We’re all feeling wary these days.
Tag Archives: Urban Landscape
Seen on a Walk
Another spring first, grackles! This imposing bird had just visited a feeder and was strutting off with its prize.
Finally…
The best kind of snow drops are the kind pushing through the warming earth 😊
In the Neighbourhood
The lines and curves caught my eye.
In the Market
I watched as the house sparrow perched on the brick and window sills of this old house. I looked to see whether it had a nesting hole somewhere in the brick, as sparrows often build their nests in buildings, but saw nothing. It’s a busy time for them,
Nice to See You
Around the city there are several parks and green spaces that we go to as the weather warms up. We’ve seen the same photographers at these locations over the years and at the beginning of the season it’s always nice to stop and catch up. I liked the way the dog was looking in the same direction as the photographer.
Light and Shade
I like the shape and colours of this flowering plant. The flowers contrast nicely with its dark leaves.
Electric Blue
The Blue Jay landed on an old electrical insulator as I followed its flight down a laneway.
Good Timing
There are no bees out yet, and still a bit of lingering snow. I like the way people paint these electrical boxes, this one is particularly welcome.
Seen on a walk – 2
A warm March sun brightens the neighbourhood.
SEEN ON A WALK – RELIC
Yesterday was a beautiful day to finally get out with our cameras. We went for a walk in a part of town that has a mix of old and new buildings. This restaurant/tavern has been in operation since 1934. Note the sign above the side door. Bars at the time served drinks in separate rooms to men and women. Only “bone fide” escorts could enter the ladies’ bar 😏.
Sheltering Sparrow
Every spring, house sparrows construct nests in the crevices of this office building. In the winter as the wind whips around you can see them sheltering there, like this male house sparrow.
City Bird
The common pigeon wouldn’t win any popularity contests but I do photograph them from time to time. They’re content to pose and have attractive colouring. And in winter with a shortage of bird subjects, I make allowances 😏
Promise of Spring
It’s been snowing lightly all day. Just when it looked like it was winding down it picked up again. Looking for a photo to post I came across this scene from last spring. I’m counting the days 😏.
AT THE PARK
It will be fun to get back to this park when the weather warms up. I think the dogs there have a better time than most people 😏
Something to Crow About
Another sighting while looking up.
UP ON THE ROOF
I like weathervanes and rooftops. I struck it lucky here.
I Couldn’t Eat Another Bite
The chipmunk had a very successful raid of this garden. I took a lot of photos of him with his cheeks stuffed with nuts. Unfortunately my settings were off and this was the only reasonably sharp shot I got.
BAY STREET
In the older parts of the city you can still see a few old street signs fastened to the walls of buildings. I almost missed this one as the ivy had pretty much claimed the brick.
ALL IN THE DETAILS
I had taken a photograph of the entrance of an old row house. The picture was ok but it fell a bit flat. I had my spouse look at it and he suggested I concentrate on the brickwork and the ornament that was between the doorways. He was right, the rest was just window dressing. My fella’s got an eye, he’s been taking photos since he was a kid 😊 .
WINDOW SHOPPING
I always stop to look in the window of this antique shop. There’s always something interesting on display.
CITY JAY
A Blue Jay sighting on a recent neighbourhood walk.
Around the Corner (Two Photographs)
I always find laneways interesting. You never know what you’ll come across which is part of the attraction.
City Reflections
A portion of the House of Commons, in Ottawa, is reflected in a government building opposite it. Its Gothic Revival style makes for some interesting cityscapes.
Fall Find
It was a nice surprise to see this flower blooming among the fallen leaves.
Great Egret
I took this photograph in a suburban park that borders the river. We usually see a few of the large herons on the river but I’ve never see one land in the pond before. And what a landing 😊.
Two Cool Cats
Walking along, I often see people’s pets watch me walk by. The dogs often bark, the cats just stare 😏
STREET VIEW
It looked like a recent addition, yet the fence had already attracted the attention of a vine in nice autumn colours.
Another Halloween Treat
Among all the elaborate Halloween displays, it was nice to see this lively Chinese Lantern plant in the mix as well.
SERENDIPITY
I hadn’t seen a Blue Jay in months and then on a recent city walk, one landed close by. We had just turned off a busy street into a laneway and he followed close behind.
Neighbourhood View
There’s something appealing and welcoming about an older home blocks from the downtown.
FALL VIEWS (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
You don’t have to go far to catch a glimpse of the changing landscape. I took these photos around the corner from where I live.
Neighbourhood Watch
You know that feeling you get when you know you’re being watched? 😊
DIFFERENT FACES OF FALL (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
As the season moves along you have to give your surroundings a closer look but there’s still plenty of beauty about.
SEEN ON A WALK (TWO PHOTOGRAPHS)
One of several entrances to The East Memorial Building, a federal government office building, with federal heritage status, in Ottawa, Canada. Its construction began in 1950, and it is an example of Classical-Moderne design. Like many of the older federal buildings, it has a wonderful bas-relief over the doorway.
PLANT POWER
It is remarkable to see a vine thrive and make its way up and over a concrete retaining wall that can hold back flood waters.
RABBIT RUN
As I was walking along the sidewalk I saw this rabbit bounding across a lawn. I was using a wide angle lens so I had to crop in quite a bit but I think catching it mid hop made the shot!
OLD RELIABLE
I’ve seen this old Dodge truck a few times now. It’s usually pulled up to a house that’s undergoing renovations; full of building material. Its owner must have been running late that morning as it was parked with its back wheel on the sidewalk.
ANIMAL CRACKERS
If the gull could read I wonder if he’d agree? This park is a favourite with picnickers. The gulls must have a ball!
IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD
I like wooden fences, they provide some privacy but in a pleasant sort of way. I thought the vine and its shadow dressed it up just a bit more.
BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY 