April Fools!

Mother Nature played a trick on us by snowing on April 1st. During the snowy weather, the Bloodroot plants kept their "leaf coats" curled around the stem for protection from the cold. When the leaves eventually open up, they will resemble large green butterflies. (in my opinion)

A Golden-crowned Kinglet grabbed a well-camouflaged spider  

off a tree bud. It was a nice, juicy snack for the little bird.

Immature Iceland Gull

We watched an adult and immature Iceland Gull cruise the Canatara Beach this morning. Iceland Gulls nest in the remote Arctic, on forbidding cliffs overlooking fjords. During winter months they often frequent the shores of the Great Lakes. (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)

The blue speculum on the side of this Mallard Hen matches the water so closely that it looks like there is a hole through the middle of the duck. The speculum is a patch of distinctive colour on the wing of some dabbling ducks. It is made up of secondary feathers and is usually iridescent.

A Downy Woodpecker pausing on some Red Osier Dogwood.

The Northern "Easter" Cardinal wishes everyone a Happy Easter!