, I’ll be exploring them again.
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 