22-FEB-2016
Red osier dogwoods
The red branches of the dogwood really stand out against the snow. These native species make a great addition to a garden, providing that much-needed jolt of bright colour in winter.(CH)
22-FEB-2016
Pond
Long shadows across the snowy, frozen pond.
22-FEB-2016
Northern cardinal, male
Another photo of a gorgeous cardinal. This one was close to the Old Woods area. It was certainly a cardinal day at the garden. I saw (and heard) 6 males, and one female.
22-FEB-2016
House finch, male
House finches were also singing, though there were only a couple of them, at least that I saw. But very nice to see and hear them.
22-FEB-2016
Red squirrel
The old birch snag provides not only a perch for this very vocal red squirrel, but also tunnels and cavities into which it periodically vanished. All the while it was eating, it was chattering non-stop!
22-FEB-2016
Eastern cottontail rabbit
Hiding as best as it can behind some shrubs and vines, this rabbit sat entirely still as I stopped and took some photos. Unlike snowshoe hares which turn white in winter, thus blending in with the snow, cottontails remain brown and have to rely on finding cover such as here, behind which to hide.
22-FEB-2016
Northern cardinal, male
Vivid against the bright blue sky, this male was singing his heart out. At one point two other males appeared and this one gave chase. Once he'd cleared them off, he came back to the same perch and carried on singing his spring song. Yet another spring sign.
22-FEB-2016
Downy woodpecker, male
The peanut feeder is very popular with woodpeckers, including this male downy woodpecker. You may have noticed that woodpeckers are drumming now (looking for mates) and indeed, have been doing so for several weeks at least. More signs of spring.
22-FEB-2016
Black-capped chickadee
Chickadees were visiting the feeder in the Backyard Garden, constantly. Often two at a time. And when they weren't feeding they were singing, giving their spring song repeatedly.
17-FEB-2016
Moss on stones
The moss stands out on these stones, a fresh green in the midst of winter white.
17-FEB-2016
Pond
Barry took this shot of the pond after the big snowstorm which left 51cm of snow over our region. This view is looking west across the slopes of the ravine to the bridge and the pond, and beyond that the new woods.
17-FEB-2016
Grey squirrel tracks
Fresh tracks on fresh snow, photographed by Barry.