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The Rhythm of Spring

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 We are fully into spring and the awakening of the earth.  The birds feel the pull northward to their breeding grounds and the earth is warming up enough for ephemeral shoots to emerge.  I have been enjoying it so much, even amid the cold damp weather that I forgot to write a post for my blog's 1st anniversary.  It has come and gone, but no matter, I tend to write when I feel like it and that is fine by me.   Today I was thinking about the way that the migrating birds come in waves.  The vanguards of this push are the American Robins and Red Winged Blackbirds, for me they indicate that winter is waning and spring is on its way.  Turkey Vultures are next as they gracefully soar above us in numbers.                                                Northern Flicker American Coot                 ...
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Road trip

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Ebird trip report   I have recently taken a road trip to the eastern part of Ontario.  I looked at my options and the 401 just scared me, so I went through Google Maps and I talked to my boss who routinely travels all over Ontario and her and her husband always take the backroads.  Google maps said it would only add 2 hours to my trip so I thought I'd give it a go.  The trip was an important one but also may have some stress, so I thought that I might as well do what relieves my stress, bird!  It was a good decision.  Though some of my relatives thought I was crazy for doing so, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Google maps suggested I head N and W towards Grand Bend but I thought I would go straight up the 402 to Strathroy towards Ailsa Craig.  The weather was cold, damp and overcast, but it was interesting going through these smaller communities.  Starting with Lambton, then Middlesex and on to Perth county, then Wellington, (where I was surpr...
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Dogspotting 9

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 The winter has turned a corner and I am seeing more dogs on my travels.   This little puppy met us on our walk as we looked for sign at one of my favourite walking trails.  He is just a puppy and appears to be a Bernese Mountain Dog.  I didn't get his name as his people had another dog who was not so happy to see us.  This little guy was just so friendly and though not preferable to see off leash dogs, unfortunately it happens.  Hope he has his shots! This little energetic and friendly boy is Frankie!  He was so comical and really wanted my treats (which I gave him with permission of course).  Him and his owner are regulars at this natural area.  It was a very cold and snowy day and it was nice to see people out.  Frankie is a mix of Boston Terrier and Jack Russell!  (double terrier!) This is Maggie, another young pup that was eager to meet me!  She is a Golden Doodle and about 8 mths old.  Her owner was very good at...
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The Beauty of Winter

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 This winter 25/26 has been a very cold polar vortex one.  It reminds me of the winters of my childhood and youth, a true winter.  I do not hibernate this time of year, some of the best birding in my opinion is from November to March, where we see Arctic species that winter here, and so I am also treated to some wonderful spectacles of the season. As this season gears down and we look forward to the earth warming up for the Spring season, I thought that I would look back at this winters beauty. Blue Ice or Glacial Ice is something that I don't remember seeing before in my lifetime, or if I have I haven't really looked at it.  This gorgeous phenomenon results in ice that is intensely blue and is formed when extreme pressure squeezes the air bubbles out of compacted snow, causing it to absorb red light and transmit blue light.  It is common in icebergs and glaciers.  This year as I was walking the path along the St. Clair River just past the Blue water bridge...
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