13-APR-13
Song sparrow
These birds seem to be everywhere - whether I'm walking at the FWG, or east or west of the city, they are abundant. Barry photographed this one with what looks like a bit of green vegetation on its bill, perhaps from picking at seeds.
13-APR-13
Turkey tails polypores
These polypores come in small groups and large, and their colours vary greatly, ranging from the warm bronzed tones here to shades of blue-gray. Barry photographed this collection.
13-APR-13
Mallard, male
A double treat in this photo, with the mallard reflected perfectly in the pond.
13-APR-13
Northern cardinal, male
The rich red colour of the male cardinal is well caught in this photo by Barry. They will soon be breeding, making their large bulky untidy nests, similar to those of catbirds, in very sheltered spots.
13-APR-13
Cottontail rabbit feeding signs on sumac
Hungry rabbits will eat stems of many shrubs and plants through the winter, often standing on top of the deep snow to reach higher up the trunks.
13-APR-13
Willow catkins with pollen
Last Monday I photographed the willow catkins and said it would be good to see them with pollen which in turn will attract insects. Well, Barry photographed the lovely fresh pollen on the catkins, so bring on the bees...
13-APR-13
American goldfinch, male
Barry photographed this male goldfinch almost completely transformed into his rich yellow breeding plumage.
13-APR-13
American kestrel, male
The kestrels appear to be hanging around the garden, with many people reporting observations of them. This photo is by Barry.
American robin
Large flocks of robins have arrived in this region over the last few weeks, their song and their calls sounding everywhere. The males have a brick-red breast, while the females are a paler red. Barry photographed this handsome bird.
13-APR-13
Tree swallow in nest box
The swallows arrived back while snow was still on the ground, and before the big snowfall on April 12. As they are insectivores, it would have been a tough couple of days for them, but now that the weather is slightly warmer, there will be midges and other flies around. Barry took this photo.
April 14, 2013
Pair of wood ducks on the amphibian pond
Several wood ducks have been seen in and around Ottawa this week, so we were pleased to find this pair exploring our pond.
08-APR-2013
Chipmunk
It was such a pleasure to see chipmunks again. This one scampered along the edge of the ravine, ducked behind the compost bin, and emerged onto the stone wall where it sat and had a quick grooming session! That stone wall is so well used by chipmunks in particular, but red squirrels too, and other creatures as well.
