31-DEC-2009
Crows
There were about 5 crows at this site near the Old Field. The one on the right was breaking off pieces of ice and eating them like a popsicle. He would tap and tap at the branch until some ice loosened and then grab it in his bill, manipulate it until it was positioned just right and swallow. Seemed to be enjoying himself. This one also had a great big gob of whitewash over his eye! One of the perils of roosting with hundreds of your kin!
31-DEC-2009
Frozen crabapples
This crabapple tree was full of ice and snow, very attractive. Can you see the perfectly formed snowflake on the top of the last apple on the right?
29-DEC-2009
New woods, above the pond
A fast walk around FWG and the Arboretum in late afternoon was quite enchanting. The ice formed during the freezing rain of a few days ago is still on many shrubs and trees, today's cold ensuring it will remain for awhile yet. Not many birds around, and few squirrels, not surprisingly as it was -15 or so and about -25 with the wind. The Amur corktrees in the Arboretum are almost stripped of their fruit, but a big flock of starlings and one robin were gleaning what they could from them.
28-DEC-2009
Icicles on Interpretive Centre
Diane was at the FWG on Dec. 28 and says that few birds were around except at the Backyard Garden Feeder where she notes "I saw Cardinals, Chickadees, House sparrows."
The icicles on the pergola make an attractive pattern.
31-DEC-2009
Red squirrel/écureuil roux
Diane said that although there were few birds, the red squirrels were very noticeable and since they were busily eating bird seed, they allowed Diane to get some very nice photos.
31-DEC-2009
écureuil roux/ Red squirrel
This little guy looks like he is standing at the entrance to a squirrel cave, watching the winter world.
31-DEC-2009
Pond/étang
Diane's photo of the pond shows what looks like a vast white space... very cold and wintry.
27-DEC-2009
Amphibian pond
After taking a long walk in the west end, I dropped by the garden in late afternoon to check on the pond and the beaver. The water immediately under the downed maple is open again, and there is a piece of debarked branch floating there, so I can only hope that the little guy is OK and was able to store enough food under the water for the winter. I certainly saw him dragging branches under the water so.... when spring arrives I very much hope we'll discover he survived the winter.
27-DEC-2009
Icy branch
After the day of freezing rain yesterday, everything in the city is coated with ice and looking very magical and winter wonderland-like.
27-DEC-2009
Setting sun
The setting sun turned the sky pink and the ice glistening on the trees was quite a sight, which I unfortunately, could not capture.
27-DEC-2009
Looking west toward the Butterfly Meadow
I'm standing on the service road by the Ash Woods looking west to the Butterfly Meadow, still trying to capture that pink sky and the icy trees! Still unsuccessful.
27-DEC-2009
Red barn against the setting sun
