Pileated Woodpeckers sighted near Oxtongue Lake

Female Pileated Woodpecker pecks at a tree

A closeup of the red head of a Pileated Woodpecker near Oxtongue Lake

One winter, Bob and I took advantage of the lovely ski trails at Oxtongue Lake to explore the woods along the west side of Patterson’s Bay.  It is there that we located two Pileated Woodpeckers, a male and a female, working industriously for their breakfast.  In this closeup, the bright red pointed crest is really conspicuous. Read more

Snowy Owl Sighting At Frenchman’s Bay in Ontario

Snowy Owl sits on icey Frenchman's Bay - Ontario - Canada

After one failed attempt, Bob and I made our way back to the shores of Frenchman’s Bay in Pickering, Ontario, to see if we could spot the Snowy Owl that has been making its stay there during the past winter.  We drove to a little park on the east shore of the bay, and started scanning with our binoculars. Read more

A Red-Bellied Woodpecker at Lynde Shores Conservation Area

A Red-Bellied Woodpecker at Lynde Shores Conservation Area

Red-bellied Woodpecker - takes a break after eats snow - Lynde Shores - Whitby - Ontario

With a gusty northwest wind blowing, Bob and I headed to Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby, Ontario.  We wondered if the Red-bellied Woodpecker was still lingering in the woods there, and sure enough, I heard its repeated chiff-chiff and rolling churrr before actually spotting the Woodpecker on a nearby tree. Read more

Ice Sculptures and skating at Winterlude in Ottawa

Ice Sculptures and skating at Winterlude in Ottawa

Capital Hill at night - Winterlude - Ottawa

Bob and I once again returned to Ottawa, the National Capital of Canada, to take part in Winterlude.  Our favorite activity at this winter festival is skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, which is actually the world’s largest skating rink and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read more

Cross-Country skiing in Algonquin Provincial Park

Fen Lake X-ski Trail - Algonquin Park - Ontario

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

Two Pileated Woodpeckers in Algonquin Park

Two female Pileated Woodpeckers one above the other 2, Algonquin Park - January 2013

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

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