We see barred owls year round in our woods.  I was hoping the owl would open its eyes wider but he was content to doze and I was happy just to have seen him.

Another little bird that is often overlooked. It was nice to see her perched on some long grass.

I do appreciate these birds as individuals, not as much in flocks when they can be aggressive and messy 😏. This immature ring-billed gull made a nice subject.

There’s still a meal to be found for woodpeckers under tree bark though bird feeders must be an easier alternative for them this time of year.

I took this photo before the water began to freeze though it was still pretty brisk.

I had several opportunities to photograph these beautiful ducks last year. We kept returning to the same area over several days and there they were. I guess they’re being enjoyed right now by those living in more hospitable climates. 😏

Here’s hoping for calm waters in 2025. Happy New Year!

As owls are nocturnal, when I see them during the day they often look half asleep. The eastern screech owl is tiny and blends into its surroundings so well that you have to be pretty lucky to spot one.

This small lake attracts a lot of ducks; even in winter we see a few mallards. They are hardy. The wood ducks have left now but I did catch this one as it took a last solitary swim.

I haven’t seen many downy woodpeckers this year but I did see this one in the spring. I really like these little birds, our smallest woodpecker.

A few more migrants passing through, I’ve only seen ring-billed ducks a few times and always as it gets colder.

One last swim at the lake. The waterfowl usually remain until the lakes and rivers begin to freeze.

These flycatchers are one of my favourite songbirds. I look forward to their return next spring.

The red-winged blackbird had found a good perch and and finally moved its head long enough to give me a clear shot.

Happily, some of these ducks remain during the colder months.

We’ve had a lot of mild weather this November and there are still some Canada Geese around. I caught this one as it was landing.

It’s nice to catch a mallard in a quiet moment, the fall reflections makes it even nicer.

This past summer we were treated to the appearance of lesser scaups. We only saw them twice but they provided a lot of photo opportunities. A new bird for me 😊

It’s nice when you can position yourself at the level of your subject. The wood duck’s direct gaze was nice too.

Another common waterbird here, this Canada Goose was grooming itself away from the flock.

I featured a female mallard on my blog yesterday. The male mallard has a guest spot today. One of my favourite ducks for their spirit and good looks. 😊

I saw a lot of ducks swimming along the lake the day I was there. This female mallard was on her own and very close to shore. I liked her pose and took the shot.

Canada Geese are on the move. We see and hear them overhead flying in V formations. With the weather getting colder it won’t be long before scenes like this will be over for the year.

I caught sight of this American Wigeon through a break in the trees. My only sighting this year. It must have been resting up on its migration south.