We’re lucky to have downy woodpeckers here all year round as most birds migrate south during the winter. This male downy has found some insects to eat under the bark of the tree. They’re also seen more frequently at backyard feeders this time of year.
I was surprised the Cottontail didn’t run off when it saw me. We both froze and I got the shot.
On this grey afternoon a warm summer scene warms things up a bit.
Despite the cold, this time of year has its advantages. It’s easier to spot the locals. 😏
In the warmer months local birds have a wider variety of menu options.
We are lucky to see Nuthatches all year long.
The light was just right on the morning I took this.
Hanging on just a bit longer…
As the days get shorter and colder, seeing a last dandelion is something to relish!
Fall is a busy time for squirrels as they prepare for the approach of winter. It looked like this red squirrel was gathering nesting material for its winter accommodation.
I liked the partial shadow of the branches against the white wall. Quite stark and what a typical November looks and feels like. This year is not the usual though it’s been warm and sunny and some flowers are still in bloom.
I saw this family of mallards in July. The young ducks will be all grown up by now.
Winter dining for local wildlife.
The woods still hold a bit of colour. These leaves looked like a streamer strung along the path.
People often keep their Halloween Pumpkins out long after the holiday is over. Given the artistry involved I can see why.
I was out taking landscape photos with a wide angle lens but when I saw the nuthatch I thought I’d give it a try. You never know. 😊
The wood was a tangle of thickets and leaves. I’m glad I caught the foliage when I did as there are more leaves on the ground now than on the trees.
Some flowers fade sooner than others yet often leave a bit more to appreciate. I thought this was a good example and reminded me of a filagree necklace.
I pass by this spot quite often but I like it best in fall when the ivy turns colour and the trees cast long shadows.
It’s hard to believe I took this last week. These late bloomers sure are hardy.
This building is a landmark on a gritty downtown street corner, sandwiched between an alley and apartment building. It’s been a Bible depot, reading room and gathering place. When trying to find out more about it, I learned that it had closed permanently. Perhaps another victim of the times.
Many older apartment buildings on downtown corner lots have small gardens that look to be maintained by the tenants. Someone had fastened this endearing little sign to the wall.
It’s been very windy over the last few days and the trees are beginning to lose their leaves. This maple leaf was caught on its way down. I took it with a small f/stop so I got this attractive background.
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.
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.
On a recent walk, I saw quite a few lady bugs flying around and landing close by. I caught this one on some sumac.
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.
Early fall is a great time for photography. Late summer flowers vying for space with the autumn leaves. I liked the way the purple flowers were standing their ground.
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.
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.
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.
Obviously, the signs don’t apply to this duck. 😏
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 