The World Through Our Lens
As another winter storm hit Toronto, many of us were, without a doubt, contemplating how we would weather the onslaught of another heavy snow. Well, this poor unfortunate Sharp-shinned hawk was not faring very well in my backyard as it looked for some unsuspecting prey. Birds seem to know when nasty weather is brewing, and this bird has been visiting my property frequently, likely hoping for an easy catch to sustain him while the blizzard unfolded. Read more
The Fen Lake cross-country skiing trail in Algonquin Provincial Park, in Ontario, sets off through the hardwood bush and is comprised of 3 different loops so skiers have a choice of the distance they wish to ski. With the trail having been groomed and track-set the day we were there, we anticipated a fantastic outing! Read more
One winter, Bob and I went cross-country skiing on the Fen Lake Trail in Algonquin Provincial Park, in Ontario. As luck had it, we spotted two female Pileated Woodpeckers working industriously on the same tree in the depths of the forest. Pileated Woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers you will find in the wilds of Ontario. Read more
With Arctic air being driven into Southern Ontario by a gusty wind right out of the north. Bob and I, nevertheless, seized the opportunity to go in search of a Northern Mockingbird, in Thickson’s Woods in Whitby, Ontario. Read more
On a bitterly cold January day with temperatures of -20 Celsius when the wind chill was factored in, Bob and I, drove out to Thickson’s Woods in Whitby, Ontario, because we had heard that two Great Horned Owls make their home in that unique small forest. As it turned out we didn’t find the Great Horned Owls, but did find this Barred Owl sitting in the woods. Read more
Late one fall, Bob and I hiked a new trail at Rouge National Urban Park, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We were amazed at how remote it felt on the edge of a big city, and the Bufflehead ducks that are from the Arctic seemed right at home. Read more
Bob and I were able to observe a group of Pine Grosbeaks on a visit to Oxtongue Lake, in Ontario. What a marvelous opportunity to study their behavior and also take a few pictures. Much like Gray Jays, Pine Grosbeaks are not put off by people, and actually are very easy to approach. Read more
Late one fall, Bob and I were out looking for a reported Great Horned Owl in the forest along the east shore of the Rouge River in Markham, Ontario, when we came upon a bottle lying along the shore’s edge. This bottle caught our eye because we could clearly see that it had a message inside. Whoever set this bottle afloat made sure it was watertight and waterproof. Although not swept out to sea, this letter was set adrift by the messenger with hopes that it would be found someday on Markham’s Rouge River. And indeed, it has been found!! Read more
We sighted this Coopers Hawk sitting in a tree in Goldhawk Park in Toronto, Ontario. I think you would agree, it is only fitting that the bird landed in “Goldhawk” Park given its color and that it’s a hawk. Read more
With fall drawing to a quick close, Bob and I took advantage of the weather for one last autumn hike in Algonquin Provincial Park, in Ontario. We are always on the search for wildlife so were pleased to come upon a Ruffed Grouse.
