Canatara Life in October!

A well camouflaged Great Blue Heron overlooking Lake Chipican: Despite their impressive size, Great Blue Herons weigh only 5 to 6 pounds thanks in part to their hollow bones, a feature almost all birds share.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Great_Blue_Heron/overview

A few weeks earlier, 6 Great Blue Herons were lined up in the distance.

A Green Heron has been recently hunting in the water near the animal farm. Green Herons stand motionless at the water's edge as they hunt for fish and amphibians. They usually stand on vegetation or solid ground, and don't wade as often as larger herons.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green_Heron/id

Yellow-rumped Warbler, taking a break from migration: I believe it had a very stiff caterpillar in its beak. The warbler ate whatever it was holding.

I watched this Praying Mantis fly along the path for several metres, then land just off the trail. I found it amusing to watch it's awkward flight. Adults will not survive the winter, so eggs must be laid before the arrival of cold weather.

Something caused a traffic jam on Lake Huron.

Lady Bugs or Lady Beetles will hibernate under rocks and logs during the winter months. It seems a bit odd to see them on wind swept Canatara beach, but every fall, it is a popular gathering point!

Common Buckeye continue to show up on the sunny days!

Bald Eagle, probable first year bird: Juveniles have broader wings and longer tails than adults. The orange feathers visible on the underside are a sign of the colour transition taking place as the bird ages.

A Red-tailed Hawk soared over the meadow.