I heard the pileated woodpecker before I saw it. As we got closer, several people were gathered close to the tree the bird was excavating.  If you look closely you can just see its tongue darting into the hole it had drilled to retrieve its meal.

As the summer moves along wood ducks become a bit bolder and don’t retreat when they see you. This imposing male strode along like he owned the place 😊

This female downy was enjoying her meal. When these little birds are feeding they don’t notice the photographer lurking in the background 😊

I don’t much care for these gulls in the city but on the river my opinion of them changes. They fish and fly and even pose quite nicely; and you don’t need to keep “an eye to the sky” 😏

One day in June we were treated to a mallard and her chicks swimming along close to shore. They had passed a gull earlier on who didn’t glance their way and this Great Blue Heron who was very preoccupied with finding its next meal.

I’ve seen a lot of robins this spring and summer. They are always a welcome sight.

The goose had found a tranquil spot though its young were just off to the side.

I couldn’t take my eyes off of the ducklings but the gull was unimpressed 😏.

It seems like a good summer for goslings. I’ve seen quite a few. I was lucky with the light here.

The gosling peered at me through the tall grass never far away from its watchful parent.

I took quite a few photos of this tree swallow in May. There are nesting boxes nearby. I should get back there and check on them.

I’ve seen only a few grackles this year, this one was close enough to get a decent image. Like some other birds, grackles have a bad reputation. They can be bullies at feeders and forage in gardens and farmers’ fields. I enjoy them though and like the way the sun illuminates their plumage. Another bird that migrates here during the warm months.

A little clean up does wonders.  The mallard stood by the water’s edge and did a little preening after its swim.

… 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.