Eddie A Mandarin Duck on the Lam

Eddie, A Mandarin Duck on the Lam, Ontario, Canada

Mandarin Ducks breed in Eastern Siberia as far south as North Korea, and they winter by choice in southern China and Japan.  So, when a Mandarin Duck like Eddie shows up in a small town in Ontario, Canada, it creates a lot of excitement. Read more

From Greater Flamingos To An Italian Comacchio Picnic

jean at agrituismo forzello, po river delta, italy

Bob and I spent the morning strolling the fields and pastures of our hosts at Agriturismo Forzello before setting off on our search for the colony of Greater Flamingos.  There were a couple of potential locations within Parco Veneto del Delta del Po National Park. Read more

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 July afternoon, on his way to a local farmer’s market, Bob made a brief stop at North Reesor Pond in    Rouge National Urban Park  .     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 in late May 2020, we happened upon this newly fledged Eastern Screech Owlet. Read more

Butterflies At Ecocentro Danaus – Costa Rica

jean at ecocentro danaus, costa rica

Day 2 in Costa Rica had us first completing a very early morning guided bird hike.  After breakfast back at Hotel Kokoro, Bob and I headed to Ecocentro Danaus on the edge of La Fortuna.  It is a private reserve with a butterfly conservatory where Bob and I hoped to see some of Costa Rica’s tiny winged jewels. Read more

Lake Chapala Birding En Route To Mexico City

lake chapala, mexico

On our last day in Mexico, Bob and I planned to do a little birdwatching along the shores of Lake Chapala before heading east to Mexico City for our evening flight.  As we packed our luggage, pastoral sounds emanating from the urban farmyard next door floated in on the cool breeze.  Shortly thereafter, we found ourselves in the colourful community of Chapala located on the north shore of Lake Chapala. Read more

The Three Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

photograph of Three Rondavels in Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South Africa

The Three Rondavels in the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa

For our first few days in South Africa, Bob and I were based in Sabie.  Ideally situated enroute to Kruger National Park, the location also allowed us ready access to the sights along the Mpumalanga Panorama Route which takes in all of the Blyde River Canyon.  For us, the most impressive views were had at the lookout overlooking the Three Rondavels.

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