After many years of trying, we finally attracted a pair of Eastern Bluebirds to one of our nest boxes, and I have spent the spring and summer awakening to their soft gentle songs. So far, they have successfully raised two broods of little ones in the nest box we…
We just spent a couple of days on Booth Lake, in the southeast corner of Algonquin Provincial Park. As we paddled and hiked into the lake, we realized we have been going to Algonquin every summer for the past 25 years. Never have we had such amazing experiences…
When I used to teach elementary school, one of my favourite principals used to say May and June went by so fast we might as well call them “Mayjune” – all one month. Well yes. Here we are at the beginning of July and life is bursting out all around…
Wild things You’re under my skin Calling me back To your island convention I’m a spy, an outsider Armed with telephoto capability Uninvited I stare Insulated, from my car A nine dollar ferry crossing- cash only Brings me to you Your all-you-can-eat buffet And a taste of your wildness Your…
This summer I received an education. A random purchase of a praying mantis egg case at our local garden centre led to a fascinating summer sharing my garden with a family of praying mantids. When these little predators emerged by the dozens from their egg case in early summer, they…
These are my Snowy Owl mittens. Aren’t they the cutest? They even have different personalities. With two layers of warm wool, my hands have never been warmer when I’m out and about. I have had chronically frozen fingers in winter ever since I can remember. Thank goodness these mitts came…
It has been cold here! Really cold! The term the weather forecasters are using for this extended period of chilly weather is “polar vortex.” Whatever it’s called, it does not compel me to go outside for long periods of time. What to do? What about…
Sunday morning I had an island in Lake Ontario and eight Snowy Owls all to myself. Spectacular! I got down to Presqu’ile Park as the sun was rising and headed down the beach. The day was calm and warm, so I knew the crossing to Gull Island would not…
It’s coming! My fourth photography show to benefit Fixed Fur Life animal rescue. Please join me as I take a look at the fine balance all creatures on earth need to strike to ensure their current and future survival. Explore how our actions and daily choices can have…
What’s a Bioblitz? Imagine a bunch of people all heading out into the same area for a day, trying to find and identify as many living things as possible. That is my kind of day! Different groups and individuals go out looking for different flora, fauna and fungi, such as…
