09-MAR-2015
Red squirrel using BYG brushpile
It was a pretty cold day when I took this photo, but two red squirrels were making full use of the brushpile in the Backyard Garden. They would rush to hide in there at the slightest noise or movement, and they would also take food in there, or sit on top of it to eat.
17-MAR-2015
Looking west over the pond and the new woods
17-MAR-2015
Amphibian pond
Earlier in the month this pond was covered in a lot of snow, and while still snowy, you can see that the ice looks like it might open at any moment.
17-MAR-2015
Encouraging signs of spring
Bare land... receding snow... surely spring is coming!
17-MAR-2015
whatzit
All winter I've noticed this little shelter on the eastern edge of the old woodlot. I have no idea who made it, but it is quite small... probably kids!
17-MAR-2015
Common raven with pigeon
A very poor photo, but I was a long way off and this is greatly cropped. Earlier, I'd found a dead pigeon, missing its head. Awhile later, coming back to the spot, I heard a raven calling and from some distance saw it fly down to the pigeon, pick it up and fly away with it. I post this photo only because it shows how big a raven really is... the pigeon is not an insubstantial bird but it looks small here (you have to look closely to see it... the big grey mass in the raven's bill).
09-MAR-2015
Black walnut twig (Juglans nigra)
In another couple of months (or less).... green leaves!
09-MAR-2015
Downy woodpecker, male
Both downy and hairy woodpeckers were around the garden today, this one enjoying the suet provided at the backyard garden feeder.
09-MAR-2015
Beech leaves
Young beech trees in particular hang onto their leaves all winter, giving a hit of colour in an otherwise often monotone world.
09-MAR-2015
House finch, male
Basking in the sun and milder weather (+4c), this male house finch was waiting its turn at the feeder below. Many birds were singing, and chickadees in particular were continuously giving what is often called their 'spring song'.
09-MAR-2015
Red squirrel nest
Red squirrel nests are usually big grassy balls like this one, and such nests can be found in any number of locations around the garden, some in shrubs as here, or in conifers (which is more typical).
