Christmas Morning and An Ice Storm!

A very nice Christmas morning gift! - Finding a Screech Owl on our walk!

Lake Huron tossed chunks of ice crystals onto the beach on Christmas morning!

An American Robin continued to guard his favourite fruit tree.

Long-tailed Ducks "Rolling over the Billows" in Lake Huron - reminds me of a song from Girl Guides!

Ice Storm!

Much of Ontario experienced an ice storm on Boxing Day. A walk in Canatara the next day revealed damage from fallen trees and branches. I was already in the park that morning when I noticed the sunrise. It was difficult to choose whether to stay at lake level or go up Hawk Watch Hill. I got a few shots in near the lake which was good because the pink colour disappeared long before I reached the hill summit.

An Eastern Screech Owl residing in the Wood Duck box during the winter was peering out of its cavity. Perhaps it was checking to see if the storm had ended.

His head did a quick swivel to the left at the sound of something only he could hear. Possibly he was looking for some breakfast as hunting the night before was likely challenging due to the ice layer.

It was a tough day for all creatures to find food within the ice. A Black-capped Chickadee paused on this branch before moving on.

Northern Cardinal in search of food.

Although not a favourite source of food for birds, the Highbush Cranberries were also covered in ice, making them even less palatable.

Bittersweet under ice.

A Grey Squirrel ate a nut while framed within icy branches.