The World Through Our Lens
Ontario is one of the ten provinces of Canada, located in east-central Canada.
On an unseasonably warm January day, Bob and I visited Lynde Shores Conservation Area in Whitby, Ontario, to do some birdwatching. No sooner had we entered the grounds than a huge flock of eastern wild turkeys were found clogging the walkway of the Bird Feeding Trail. Read more
One spring, in our local Toronto park, in Ontario, a Sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) was taking issue with the weather even as a gentle mist continued to settle on the land. The hawk had taken refuge in the top of a local century old maple tree. Read more
Beneath a very cloudy sky, Bob and I decided to visit Milliken Park in Toronto, Ontario, to see if we could spot any birds. As it turned out, we spotted a Sharp-shinned Hawk. 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.
Bob and I were hiking along a small creek called Duffin’s Creek, in Markham, Ontario. As the sun was sinking lower and time was getting on, we were making our way back towards the trailhead when Bob’s eye suddenly registered an usual silhouette in a tree when he glanced to the right. There sat a Barred Owl that had seen us coming. Read more
Many different types of animals live in the forests of Ontario, but size aside, you most certainly will come upon the smallest four-legged animals that call the forests of Ontario home. Those would be squirrels. This chipmunk is a member of the squirrel family, and this little guy lives in the trees around my parents’ home at Oxtongue Lake, in Ontario. Read more