Young 'uns

It is a perversely human perception that animals in their native habitat are running wild. 

~Robert Brault

Summer is that wonderful time of year when we get to see young animals learn to fend for themselves. I've posted about baby geese and raccoons semi-recently but I've collected a few more images of maturing babies to share with you. I hope you enjoy them.



I had a wonderful morning watching a crow family, early in July. The young were almost fully-grown but their behaviour told me that they were still newbies. They allowed me to approach within a few feet - that wouldn't happen with adult crows. Their parents, atop a nearby tree grew a bit concerned and tried to caw-tion them about the crazy two-footed beast with a lens growing out of its face.






The fledglings seemed unconcerned about me but responded to their parents with pleas of "Come feed me!" Note the bright red mouth on this youngster. According to a few birding sites, crows (and some other birds) call attention to their parents with their red mouths. It makes these otherwise black birds easier to locate than by just the sound of their calls.






Last year, we happened upon quite a few robin's nests but I never saw a single one, this year. That doesn't mean that the robin population is struggling - not by a long shot. I've seen numerous fledglings around and about - like this lovely speckled-breasted cutie.






Meet the triplets - Daffy, Dawn and Della. Daffy and Della are quiet but as you can see, Dawn is rather vocal. At this age, they do more peeping than quacking but that won't keep me from captioning this image "The Quack of Dawn."






Della is not amused.






Looking down at the dam, I spotted the triplets out for a little stroll one day. It must have been fowl weather.







Beautiful blue jays - they're sharp, no-nonsense kind of birds. The adults, that is. The young ones are a bit awkward, kind of goofy and awfully cute. This one is looking just a little perplexed about where to find the peanuts that Frank has scattered for them. When in doubt, it's best to call in the experts.







Wings droop and and mouth gapes - international bird sign language for "Take care of me!"







This is a juvenile Black-crowned night heron. He's yet to grow his black cap but he was quite capable of fishing for himself. Aren't those red eyes wonderful?







In case you're curious, this is what he'll look like when he begins to grow into his adult feathers.






This young gull kept a wary eye on me. It's interesting how much their feathers will change as they reach maturity. Adult gulls are mostly pure white with black.






Of course birds are not the only baby game in town. There are several bunnies to be seen most evenings. This little one was keeping very still as bunnies tend to do. I'm sure he believed himself invisible. He's a cute little thing, don't you think?






And speaking of cute little ones, I couldn't possibly complete this post without a photo of one of my favourite little kittens - my sweet neighbour, Lily.

That's it for today. My posting and visits to your fine blogs seems to have slowed down a bit. That's par for the course during summer, for me. I'll be around eventually. That's a promise!

Be Faithful in Small Things

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.

~Mother Teresa

Below are a simple collection of little items which have caught my eye over the past month or so. Come take a peek at these wee things with me.

These blossoms are small but it was this busy honey bee which challenged me to snap a shot. It never held still for very long so I have something like 24 images of an amber blur and only a couple like this one.

A walnut half. What else is there to say about that?

Frank has officially named this little guy Patio Bob. If it wasn't already obvious, he lives under one of his patio stones, or at least that's one of the places he stashes the cheeks-full of seeds he collects from the various feeding stations. You'll be seeing more of Patio Bob as summer progresses.

This little car is just about the right size for Patio Bob to scoot around the back yard. But it belongs to my neighbour's son.

Tiny irises in Frank's front yard. Each blossom is about 5 cm (2 inches) long.

These tiny fish, so plentiful in my local pond are part of the reason we have so many water-loving birds such as herons, terns and kingfishers.

A peony, about to bloom in Frank's back yard, plays host to a wandering ant.

This fence overlooks the dam at the pond. Smack dab in the middle of the link, is a confused dandelion seed. It won't find a fertile place to grow on this rusted bar.

This adorable baby robin sits patiently amid the forget-me-nots, hoping that his mother will remember to return to him with a worm.

Early one morning, I took a walk along the creek near Frank's place. The sun was shining at such an angle that colours appeared particularly saturated and brilliant. What I first thought were tiny lights from a distance, turned out to be these vibrant maple keys. The bonus surprise came after the image was uploaded when I saw the little visitor exploring the bottom key.

Thanks always for taking the time to help me enjoy some of life's little things.

Baby Face

Beginning later today, I'll be away from my computer for about a week as we head back up to Frank's family cottage. I have scheduled a few posts for while I'm away and I hope to catch up with everyone upon my return.


Baby Face,

You've got the cutest little baby face.

There's not another one could take your place, Baby Face.

My poor heart is jumpin', You sure have started somethin'.

Baby Face, I'm up in heaven when I'm in your fond embrace.

I didn't need a shove 'cause I just fell in love

With your pretty baby face.

The End.

Baby Face was written by Harry Akst and Benny Davis

Birds and Birdbrains

I have a ridiculous number of robin photos, this spring. They seem to be everywhere - the young in nests, the older ones perching, preening, staring or flying off just as I depress the shutter. I won't include too many in any one post. Here's one on top of a post which Frank might have pointed out to me. I liked the way the dappled sunlight, greenery and sky appeared to sparkle in the background.

Here's a young one. I think he's got a bit of nest-head happening here.

What's this sparrow peeking at?

Its buddy on the bushes below.

A Red-winged blackbird sitting high atop a branch, singing that beautiful melody. This too, might be one of the many birds that Frank notices first.

A Mourning dove. Never a very bright bird...

... but always beautiful. I love the iridescent gold on its neck.

For all the feeder-raiding these guys do, they might as well be included in a bird post.

Happy 144th Birthday Canada!

This was a scheduled post. I will not be able to return visits for a short because I am away at the cottage or on my way home. I do not have any more scheduled posts but I should be home with a new one soon.

Lookin' Up

This is a scheduled post. As you read it, I should be up at the cottage enjoying the lake, fresh air, fishing, evening fires, great company and possibly a new baby raccoon or two. I'll also keep an eye out for Sugar and Spike. I'll be back to visit your blogs and reply to your comments in a few days.

While walking around snapping photos, it's important to remember to look up occasionally. Springtime offers many interesting subjects above eye level. I hope you'll look up and enjoy the following photos.



Up on a branch of a tree in the park, this young robin calls to its mother to come feed him.





In my back yard, two sparrow fledgelings sit patiently for their mother to scoop up some seed and feed it to them...





.. which she most tenderly did.





This little cutie had no trouble helping itself to the suet.





Much to my surprise, this red squirrel appear in my back yard one afternoon. I've only ever seen them up north in cottage country and never in the city before. He soon scampered up the tree to figure out how he could help himself to some goodies at the feeder.





A robin, perched on a fence post had just found something interesting to eat.





While walking around one of our nearby ponds, this red-winged blackbird was sitting atop this stalk, singing his happy little song.





Soft pink clouds matched the tail of this colourful kite. Who could it belong to?





Oh, it's Barbie.





Near Frank's place this housetop supports a weather vane which appears to be a heron in flight.

Thanks for joining me on this walk. Things sure are looking up.