Birds can be pretty funny. In this family unit the adult starling might just be “taking a time out” from the kids 😏
Tag Archives: Nikon Canada
Garden Find
Another common name for bleeding heart is lyre flower, a name I much prefer.
Family Swim
Goslings can swim within 24 hours of hatching. Their parents coat them in waterproof oils to keep them buoyant. Amazing 😊. It takes them longer to learn to fly,, about 10 weeks.
A Touch of Yellow
Looking out the window the other day, I spotted this goldfinch looking in my direction. I didn’t have a chance to change my camera lens, I just took the shot. In this case the bird was an attractive element to the overall landscape.
Just Dandy
I took this photo about a week ago, just before the Lillies of the valley came into bloom. This one dandylion caught my eye as it stood out among the sttetch of emerging flowers.
Exception to the Rule
European Starlings were introduced to North America in the late 19th century and are considerd invasive. They compete for nesting sites and can cause extensive agricultural damage. This individual though was content to search the grass for something to eat and only snagged a dandelion.
Laneway Views
On a recent walk, we turned down a laneway we had never noticed before. Some of the back gardens were fenced off but these two weren’t. The first scene had an expectant air; a flower basket ready to be hung and a child’s toy, on the right, waiting to be ridden. The stone figure below is a watchful presence.
Dazzle
After a long winter when we’re craving colour, nature really shines.
Gosling
We took a walk along the river on the weekend and came across two pairs of Canada Geese and their young. Given what a slow start to spring we’ve had, I was particularly happy to see that some things continue right on schedule 😊
Red Maple
It looks like I might have taken this photo last Fall but this Red Maple is wearing its new Spring colours.
Lawn Daisy
The lawn daisy has become naturalized here and is considerd a weed. Pretty though and pollinators like them. I think they resemble pincushions.
Super Hero
I thought the robin bore a striking resemblance to Batman’s sidekick 😊
Fine Dining
Black-capped chickadees know all the best places!
Taking It’s Time
We’ve had a colder than normal start to spring but things are headed in the right direction.
Red, Red Robin 🎵
The temperature has taken a dip but the robins know it’s spring and they serve as a reminder to those of us who are back to wearing warm jackets. 😏
Another Glimpse of Spring
A pretty sprig of red maple buds shouts Spring!
Glass Window
I saw this glass collection in a basement apartment window. It must cheer up their view, it sure did mine.
No Ice Please
We were at a favourite reserve a few days ago on a windless and warm day. A few weeks earlier there was still some ice on the surface of the water. The trees are slow to bud but their branches make for nice reflections.
Where’ve You Been?
We’ve had two wonderful days of warm spring weather and this was one of several robins I spotted. It was nice to walk around without a coat and and enjoy the earth waking up again 😊
April View
It was a grey wet day yet this tree continues to bud as it should do in April. Despite the temperature it’s right on schedule.
Spring Scillia
I’ve been enjoying signs of spring on other people’s blogs, so I thought I’d join in and share a photo I took in late April last year. No real signs of spring yet, we just reached +2C today; sooner or later… 😏
Last Swim
I liked this duck tableau, taken in late fall just before most of our mallards headed south.
The True North
I love walking along the water. The air is clean, there’s always a breeze and if you’re really lucky a couple of geese swim by to complete the picture.
Reflection
Walking along I caught some interesting reflections of my surroundings. Right now reality appears somewhat distorted as well.
Garden Variety
These poppies are an introduced species in Ontario. They’re popular in gardens and can naturalize in the landscape; I saw these growing in a field.
Comng Attractions – 3
No tulips yet but things are moving in the right direction. It reached +5C today and snow banks are beginning to melt; I even saw a jogger wearing shorts 😊
Green and White – 3
Another warm weather scene on a cold and snowy day. Not a great fan of winter anymore 😏 .
Cormorant
Cormorants tend to swim and perch far offshore. I would have liked to have been closer to the bird but it did pose rather nicely all the same.
Green and White – 2
Well, it’s snowing again so here’s a summery alternative to the scene outside my window. I think this is a Long-leaved speedwell but would appreciate a positive I.D.
It’s a Leap
These little tree frogs are still hibernating but I thought it would be fun to feature one in February. I’ve only seen them a few times, this one on a suburban deck.
Messy Business
Great Egrets are usually so pristine lookong but when it comes to hunting for food a bird can get a bit dirty. The egrets and herons who fish close to shore are usually successful but end up looking a bit messy.
Solitary Swim
I often see female mallards taking a solitary swim, they must enjoy the quiet 😏 . I was fortunate that this one was swimming into nice reflections.
Coming Attractions – 2
I like grackles although they have a poor reputation as bullies and agricultural pests. Despite that they’re attractive, intelligent birds that can be fun to watch as they strut around the grass. I look forward to their return in early spring.
Coming Attractions
This will be a running theme on my blog for the next little while…
Spring
Just six weeks to go!
At the Gate – Two Photographs
I liked the scale in both of these scenes along with the imagination that went into them.
Happy Groundhog Day
If the groundhog sees his shadow this is supposed to indicate six more weeks of winter. Around here that still means an early spring 😊 . I’ve featured this image before and it’s still one of my favourites.
Lucky Duck
We’re fortunate to have a nice variety of ducks. Last year was a very good year for wood ducks. I saw this young female towards the end of the summer.
American Black Duck
We see quite a few American Black Ducks during the warmer months. They resemble female mallards though they’re darker and their bills are yellow, they are also heavier than mallards. They seem less rowdy too but perhaps that’s because there are fewer of them. 😏
One Foot in Front of the Other
Sometimes that’s all you can do 😏
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 