Early November Wings; 

(And A Couple of Feet)

The brightly coloured feet and bills of Mallards are caused by changes in hormone levels during late fall and winter. The feet of both male and female mallards turn bright orange, almost red, in December and January during courtship and pairing.

https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/webbed-wonders

The Dark-eyed Junco is one of the most common birds in North America. They spend the summer in northern Canada and have returned to Southern Ontario for the winter.

This White-throated Sparrow jumped up from the forest floor right beside where I was standing. I guess he wanted his picture taken!!

Wooly Bear caterpillar on the move across a grassy trail! 

Common Buckeye searching for food. The asters have gone to seed so the butterfly is going to have a hard time finding nectar. 

I attempted to remove a thick dead stick that was lying across a bough on a Sugar Maple Tree but I couldn't budge it. A closer inspection revealed that fungus on the dead stick had grown around twigs and branches on the Sugar Maple. A bit of research determined it is called "Glue Crust Fungus". - something I had never heard of before!

Mourning Dove in the morning light!

Field Sparrow, found at the beach, and not in a "field". It was likely taking a rest and refueling with food on a pit stop during migration.

Great Blue Heron hunting in the channel. Lots of hiding places for little fish and crustaceans but the heron is a good hunter!

Eastern Screech Owl, peeking out of a tree cavity.

Every fall, a delightfully sweet aroma from a Katsura Tree can be experienced along a trail in Canatara Park. The tree is native to Japan and China. When the leaves fall to the ground and begin to decompose, they release a strong, sweet scent. The compound responsible is maltol and the scent is strongest in slightly damp conditions. So if you smell caramel or cookies baking while walking in a forest, there may be a Katsura Tree nearby!

https://arborpedia.com/trees/katsura