The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. They are non migratory; their main food source are the larvae and insects that live in the bark of trees. I love to see these striking birds in winter’s muted landscape.
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ROLLING IN THE DEEP
This is a young snapping turtle, mature snapping turtles are much larger and even less good looking 😏. I was standing on a viewing platform and just happened to glance down when the turtle swam silently by.
DRAGONFLY DAYS
A summer scene is the perfect antidote to the weather outside.
LIQUID GOLD
It was difficult to say which was more eye catching, the wood duck or the fall reflections. I was just happy to be there that day.
EARLY GOOSE
I took this photo one year at the very end of March. Although the river was thawing the goose must have regretted its early return.
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 😏
VROOM
The water was cold when this mallard took a swim. That, or just a bit of natural exuberance. 😊
HAIRY WOODPECKER
Very similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker, the Hairy is distinguished by its larger size and bill length. Have to admire that fancy footwork too. 😊
CHICKADEE
Black-capped chickadees, all season favourites.
ON FROZEN POND
I took this photo in late fall as the water was just beginning to freeze. Mallards tolerate the cold and quite a few remain in this location all year. We’re under an extreme cold warning tonight and while we add on the layers, I can’t helping wondering how the ducks will manage.
SUMMER REWIND
It’ll be a while before we see damselflies so what better time to enjoy a glimpse of summer than when it’s -15C outside!
EARLY BIRD
Eastern Phoebes are elegant little birds. This one looked a bit ruffled. Maybe it was due to the early hour or it was just moulting.
WINTER FAVOURITE
Winter doesn’t seem as long and bleak when there are Cardinals in the woods.
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.
DUCK CHEER
Happy New Year!
FINISHING TOUCH
I took this photo in June a few years ago. The black-crowned night heron was in fine breeding plumage but it looked like he hadn’t quite finished grooming.
A BIT ROUGH
I took this photo in late September when the Cardinal hadn’t finished moulting. He’ll need those head feathers now given the cold temperatures!
SOMETHING TO QUACK ABOUT
Happy Holidays!
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.
WORKING WITHOUT A NET
Chickadees are great little aerialists and quick. Always nice when one slows down long enough to take its picture.
COLD FEET
You’d think a duck’s feet would freeze standing on an icy pond. Unlike mammals, they regulate their bodies differently so that standing on an icy surface is almost like a walk in the park 😏
ON THE EDGE
I like hover flies, pretty cute for an insect; and always a challenge to photograph given their size.
GOLDFINCH ON A THISTLE
The goldfinch landed on the thistle just as I was winding up my walk. Before long it began to feed on the plants’ seeds. I took a lot of photos as the bird didn’t seem to mind my being there. More to come…
FLASH OF COLOUR
This single poppy stood out among the other flowers in the garden so I gave it centre stage.
WHAT A DAY
This female wood duck was just scratching an itch but you could read more into her expression.
LAST OF THE SUNFLOWERS
These sunflowers were still in fine shape in late October. Our fall was relatively mild which gave the flowers longer to shine.
BEFORE THE RIVER FREEZES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I took this photo on a mild October day while walking along the river. The gull seemed to be enjoying the relative warmth too.
IN THE WEAVE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
The wind had dislodged the abandoned nest but a limb had snagged it giving me a chance to admire its workmanship. Queen Anne’s Lace is also known as Bird’s Nest and I can see why.
SOMETHING TO CROW ABOUT
Despite their reputation, crows have some positive qualities. They’re highly intelligent, consume waste and litter and if you see them flying in groups calling loudly, there’s a good chance that an owl is nearby. No owls this day but still a handsome crow,
BIG RED
Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America. We’re fortunate that they remain year round, On a grey winter day, seeing this lively colourful bird always brightens things up.
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT
I thought it unusual not to see an ant on the peony buds. But the fly was colourful so I took the photo. In processing, I noticed an ant; it’s upside down on the upper bud.
FLOWERS IN NOVEMBER
If I could choose I’d have the ground covered in flower petals rather than snow 😏.
BASHFUL
The chipmunk’s pose showed off his fine racing stripes 😊
BRIGHT SPOT
As winter approaches, the landscape becomes drab. This fine looking mallard added some much needed colour. A few resident ducks remain throughout the winter; close to shore the river remains open and they find a way to carry on.
SKIPPER IN NOVEMBER
With freezing rain in the forecast what better time for a scene like this.
GOLDEN
This goldfinch was the last thing I expected to see in surroundings like these. You just never know 😊 .
Marvellous Mallards
I took this photograph one December day when the light was just right. The male’s head was the emerald green you see here, I didn’t enhance the colour.
ROCK ART
I didn’t see this rock art being created and I don’t know how long it had been standing. Someone had formed a circle with these balancing rocks which I rather liked.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 