Beachcombing Natural Treasures Along The Indian Ocean

indian ocean, port elizabeth, south africa

After arriving in Port Elizabeth under the cover of darkness the night before, Bob and I were anxious to do a bit of exploring after breakfast the next morning.  A dull grey sky hung low over the coast as we began beachcombing for natural treasures along the Indian Ocean.

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Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies in Ontario, Canada

baltimore checkerspot butterfly, rouge national urban park, markham, ontario

We were really struck by the beauty of the Baltimore Checkerspot Butterflies that we observed in Toronto. This is a species that we had never seen before. Read more

White Rhinoceros in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, South Africa

The route we chose as a conduit between Hilltop Camp and the Nyalazi Gate in South Africa had us experiencing a couple of close calls on our last morning in    Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve   .  One incident was when we came head-to-head with a pair of massive White Rhinoceros. Read more

Driving The Ecotour Road In Grasslands National Park

Image of jean sitting at the borderlands lookout, grasslands national park, saskatchewan

On our first full day at Grasslands National Park, after waking up very early and having a hearty breakfast, we took the advice of our hostess and set out to drive the Ecotour Road to the Borderlands Lookout.  It was a relaxing way to start our explorations on the heels of a very long travel day. Read more

“Into Africa” – Someday in the Post-covid World

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to make this video as part of my wife’s, Jean’s, birthday gift.  As you will see, this video highlights our travels to South Africa, and it features Jean.

Hopefully, you all enjoy it, and in a small way, you are able to take a short virtual tour of South Africa with Jean.

For now, because of the pandemic, we remain “Out Of Africa”.  Hopefully someday, Jean and I, and all of you, will be able to head back “Into Africa”.

 

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Eastern Milksnake In Rouge National Urban Park

an Eastern Milksnake in Rouge National Urban Park, Markham, Ontario

Pandemic birding and nature hikes have kept us close to home since March of 2020, and one of our favorite places to get outdoors is in    Rouge National Urban Park.     On an early June day, we were very fortunate to see an Eastern Milksnake in Bob Hunter Memorial Conservation Area. Read more

Cecropia Moth Caterpillar in Rouge National Urban Park

cecropia moth caterpillar, rouge national urban park, markham, ontario

On a late summer afternoon, on his way to a local farmer’s market, Bob made a brief stop at North Reesor Pond in Rouge National Urban Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. His intention was to look for shorebirds, but with none presenting, he began to scour the reeds and bushes for insects.  That is when he happened upon this most unusual caterpillar, a Cecropia Moth Larva. Read more

Cecropia Moths mating in Rouge National Urban Park

Cecropia Moths mating in Rouge National Urban Park, Markham

With the covid-19 virus still spreading and pandemic restrictions curtailing our activities, Bob and I found ourselves taking frequent walks in nature but staying close to home.  On one such outing, we came upon a pair of Cecropia Moths mating in    Rouge National Urban Park. Read more

Eastern Screech Owlet In Rouge National Urban Park

eastern screech owlet, rouge national urban park, toronto

Pandemic Birding had been a whole new experience for Bob and me.  Since the pandemic was officially declared in March 2020, we had made outdoor activities a priority but always kept within a 30-minute radius from our home.  On one such occasion we happened upon this newly fledged Eastern Screech Owlet. Read more

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