In the past you rarely saw ravens in the city but they’re here now, an hospitable environment for these birds. You often hear their deep “gronk” call as you walk along, both summer and winter. Although considered aggressive they are often mobbed by smaller birds protecting their nests.
Last week I featured some female mergansers sunning themselves. The same day I took those photos, I saw a younger duck swimming further out (which is where I usually seem them). Mergansers are diving ducks that feed on small fish and crustaceans, I got several photos of her as she came to the surface.
A little fun with spot metering.
Queen Anne’s Lace is one of my favourite wildflowers. We were walking beside a vacant lot that had hundreds of these flowers in different stages of development. Here are two examples.
This West Highland Terrier was enjoying the cool morning air a few weeks ago. With the hot temperatures we’re experiencing right now, I imagine he’s being walked a lot earlier.
This rock is a popular spot for ducks to sun themselves. On this day two mergansers had staked it out. As I usually spot them swimming out in the middle of the lake it was nice to see them close up.
I featured this chick and an adult chipping sparrow on a post a few days ago. Here are a few more photos.
The fiery orange of the day lilies mirrors the current temperatures.
On the otherhand, cosmos are the lily’s cooler cousin.
Chasing dragonflies can be difficult as they’re in constant motion. If you see one on a lily pad chances are you’ll get a few photos, as they break from leading you on a merry chase.
When the robin landed on the car mirror I expected it to turn around and catch its own reflection. It didn’t, at least not while I was watching. I’m glad it wasn’t my car as birds can make quite a mess perched like this.
I wasn’t the only one to take an interest in these plants. They were growing on the side of the road and not getting munched on in someone’s garden 😏.
We passed a wood duck and her young along the path. When I looked behind me about five young ducks seemed to be following me very closely for quite a distance. I was tempted to turn around and lead them back to their mother but in the end I didn’t have to as they decided to do that themselves. 😏
This is the first of several photos I took of a chipping sparrow. The star of the show is this very young bird who appears to be taking his first walk with Dad; actually he hopped 😊. You never know what you’ll see on a walk in the neighbourhood!
Glancing down towards the water I saw this day-lily growing in the filtered light. Not native to North America, the flower has become naturalized and its their season right now.
I saw this female goldfinch peering around the thistle at me. I’ve seen them feed on this plant later in the season when its gone to seed. I’m not sure if there’s something for them rto eat ight now or if she was just taking a break.
There were a lot of mallards settled under the trees as we walked along the path at our local reserve. We’re experiencing very high temperatures right now and shady spots are at a premium.
It’s a hot day in the nation’s capital. Happy Canada Day!
In the warmth of the sun this field of wild flowers and grasses gave off the nicest scent. When I return next time, I hope to see a few insects.
We decided to walk along the river in search of a breeze as the temperature continues to rise. Not much relief there but we did see some birds including this juvenile Canada Goose. He’s beginning to lose his down and acquire juvenile plumage. His parent wasn’t far behind; they remain with their parents for about a year.
Daisies are such cheerful looking flowers. I caught these swaying in the breeze.
The chipmunk found a quiet spot to have a snack. It was aware of me but didn’t seem to mind and just kept on eating.
I saw this plant growing by the shoreline of the pond; I believe its bur-reed, related to cattails and bulrushes. I liked its interesting appearance and so did the damselflies that were landing nearby.
I haven’t seen many bees this summer, so I was happy to see this one visiting some colourful flowers.
While crossing the street the other day, I saw a blurred shape run by on the nearby sidewalk. Luckily for me the cottontail stopped for a minute on the grass and then quickly took off again. I managed to get these two photographs.
Although we’re just one day into the official start of summer, the season moves along far too quickly. I think I found one of the last of the poppies putting on a nice show.
I caught this Red-winged Blackbird enjoying the warmth of the sun earlier this month. The park is popular with these birds and you’re usually greeted by their song as you approach the path.
I like to watch the geese out with their young, showing them the way.
When I took this photo about two weeks ago I saw goslings of this size as well as young geese that were bigger and approaching that awkward looking stage. They certainly mature quickly.
I was using a long lens and I was very close to the mallard so this image gives the impression that the path was hers 😏
We’re lucky to see and hear a lot of cardinals in our neighbourhood. Although we still live in the city, it’s greener and quieter than where we used to live and it’s rare not to hear bird song early morning and throughout the day.
These seed heads could have easily featured in a classic science fiction movie 😊. I believe they are the seed heads of the Pasqueflower and a member of the buttercup family.
There were a number of Red-winged Blackbirds at the park when this young one landed quite close to me. I believe it’s a juvenille male.
A good part of the garden was still in the shade but not this poppy that appeared to be basking in the sunshine.
We’ve seen a good number of grackles this year. I enjoy watching them, they’re always striding around looking busy and a bit put out 😏
Another introduced species to North America that is highly invasive. I love to see it though and enjoy its delicacy and fragrance.
After a walk around the reserve and having seen very little we decided to return to the car. A few minutes from the entrance we came upon this Black-crowned Night Heron. A first of the year sighting!
I watched the grackle with its catch hop along the shore for quite some time. I don’t know if it had a nest nearby because it didn’t fly off or stop to eat. I know the warm weather is here to stay when I start seeing these intelligent and attractive birds.
Birds can be pretty funny. In this family unit the adult starling might just be “taking a time out” from the kids 😏
Another common name for bleeding heart is lyre flower, a name I much prefer.
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 