The black squirrels we see in Ontario are a subgroup of the Eastern Grey Squirrel but when I saw this squirrel with its unusual blond tail I thought the light was playing tricks on my eyes š. Another interesting discovery on a neighbourhood walk.
Tag Archives: Urban Landscape
YOU’VE GOT MAIL
This mailbox reflects a time when receiving mail was an event. Along with the usual bills and notices there might also have been a much anticipated letter!
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Despite the heat, I just felt cooler looking at the plant growing in the shade. Its common name is Bleeding Heart, not a name I would have chosen for such an attractive plant.
TULIP TIME
I liked the effect the breeze had on the tulips, it almost looked like they were dancing.
LIGHT AND SHADOW
In an older part of town many of the houses were built of brick. I liked the play of light and shadow on the red brick and the fringe of green the unopened tulips formed.
SPRING YELLOW (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
When I saw this beautiful tree I pointed my lens up to fill the frame. I believe itās a Forsythia, if not please let me know. No doubt about the daffodil, an annual spring favourite.
CITY BIRD
The red brick made an attractive backdrop for this common pigeon. Often maligned, I thought this bird had presence.
LOOKING UP (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
After a long winter, the temperature is warming up! The ground is coming to life again and thereās something to savour everywhere you look.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WALK
Iām not sure who was expecting the delivery here.
DOWNTOWN
Window shopping in Montreal. Design with flair.
WINDOW VIEW
While visiting an art gallery, I looked out a window at this scene. The mesh shade I shot through made for an interesting effect, I thought.
TURNING A CORNER (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Itās fun to walk along the quiet lanes in residential areas. The sheds there can be weather worn or sport a new coat of paint. Once the snow melts, Iāll be exploring them again.
SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
I took both photos in downtown Ottawa. New construction abutting the old. This high-rise will be another added to the collection of unremarkable structures that take the place of buildings such as this lovely Art Deco style building.
ROYAL VISIT
Iām not a great fan of lawn art but I liked this touch of whimsy.
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
I had never seen a mature lady alongside its junior before. The larvae, or instar will moult several times before it is ready to transform to its adult stage. I saw these insects on some bushes on a busy downtown street. A lot going on on this little patch of real estate.
TAKING IN THE SIGHTS – 2
I took several photos of this Great Dane and featured another one in January. I think the dog was becoming a bit inpatient as it shifted position and was staring directly into the store window, willing its owner to return.
BEST FRIEND
This dachshund looked patient and a bit wistful as it waited for its owner to return.
TAKING IN THE SIGHTS
The dogās owner had run into a store and left his Great Dane in the car. The huge dog in the tiny car drew a lot of attention and I had to wonder how the owner managed to drive with him on board.
CAT IN THE WINDOW
The cat in the window struck a regal pose, something they do so well. There are a lot of indoor cats in this downtown neighourhood. When the weather gets milder Iāll have to photograph more of them.
GOLDEN
This goldfinch was the last thing I expected to see in surroundings like these. You just never know š .
QUIET SUNDAY – 2
Another scene taken on the weekend. The cormorants and gulls looked like board game pieces.
QUIET SUNDAY
A quiet Sunday by the river.
YOU TOOK MY SPOT
Standing on a pedestrian bridge, I watched some gulls fly overhead. I havenāt taken many birds in flight shots and thought Iād practice as this gull came in for a landing. I liked the expression on the other bird!
COMMUNITY (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
We have quite a few Community Gardens in the city. I saw these flowers growing next to a vegetable patch. Their bold colours caught the sun rather nicely.
STREET REFLECTIONS
I liked the colour and the slight distortion of the street scene reflected in the glass.
ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU
I saw this Labrador Retriever one day on a walk. He wasnāt bothered by me or my camera, never so much as barked as I took a few shots. Too busy watching his owner at the foot of the driveway.
FEMALE HOUSE SPARROW
House sparrows are common in our cities and attractive little birds. Local nesting spots are in the eaves of an office building and in the crevice of a house in the neighbourhood. I check these spots out every spring.
PEKIN DUCKS – 2
Earlier in the summer we ran into this charming pair in a small yard downtown. We looked for them every time we passed by. We went back a few times and then one day they were gone. I hope they found a place in the country and didnāt meet with fowl play š.
MONARCH
I donāt know if monarch butterflies are appearing in significant numbers this year. As I havenāt been to our local nature reserve this summer my observations have been limited to what I see in the city. I saw this butterfly in a nearby garden and hope it was one of many.
PURPLE REIGNS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Violets are delicate looking but are really quite hardy. These garden flowers form a natural bouquet. I thought Iād add the clematis to continue with the purple theme.
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.
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. Iāve never seen a Pekin Duck before and never downtown. We stopped by to visit a few times over several days, more photos to comeā¦
CITY OASIS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Sometimes you just have to get away š.
NATURAL EXUBERANCE (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
Seen on one of my neighbourhood walks.
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. Iām featuring a male and female I saw on a recent walk.
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.
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.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 