We were taking photos of an adult and osprey chick on their nest at a respectful distance (with long lenses and at least 40 feet below 😏 ) but the osprey parent was not happy at all. It flew from the nest, circled above and flew uncomfortably low and close. We took the hint and walked quickly back to the car, content with the photos we had got.
Gardens in fall take on many forms here. This one had a more subdued display than some others in my recent posts. Still, with -C nights and +10C days it’s still looking pretty fine. I even saw a butterfly on a walk today.
I haven’t had many opportunities for bird photography this summer, so I was pleased to see this Blue Jay on the roof edge. I liked the way the elements of the building framed the bird.
We’ve been having a spectacular autumn. You don’t have to go into the countryside to enjoy the fall colours. Every tree in the neighbourhood seems to be celebrating the season.
I spent many summer afternoons walking along the river. Scenes like this always draw me back.
I liked the sparkles of colour and textures in an otherwise sombre river reflection. At another time of the day, the light would have made for a different photo.
Not a chick anymore and not quite adult but growing up fast.
The insect under question was misidentified as a Milkweed Beetle when first posted. (See Steve Gingold’s comment)
I was happy to get this shot so late in September as we’ve had several frost advisories at night. The milkweed bug didn’t seem to mind though. I had also planned to take landscape shots that morning, so this wasn’t taken with my macro gear. The natural light provided this interesting effect.
I took this yesterday. Summer’s not quite over.
Many of us are feeling a little sorry that the warm weather is ending but scenes like this soften the blow 😏.
The Sumac is beginning to change colour here. These leaves have a shimmery glow to them.
I saw this piece of driftwood on the windowsill of an old house which made for a fine display cabinet. The sea, wind and sun produce some striking art.
The temperature’s getting cooler but these flowers are still in bloom, making you half believe that summer is still here.
Volunteers had built two nesting platforms by a local marsh and we’ve been lucky to see osprey there most summers. I’m glad we passed by when we did because on our second visit in early September the nest was empty. The birds had probably begun their migration south.
As the seasons begin to shift, there’s still a lot of beauty to capture.
As we move closer to fall, I enjoy scenes like this even more than I did a few months ago.
They are beautiful birds but tricky to photograph given their dark plumage. This bird was looking for some lunch.
Ring-billed gulls don’t overwinter here, and will head towards the Great Lakes or the Southern United States when the cold sets in. They are very common during the warmer months and when seen outside the city, in a natural setting, are quite attractive birds.
This plant was growing in a flower bed but reminded me of a water lily. If anyone can identify the plant please let me know.
I saw these attractive late bloomers on a walk the other day. They refused to blend in to the tall grass around them.
The branches overhang the water so it’s unclear where the leaves end and their reflections begin. It created an attractive abstract.
Friends introduced us to this spot a number of years ago and we’ve been returning ever since. We’ve seen egret and osprey here (we saw both this visit) but I’d come back just for the view. I’ve never seen beaver though; there’s no fresh wood on the lodge so I think it’s probably been abandoned.
This milkweed plant was home to a lot of lady bugs engaged in various activities 😏
I often see birds sleeping with one eye open. In this way they can be aware of danger as a part of their brain remains alert. As for the raised leg, it minimizes heat loss. Clever birds!
The birds nest shape of Queen Anne’s Lace is revealed as its seeds ripen. The flower was surrounded by the glow of goldenrod.
Rather interesting to see these damselflies mating on a plant stem near the exoskeleton shed by a recently emerged damselfly.
The American Black Duck is very similar in appearance to the female mallard, although its feathers are darker and its bill is an olive yellow. Not as common here as the mallard but still well represented.
Out for a walk on a very hot day, I found a tree lined path to walk down and I saw these hostas growing in the shade. A pretty and cooling sight.
A group of ducks on the water can be called a paddling of ducks. I think the term suits these mallards just fine.
Not the usual geese in flight but a fanciful weathervane on the roof of a former church.
It’s still very hot but there’s no denying that the season is moving along. This sunflower won’t be going silently.
I haven’t seen many dragonflies this summer so I was pretty happy to get this shot of one.
I thought this was a curious looking set up and took the shot.
I liked the curves and lines of this ladder that leads to the building’s roof. A piece of functional art.
Chicory was introduced to North America and you see it growing in meadows and on roadsides later in the summer. Many varieties are also cultivated for commercial use.
The owners took some thought with the back entrance of their home. Quite pleasing to the eye.
I went for a walk in our neighbourhood today, a familiar route but one I hadn’t taken in the past few weeks. I noticed that the variety of flowers in the gardens had dwindled and what remained was looking tired. The weather is still hot and summer is still with us but the feeling of a long lazy summer stretching out before us is no longer there.
Sometimes a small subject can present a big challenge. Ants are tiny and fast, so I often end up with a blurry image. This particular ant was in no hurry, the light was nicely filtered and this was the result.
If you wait awhile Canada Geese can strike some interesting poses or sometimes you just happen upon a scene like this.
Coneflowers or echinacea are among my favourite summer flowers. They are hardy, long lasting and attract many pollinators. Pretty perfect!
