21-MAR-2014
Red-tailed hawk, front view
Through the branches, I was just able to get a front view photo of this handsome hawk. You can see that dark band across the chest which is one of the indicative marks of this species.
21-MAR-2014
Red-tailed hawk
I saw this hawk fly towards the Arboretum from the Fletcher garden. It was later re-located in the Arboretum, looking quite content until the crows found it and created a mob scene.
21-MAR-2014
Willow catkins
This shrub is in the Arboretum, and every year it produces catkins long, long before other, native willows do. This one is from somewhere in the far east, and seems very able to withstand our prolonged winters, and begin budding out early on, often in January.
21-MAR-2014
Grey squirrel, black phase
One of many squirrels seen today. They are now resorting to the few meagre natural food sources left, as well as feeding on any spilled sunflower seeds under the feeders. It has been a harsh winter for wildlife.
21-MAR-2014
Amphibian Pond
The pond is still frozen, but as can be seen, the ice looks to be softening, and there is open water, just out of the photo, by the bridge. Spring is coming...
21-MAR-2014
Food stash
A roosting box, long since taken over by red squirrels, always has a variety of food bits and pieces around it. A gnawed walnut sat on the roof, while several sumac seedheads were stashed very close by.
21-MAR-2014
Ash woods
Brilliant sun created strong shadows in the ash woods. If you look closely, you might see the myriad of red squirrel tracks on the snow.
05-MAR-2014
Growing plants
It may be cold and snowy outside, but inside the Fletcher Wildlife Garden Interpretive Centre, there are signs of spring. The first set of seedlings has been brought over and set up under the grow-lights. Soon, there will be many more, as volunteers carefully tend the growing plants in preparation for the early June Native Plant Sale, an annual fundraising event at the garden.
05-MAR-2014
Gray-headed coneflowers
A tray of tiny seedlings which will one day grow into tall, striking gray-headed coneflowers.
05-MAR-2014
Butterfly weed
A native plant in southern Ontario, this also grows fairly well around here. We had our doubts about butterflies being attracted to this particular Asclepias, but then one year we found monarch butterfly caterpillars on the small stand of butterfly weed in the Backyard Garden!
05-MAR-2014
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
This is the western edge of the garden, looking north across the field to the red barn. Fresh fluffy snow from yesterday and overnight, created a pretty landscape.
05-MAR-2014
Red squirrel nest
Being clever creatures, red squirrels generally have several places in which to seek shelter during winter (and summer too, for that matter). This big grassy ball-shaped nest is near an old bird box that has been used by red squirrels for years and years.