Down by the River and the Bay!

A very icy walkway, looking towards Lake Huron near the mouth of the St. Clair River.

Freighter lining up with lighthouse before heading down the St. Clair River.

Herring Gull in the splash zone! It is standing on the foundation of a long abandoned water treatment plant. In the summer months, the spot where the gull is standing is normally dry.

 Herring Gull resting on the icy sidewalk.

One of the local Peregrine Falcons had a high vantage point on top of the Point Edward Casino. Powerful and fast-flying, Peregrine Falcons hunt medium-sized birds. They were almost eradicated from eastern North America by pesticide poisoning in the middle of the 20th century. After significant recovery efforts, they have made an incredible rebound and are now regularly seen in many large cities. 

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

Canada Geese resting away from the waves (and hunters) on Lake Huron.

Mallards waiting their turn to grab seeds that had fallen from a backyard bird feeder in Point Edward.

Slinky Squirrel Deflector! The addition of slinkies to the top of the bird feeder is likely an attempt to detract squirrels from reaching the bird seed. It would be interesting to know if the home owner has had success. Viewed in a Point Edward backyard from paved trail. 

"Puddle ducks" don't normally navigate through rough water, but these Mallards seemed to be handling the waves just fine at Sarnia Bay!

Red-breasted Mergansers heading down river.

After flowering, the seeds of Missouri Ironweed are topped with bristles, giving the seed heads a fluffy appearance. They provided some texture to the winter landscape along the Point Lands. Next summer, the flower heads (in bloom) will attract many insects and butterflies...Apparently I am dreaming of summer already! 😊