Hermit Thrush #186
Considered to have one of the most beautiful songs of all North American birds…and is the state bird of Vermont.
White-tailed Deer
I don’t go out of my way to photograph the many deer in the Beaver Valley as I figure that they are better off being afraid of people and steering wide of gardens, cars, and people in general. I do love watching them and seeing the little ones in the spring and getting to recognize family units, who are the leaders and which guard the young, I find it really interesting. We had a small family live for many years in our apple orchard until they became hunted and I really miss them, so I was thrilled to see a new herd visit.
This beautiful herd was right at home. Using my car as a blind I quietly rolled down the driveway to a good vantage point … of course they noticed the rolling car and gazed my way briefly before departing back into the valley.
Snowy Owls in April
It seems a little odd to be seeing them in April … soon they will be on their way north.
Project Snow Storm has trackers on many owls, it’s interesting to visit the web sight and see where they travel to, you might be surprised.
Snowy Owl, afternoon sun
I don’t think there is much more pleasant than a nap in the morning sun after a long cold winter.
Meaford Ice Flow
The winds and spring temperatures have broken up the ice on Georgian Bay causing quite the pile of aqua coloured ice. So of course, I took a few photos, however the cold wind chased me back to my warm car.
eaford Ice
Rough-legged Hawk
This could have been so many birds.. an immature Bald Eagle, an immature Golden Eagle … but nope it’s an immature Rough-legged Hawk.
Ice flows on a beautiful winters day
Frosty Mornings
When mother nature decorates for Christmas she combines cold, sunshine, frost and some sparkling snow flakes.
Queen for a kilometre
On a beautiful winter day, if you look carefully enough, you might see these majestic owls about 1 km apart. Stoically guarding their hunting territory.
Red Tailed Hawk
On my way to work… he was just sitting here like he does each morning on his tree… except this time he allowed me to pause for a photo… it only took a few years.
Blue Jay
Red-breated Nuthatch
A flight to Tobermory
It was a perfect day… a flight to Tobermory for a bike ride and a snack, and returning under the stars. Magical. Thanks Werner, it was fantastic.

The light house off the shore of Craigleith, Georgian Bay

Devils Glen Country Club ski runs.

Devils Glen looking to the west

Eugenia Falls, Eugenia Ontario. Beaver Valley

Lake Eugenia

Hey … that’s our farm! We can even see our white horses in the fields on the left.

Canada 150 … we didn’t see it until looking at the photos later … good shot Emma!

The Horse Habit … 2nd oldest tack shop in Ontario… worth the drive, keep going past Owen Sound… lol Ellen says people don’t leave without buying – the drive works in her favour! www.horsehabit.ca

Looking out under the wing of Werner’s Cessna over Lake Huron.

Shores of Lake Huron

Bruce Peninsula… I never realized how desolate it is. No wonder why they are Bears.

Collingwood Terminals and Georgian Bay
DeCew Falls
My son Chris rows for Trent University, the Canadian Championships was held at the PanAm site in St. Catherine’s, Henley Island.
It’s a long drive to cheer like only a mom can … for about 30 seconds. So a side trip to DeCew Falls between races was in order. No-one told me how long the hike is, or how muddy and treacherous. When I got to this falls, I might have looked puzzled as it wasn’t what I was expecting. Nope the big falls was even more difficult to get to … I’ll save that one for another day and bring ropes etc.
I took a couple of selfies to celebrate the hike, and returned to cheer on Chris.
Pine Martin
Red-headed Woodpecker
Wow this one doesn’t make holes in trees, instead it hops along the branches foraging for insects… that’s different.
Loon feeding the youngsters
Well I did a U turn today and went from the original plan to photographing loons. I was glad I did. Have a look at the size of fish the parent is attempting to feed the juvenile, it was relatively huge, yet it gulped it down!
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Not surprising it is related to the Cardinal! A group of grosbeaks is called a “gross” of grosbeaks … who knew?
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Carefully lifting the bark to see what it was he could hear behind the bark, fascinating behaviors.