Violets are delicate looking but are really quite hardy. These garden flowers form a natural bouquet. I thought I’d add the clematis to continue with the purple theme.
Tag Archives: Nikon Canada
WATER LILY
There’s something very peaceful about watching water lilies float on the water’s surface, I was kind of hoping for a frog to come along too but not that day.
GREAT EGRET
We’ve had few opportunities to see or photograph great egrets in the last year and a half. Our favourite reserve has been jam-packed since Covid struck and we haven’t been back. We parked by the Ottawa River recently hoping to see one of these beautiful birds and luck was with us.
RIVER VIEW (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There’s a spot on the river where the cormorants gather. The silhouetted bird was sharing the tree with four other birds. I wish I had a longer lens that day.
FLOWER POWER
These sunflowers were growing in a shady spot facing the river but the sun found them anyway.
TRYING TO BLEND IN
A friend spotted the leopard frog in the grass. Pretty good observation as the frog hadn’t just jumped to that spot. It remained in place long after I had moved on.
RING-BILLED GULL
I saw this young gull by the river and I liked the pose it struck. We normally see gulls in the city, congregating in groups. When they fly overhead, it’s wise to keep an eye on the sky 😏.
THIS OLD HOUSE
This building was a neighourhood grocery a long time ago. It’s divided into apartments now. Its brick facade is a favourite stage of mine to showcase its wildflower garden. I stop by regularly, all year round.
CURIOUS
I liked this little dog. It watched me closely but never barked. Not guard dog material, I guess.
SECOND LOOK
As we turned the corner I saw these two and thought they looked pretty lifelike for lawn ornaments. When one duck moved its head I almost jumped. I’ve never seen a Pekin Duck before and never downtown. We stopped by to visit a few times over several days, more photos to come…
CITY OASIS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Sometimes you just have to get away 😊.
NATURAL EXUBERANCE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Seen on one of my neighbourhood walks.
BEE SEASON
It’s been a good summer for bees. This sweat bee or halictid bee was one of three different varieties I saw in the space of a few minutes. More to come…
DAHLIA AND FRIEND (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Summertime and so many flowers. Some bolder than others.
CITYSCAPE
The old house that once stood on this lot was torn down many years ago. The land hasn’t been developed and is enclosed by a mesh fence which I shot through. I was struck by the sunflowers standing tall. They continue to flower and give pleasure to anyone that passes by.
DOWNTOWN BIRDS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
House sparrows are not native to North America but have adapted very well and are common in urban areas. I’m featuring a male and female I saw on a recent walk.
FEMALE GOLDFINCH
Goldfinches breed later in the summer than a lot of other birds. I watched as the goldfinch gathered nesting material and flew back and forth to her nest deep in the trees.
SIDEWALK VIEW-2 (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I thought the little statue added some charm to this small yard. It looked as nicely weathered as the house beside it.
CABBAGE WHITE
Cabbage White on the fly.
LEOPARD FROG
Frogs blend in well to their surroundings. I was lucky to see this leopard frog as it stood out against the grey of the pebbles.
THE DAISY AND THE BEE
A nice pair, they complement each other.
GRAND ENTRANCE
Coneflowers in summer, a welcoming sight.
SECOND LOOK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like scenes like these, just a bit quirky.
CITY BIRD
I thought the robin fit right in with its elegant surroundings.
NEIGHBOURHOOD MIX (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
There are many old homes with pretty gardens in this downtown neighbourhood. Turning the corner I noticed these little green visitors that added a bit of whimsy to the mix.
CHANCE
The coneflowers caught the sun while most of the garden was still in shade. At a different time of the day the light would have been more balanced but then I don’t think the picture would have been as interesting.
ANOTHER BLACK-EYED SUSAN
These are rudbeckia, commonly known as black-eyed susans. I caught them as they danced on the breeze.
DON’T FENCE ME IN
I saw this bull dog in a small fenced in lawn. He turned away as I approached but I did get his handsome profile.
SUSPICION
It seems to me that damselflies often look suspicious when their photos are taken. 😏
SUNNY SIDE UP
Painted Turtles enjoying the summer sun.
DOWNY WOODPECKER
The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. We see them all year round. If you hear a tapping sound in the woods it’s likely a downy going about its business.
SUMMER COLOURS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Given our short summers, it’s not only the warm weather I enjoy but the variety of flowers that spring up throughout the season. It looks like the blanket flowers are having a party!
SIDEWALK VIEW
I noticed the blue graffiti on the door frame earlier in spring. When I passed by recently and saw the day lilies I knew I had my picture.
CAT
A cat enjoying the sun on a warm afternoon.
FLOWERS TELL A TALE (THREE PHOTOGRAPHS)
The first flower peeked out of the long grass, its stem bent by a recent rain. I thought the shadow added interest to the tiny flower below.
ROBIN (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I’m not sure what insect the robin had firmly in its grip. I think he was unsure of it as well 😏.
BALANCING BEE
A local business association maintains a small garden on a busy city street. I stop by frequently to see what’s in bloom. They only plant native species and I’m always pleased to see the insects they attract.
PLEASING POPPIES (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I like the brilliance of these red poppies but white poppies with their purple centres are appealing too.
ANTICIPATION (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I imagine the basketball was left there as I took the photo around lunchtime. The same holds true for the bike.
QUEEN ANNE AND FRIENDS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Queen Anne’s Lace is just coming into flower. These flowers were in a garden setting though I usually see them in fields and along roadsides. It’s nice to see them thriving in the city too.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 