February 2 is Groundhog Day in Canada and the United States. Legend has it if the groundhog sees its shadow, winter will last for six more weeks, if not spring will come early. Given how winters seem to drag on here I always thought six additional weeks meant an early spring 😏.
I’ve featured this photo before but in honour of the day here it is again, slightly re-edited.
This osprey was a considerable distance from me but not far enough away not to give it a try. Some cropping did the trick. I liked the angle of its head, showing off its head feathers.
You often find these little red squirrels under a bird feeder. Easy pickings!
Young birds are adventurous but you always wish their mother was a bit closer.
Not this duck’s first rodeo 😊
The geese posed nicely in front of the beaver lodge. I think it is abandoned as there is no evidence of fresh wood.
When I took this scene I pictured it in black and white. A lazy afternoon in summer.
I watched this hairy woodpecker as it moved along the tree, in and out of view.
Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year!
This part of the lake is pretty busy but the birds pass each other very peaceably. There’s a lot to learn from nature!
Waiting for the kids to return.
I glanced up and saw this nuthatch. I can only imagine it was enjoying the scenery as much as I was.
That’s what it looked like to me 😊.
Best wishes for the Holiday Season!
A White-throated sparrow going about its business.
Some years we see a few American Wigeons at the local reserve. Although quite common, we only see them occasionally in early spring or late fall. Their main breeding ground is further west and of course they’re “snowbirds”, heading south as the cold sets in. 😏
The river is only beginning to freeze, this scene is typical of early winter.
Well, the downy woodpecker thought so 😊
Actually more like a muddle, swimming off in all directions.
I believe this is a beetle, and one I have never seen before. Its colour was eye-catching against the green of the leaf.
There’s a spot at a nearby lake where the frogs like to congregate. When we walk by it we listen for a splash and usually see a couple of frogs. Although I’ve featured this photo before it made me smile when I came across it recently. I hope this slightly re-edited version has the same effect on you.
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 