Chickadees are another bird I feature quite frequently. We are fortunate to have their lively presence year round in our woods and backyards.

The Pileated Woodpecker is the largest woodpecker in North America. They are non migratory; their main food source are the larvae and insects that live in the bark of trees. I love to see these striking birds in winter’s muted landscape.

I took this photo one year at the very end of March. Although the river was thawing the goose must have regretted its early return.

Happy New Year!

I took this photo in late September when the Cardinal hadn’t finished moulting. He’ll need those head feathers now given the cold temperatures!

Happy Holidays!

Chickadees are great little aerialists and quick. Always nice when one slows down long enough to take its picture.

You’d think a duck’s feet would freeze standing on an icy pond. Unlike mammals, they regulate their bodies differently so that standing on an icy surface is almost like a walk in the park 😏

The goldfinch landed on the thistle just as I was winding up my walk. Before long it began to feed on the plants’ seeds. I took a lot of photos as the bird didn’t seem to mind my being there. More to come…

As winter approaches, the landscape becomes drab. This fine looking mallard added some much needed colour. A few resident ducks remain throughout the winter; close to shore the river remains open and they find a way to carry on.

Canada Geese are pretty commonplace. Not always welcome, they can be loud and messy but they still hold an appeal. Right now we see them in large V formations, heading south.

The screech owl I saw a few weeks ago is still around, It had changed trees and I had a different lens this time. I liked the wider shot below, but also cropped in close to give a better view of the owl.

I had few opportunities to photograph Great Egrets this summer but I did get a few chances. I hope to have more next year.

This scene was taken on a late fall day a few years ago but today’s cold wind is a hint of what’s to come. The wood ducks hold on until the first frost, so they’ll be around for a bit longer.

We took a walk recently along the edges of a local reserve; we haven’t walked its trails since Covid struck, the place is packed with people. The crowds must have driven this eastern screech owl out of the park and close to where we were walking. We’ve only seen these owls in daylight and usually looking half asleep 😏 .

European starlings have a bad reputation – they can push native birds from nesting cavities, damage crops and more. Yet, after a long winter, they’re one of the first birds to return and are attractive with their iridescent colouring. This individual looked pretty mellow.

As attractive as wigeons are, I think the reflections make the photograph. The colours were just right on this early November day.

Duck enjoying a quiet paddle.

Another lazy day on the river; a Great Egret stretching its legs.

It’s been a while since I’ve photographed any ducks but I believe this is a non breeding male mallard. Looking Good 😊.