Port Franks, November 3, 2019

Since the sun was shining, we headed to North Lambton this morning.  Lake Huron was a bit choppy at Port Franks, so it made for some nice scenery photos!

We laughed when we realized that the gull was carrying a stone and not something edible.  No wonder the other gulls weren't chasing him!

At Kettle Point, we found 2 Mute Swans and one Trumpeter Swan who were busy grooming.

The side profile shows the difference in the beaks between the Trumpeter Swan on the left and the Mute Swan on the right.  The Trumpeter has unexpectedly spent the past several months at Kettle Point.

Earlier in the week I found some beautiful fungus on a tree trunk and some red oak leaves glowing in the sunshine at Henderson Conservation Area.

During a lunch break walk, we found a newly fallen tree across a dead end path.  Upon closer examination, we knew a beaver was the culprit.  Melissa wondered if we had scared off the rodent before he had a chance to finish his task.  We checked the trail the next day, and sure enough, the tree was indeed gone!

While exploring the forest with a class this week, I found an Oak Apple Gall still attached to the tree.  The round exit hole means that the wasp larva (who made the gall) probably  successfully turned into an adult.

4 Owls and a Hawk

It has been a slow week for pictures so I went into my 2014 files to find pictures for this post.

I don't remember taking this picture, but the title I gave it was "Almost landed on me!"  It looks like he was as surprised to see me as I was to see him!

Lots of colourful leaves...some tinged with frost, others floating in puddles.

We found 4 owl species in November 2104.  This well camouflaged Screech Owl was in Canatara Park.

This Long-eared Owl was one of 3 we stumbled upon and the only one to stay in place long enough for a picture.

We were in South Lambton when we found this beautiful male Snowy Owl.

The tiny Saw-whet Owl is always a treat to find.

My 2 Favourite Pics of the Week!

We had heard that Red, the Screech Owl was being seen again.  Owls are very difficult to find when they are busy raising their young, and when the leaves are on the trees!  I was happy to locate this one yesterday.  It wasn't roosting in the usual hole, but temperatures have been reasonable for sitting out on a branch!  I expect it will move "indoors" when the colder weather arrives.

A student in one of our classes this week found a Katydid on a tree close to the building.  The kids were having a snack break so I had a chance to grab my camera before it climbed high out of view and became "one" with the leaves!

Algonquin Park Oct. 21-24, 2019

Yes, Deryl and Julie went and left me at home!  These pictures were taken by Deryl.

Do you ever feel like you're being watched?? While walking along the rail trail off Arrowhon Road, three curious otters watched as they walked in the pouring rain.

Surprisingly, they kept coming closer and climbed onto a sinking log before disappearing.

Julie spotted some Canada Jays while slowly driving along Opeongo Road.  As soon as she stepped out of the car, one landed on her hand, even before they could get the bag of craisins brought for that purpose.

Another highlight for Deryl was finding 2 Spruce Grouse.  One cooperated for a picture.

They spotted 8 Ruffed Grouse in total!

View from Bat Lake Trail

View from Beaver Pond Trail.

This and That:

Early this week, I clearly heard a Kingfisher from above.  He was well buried in the trees but kept calling so I was eventually able to find him and his goldfish prize.  In the picture to the right, the fish appears to be lying on the branch.

l always enjoy finding puffballs and other fungi buried in the woods!

Our backyard platform feeder attracted this inquisitive Blue Jay!

On Thursday, temperatures were so cool, this cold-blooded toad had a hard time moving his body to get off the trail.  He was very well camouflaged. I'm glad I didn't step on him!

It's fun to watch Ruby-crowned Kinglets as they dart amoung the trees! This one appeared to be having an argument with another bird as he flashed his bold crown!

October 17, 18, 2019

Early Thursday morning I ventured into Canatara Park before work.  I had no idea that the fountains surrounding the animal farm had lights on them.

I chose a different route, thinking it would be too dark to photograph anything.  As I was walking through the beach parking lot, I looked up to see 10 Great Egrets.  Since they were flying so low, I believe they had spent the night roosting in trees around Lake Chipican!

The colours on the maples at Henderson Conservation Area were delightful to see as I walked along the trails during my lunch break.

After work, Deryl wanted to head to the Forest Lagoons to find a Red Phalarope, discovered there earlier in the afternoon.  We were able to see it clearly, but it was far across the water so pictures aren't worth posting.  This siting was my first for the species in Ontario!

On the way home from Forest, we took a chance to get some sunset shots at Highland Glen.  An unknown couple made perfect silhouettes in the darkening sky!

Breath taking!!!  And to top off the evening, we arrived home to the sound of a Great Horned Owl calling in our backyard!  We weren't able to see it in the night sky.

Enchanting Egrets!

An Egret or 2 are regularly being seen in Lake Chipican.

I spent some time watching one fish for her supper this afternoon.  Her wing stretched out when she appeared to lose her balance after missing some prey.

A big splash resulted in a tiny, tiny catch.

I laughed when I saw this picture on the computer screen.  

She looks like a Giant Plastic Spoon!