… Ant! I was surprised to see what the robin had in its beak. I guess it couldn’t find a worm 😏

The male mallard had a good view of his watery domain.

I took this photo on a windy day and the wind had re-arranged this downy’s head feathers a bit. She was taking a quick break from her foraging. 

I haven’t seen too many insects yet, the temperature is warm one day and cold the next. It’s not presenting a problem for this Red-winged Blackbird though.

Like most youngsters these two were in a hurry. We saw a lot of goslings on our walk. This is the first of many more photos to come.

We returned to one of our favourite wildlife gardens after a long absence and were not disappointed. There was a tremendous variety of birds, including this attractive cardinal.

I was tempted to crop a bit closer to show off the swallow’s expression but I wanted to highlight the spring leaves as well.

I watched as the robin ran across the lawn and finally came to a stop. Nothing says spring like a robin!

The house sparrow blended in so perfectly to its surroundings that I was pretty pleased to get a clear shot.

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!

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.

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.

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.

The solitary duck looked small against the high waves but on it swam. A duck called Intrepid 😊

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. 😊 

Daylight saving time begins here in the early hours of March 12. The chickadee looks about to make the leap too.

As loud as geese can be not these three. I think we all were enjoying the stillness of the afternoon.

So often winter is pretty dreary here but not always.

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.

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.😊

Lightning strikes, wind and time have left their marks on this tree. I imagine it makes the hunt for insects easier for this woodpecker. 

Nuthatches are agile birds. Watching them move sideways and upside down as they forage is very impressive. One of the birds we enjoy year round.

This osprey was a considerable distance from me but not far enough away not to give it a try. Some cropping did the trick. I liked the angle of its head, showing off its head feathers.

Young birds are adventurous but you always wish their mother was a bit closer.

Not this duck’s first rodeo 😊 

I watched this hairy woodpecker as it moved along the tree, in and out of view.

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!

This part of the lake is pretty busy but the birds pass each other very peaceably. There’s a lot to learn from nature!

I glanced up and saw this nuthatch. I can only imagine it was enjoying the scenery as much as I was.

A White-throated sparrow going about its business.

Some years we see a few American Wigeons at the local reserve. Although quite common, we only see them occasionally in early spring or late fall. Their main breeding ground is further west and of course they’re “snowbirds”, heading south as the cold sets in. 😏 

The river is only beginning to freeze, this scene is typical of early winter.