I like to capture the wake pattern as a duck races towards shore. Have to wonder what the hurry is š.
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IN THE REEDS
Despite that long neck, when a Great Blue Heron stands motionless it can blend in easily to its surroundings. They imitate statues quite well.
SKIPPY
The merganser coming in for a landing reminded me of the game of skipping stones. I was a considerable distance from the duck but I liked the scene and used a Sepia Preset for added effect.
QUIET MOMENT
Canada Geese can be rather loud and aggressive but youād never know it looking at these two.
HOVERFLY
I believe this is a mimic or hoverfly. Wasps have four wings, while a hoverfly has only two so that would be my best guess.
BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
No matter the season, chickadees are always around; near a feeder or seen in the woods. Although they’re common itās hard to think of these little birds in that way.
EASTERN PHOEBE
The eastern phoebe is a member of the flycatcher family. With the arrival of spring they have returned to our area. Their distinctive song announces their presence often before you see them.
AMERICAN ROBIN
Spring is a season of firsts. First robin, first tulip, even first fly. Isnāt it great. š
SKIPPER
Though very small, it’s hard to miss these orange butterflies especially against the green. It wonāt be long before the fields are full of skippers.
MALE AMERICAN WIGEON
One of the most attractive ducks that migrate through each year. I chose not to crop in further as the reflections in the water were also vying for attention.
CONNECT THE SPOTS
After a bit of research I found out that this is a two-spotted grass bug. (The spots are on its back which made it a bit difficult to identify. š ) When I started out in photography I never thought I would take an interest in insects and enjoy photographing them as much as I do.
MIRROR, MIRROR
A wood duck admiring its reflection.
RING-BILLED GULLS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These gulls have presence and this one was no exception. He looked around like he owned this patch of grass.
DAMSELFLY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Damselflies are quite comical when you can catch them like this. I wonder what they make of us. š
LADYBUG
I like to watch ladybugs as they make their way though the greenery. They appear to be hard working beetles. Though attractive to look at their bright colour warns potential predators that they arenāt good to eat. The brighter they are the more poisonous.
EASTERN PHOEBE
With its wings by its side, the phoebe reminded me of a penguin. I took the photo a few years ago, so I canāt remember the reason for the unusual angle or light but it worked.
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.
DUCK DRAMA
Not sure whatās going on here, not sure the mallard on the left knows either. Just another afternoon at the lake. š
DOCK OF THE BAY
This female cardinal gave me a strange look. I almost felt like I was trespassing as I passed by.
MONDAY MALLARD
Mallards are among my favourite ducks, and a familiar subject on my blog. This duck was enjoying a swim on an early December morning.
WINTER WOODPECKER
I usually see pileated woodpeckers high up in the trees, often hearing them before I see them. Itās easier to spot them in winter when there are no leaves to block the view.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON
With their tucked in necks, these herons often look like theyāre skulking around. I took this photo in early spring so it was easier to get a clear shot. This becomes tricky later in the season with all the greenery.
STANDOUT
I like these sunflower-like flowers. They bring the promise of sun and warmth and Summer! Insects love them too. I took this photo late in the season when the surrounding vegetation was starting to fade, making the flower stand out that much more.
TABLE FOR ONE
Some picnickers had just packed up and this ring-billed gull was checking for any leftovers. There was nothing left behind but the gull was polite enough to wait until they had gone.
CANADA GOOSE
Some mallards remain here year round. They can find enough to eat if the water along the shore remains free of ice and if people feed them. Canada Geese, on the other hand, fly south in late fall. Smart birds!
SEASON FAVOURITE
These are some of my favourite late fall subjects; a solitary leaf or several on a stem among the surrounding fall display. I always keep an eye out for these fading beauties on my walks.
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER
This was the first and only time I’ve seen a Chestnut-sided Warbler. Unlike many warblers at this reserve, it wasnāt hiding up in the pine trees, so I could get a clear shot. I wish it had turned a bit so I could have got more of its colouring but was still pleased to add another bird to my list.
ON THE WATERFRONT
I took this photo on holiday a few years ago. The warehouse was well cared for and appealing, a nice photo opportunity on a misty morning.
INCH BY INCH (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
These old boxwood rulers with brass fittings were used to measure bolts of cloth and date back decades. Along with the bright yellow measuring tape, the rulers form the subjects of my second studio series.
GET CRACKING
During this unusual winter, I thought Iād try my hand at doing some studio work. Here is my first eggample š. Learning how to use flash: diffusing, blocking, reflecting and positioning it is a steep learning curve but fun too. Stay tuned for moreā¦
FAN DANCER
This is the first time Iād seen an insect with such fancy head gear. It turns out itās a male non-biting midge. They fly in swarms and can be very annoying on early summer mornings as you walk along. Not sure how I spotted this individual, just lucky I guess.
IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
With its algae covered back, you have to be lucky to spot a snapping turtle swimming through a murky pond. I didnāt have a polarizing filter so the photo might have been sharper but I managed to get a decent shot. I think this turtle was quite young as it wasnāt as large as some Iāve seen. Not the prettiest kid on the block but certainly one of the more interesting.
Hooded Merganser
I was pleased to get so close to this female hooded merganser. Often theyāre out in the middle of the lake just beyond range. This duck found a quiet spot to enjoy the sun.
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.
DAMSELFLY
Damselflies – a sure sign of warm weather. They begin to appear in late spring and remain throughout the summer. Looking at the blue skies and sunshine right now, you can almost imagine itās warm out, until you step outside that is š .
FOREST DETAILS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Thereās always something that catches my eye when Iām out for a walk. I liked the windblown leaf pattern on the forest floor and the sapling pushing upward. It was nice to see the mushrooms too.
NOT TOO LONG NOW
Trout lilies are one of the first wildflowers we see each spring on our walks through the woods. I love to see them pushing their way through the leaf litter and melting snow.
GREAT EGRET
We usually see a few Great Egrets at the reserve every summer. When theyāre not fishing the waters we often see them preening. This one was doing just that on the remains of an old tree.
HOUSE FINCHES
The bright head of the house finch caught my eye, I didnāt see the less colourful female when I took the picture. Most finches Iāve seen are more rosy coloured. This one must have found a good crop of red berries as diet can effect their colouring.
RING-BILLED GULL
Ring-billed gulls are often seen in parking lots and city parks, so it was nice to see this bird on the water. A much more fitting location for a seagull.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 