My 2 Favourite Pics of the Week!

We had heard that Red, the Screech Owl was being seen again.  Owls are very difficult to find when they are busy raising their young, and when the leaves are on the trees!  I was happy to locate this one yesterday.  It wasn't roosting in the usual hole, but temperatures have been reasonable for sitting out on a branch!  I expect it will move "indoors" when the colder weather arrives.

A student in one of our classes this week found a Katydid on a tree close to the building.  The kids were having a snack break so I had a chance to grab my camera before it climbed high out of view and became "one" with the leaves!

Algonquin Park Oct. 21-24, 2019

Yes, Deryl and Julie went and left me at home!  These pictures were taken by Deryl.

Do you ever feel like you're being watched?? While walking along the rail trail off Arrowhon Road, three curious otters watched as they walked in the pouring rain.

Surprisingly, they kept coming closer and climbed onto a sinking log before disappearing.

Julie spotted some Canada Jays while slowly driving along Opeongo Road.  As soon as she stepped out of the car, one landed on her hand, even before they could get the bag of craisins brought for that purpose.

Another highlight for Deryl was finding 2 Spruce Grouse.  One cooperated for a picture.

They spotted 8 Ruffed Grouse in total!

View from Bat Lake Trail

View from Beaver Pond Trail.

This and That:

Early this week, I clearly heard a Kingfisher from above.  He was well buried in the trees but kept calling so I was eventually able to find him and his goldfish prize.  In the picture to the right, the fish appears to be lying on the branch.

l always enjoy finding puffballs and other fungi buried in the woods!

Our backyard platform feeder attracted this inquisitive Blue Jay!

On Thursday, temperatures were so cool, this cold-blooded toad had a hard time moving his body to get off the trail.  He was very well camouflaged. I'm glad I didn't step on him!

It's fun to watch Ruby-crowned Kinglets as they dart amoung the trees! This one appeared to be having an argument with another bird as he flashed his bold crown!

October 17, 18, 2019

Early Thursday morning I ventured into Canatara Park before work.  I had no idea that the fountains surrounding the animal farm had lights on them.

I chose a different route, thinking it would be too dark to photograph anything.  As I was walking through the beach parking lot, I looked up to see 10 Great Egrets.  Since they were flying so low, I believe they had spent the night roosting in trees around Lake Chipican!

The colours on the maples at Henderson Conservation Area were delightful to see as I walked along the trails during my lunch break.

After work, Deryl wanted to head to the Forest Lagoons to find a Red Phalarope, discovered there earlier in the afternoon.  We were able to see it clearly, but it was far across the water so pictures aren't worth posting.  This siting was my first for the species in Ontario!

On the way home from Forest, we took a chance to get some sunset shots at Highland Glen.  An unknown couple made perfect silhouettes in the darkening sky!

Breath taking!!!  And to top off the evening, we arrived home to the sound of a Great Horned Owl calling in our backyard!  We weren't able to see it in the night sky.

Enchanting Egrets!

An Egret or 2 are regularly being seen in Lake Chipican.

I spent some time watching one fish for her supper this afternoon.  Her wing stretched out when she appeared to lose her balance after missing some prey.

A big splash resulted in a tiny, tiny catch.

I laughed when I saw this picture on the computer screen.  

She looks like a Giant Plastic Spoon!

Thanksgiving Weekend- Fall Colours are returning!

Despite the cooler weather, we continue to see lots of Things With Wings!

It has been several years since I last saw an American Snout.  This one was hanging on for dear life to the leaves in this afternoon's strong winds.

I am going to remember this fall as the year of the Yellow-billed Cuckoo.  I have had excellent looks at 3 different birds in the past week!

Many Darners and Meadowhawks have been enjoying the sunny weather!

Everything at the Forest Lagoons this morning steered clear of this Northern Harrier!

A Fabulous Fall!

Shortly after getting home from work on Thursday, Deryl texted that there was a fallout in the park.  We found a pair of Yellow-billed Cuckoo's perched at the entrance to Tarzanland!  Although I have heard them call this year, it was the first time I had a chance to set my eyes on one!  In addition to the Cuckoos, we saw Scarlet Tanagers, Blue Headed Vireos and several Warbler Species.

 Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Canatara Park

Tennessee Warbler, Canatara Park

A trip to Home Depot allowed me to photograph a young Red-tailed Hawk who was hunting in the area.

Several Towhees were heard along the Riverside Trail at The Pinery today.  One finally popped up from the underbrush long enough to get a picture!

We saw lots of turkeys in The Pinery today.  Perhaps they are hiding in the "safe zone" of a Provincial Park since Thanksgiving weekend is almost here!

Butterflies in October!!!

I was surprised to find so many butterflies today on October 5th!  3 species were found in our garden late this morning and an additional 3 species in Canatara Park during the afternoon. I recently learned that Mourning Cloaks and Eastern Commas over winter as an adult, so it made sense to find them. (That also explains why I see them so often in the month of March during Sugar Bush Season!) Today's cooler temperatures are probably prompting them to search out a winter shelter.

Mourning Cloak resting in the sunshine. 

 The Eastern Comma (below) is easily identified by the shape of the white comma in the underwing (above).

 The Fall Crocus's in our garden invited 3 species of butterflies to nectar today including the Painted Lady, above.

Peck's Skipper 

Monarch Butterfly - I hope it heads south soon!

Cabbage White on New England Aster