Cat Got Your Tongue?

I usually walk around the pond in the park just a few steps from my front door. But every now and then, I like to take to the paths which surround another man-made lake about fifteen minutes by foot. Please join me.

As I approached the dock, I noticed a gull perched upon the railing. He sat there comfortably and watched me closely while I photographed him. I spoke to him as I snapped shots but he just stared back at me.

That bird kept his eye on me as I looked for other subjects to photograph. Some of the leaves were still fiery red.

Other plants had withered away to nearly-nothing.

As long as they're not stuck to your clothing or your dogs, burrs sure can be beautiful in all their thorny glory.

A backward glance told me that the gull was still staring.

In another direction, I saw another pair of eyes looking back at me. This plant is called White Baneberry or the very appropriate Doll's Eye. Its berries are highly poisonous so I snapped my photo and moved along.

Spindleberries are pretty plain throughout the summer, producing small greenish flowers. It's only when late summer arrives that they begin to turn into this brilliant pink flower which releases these bright orange seeds. They tend to hold on until some point during the winter, though their blooms begin to fade to a much duller, dryer colouring. Still, they look lovely against the snow.

Over by some houses, I found one of the few remaining red maple branches in the area. In the background, you can see a bicycle parked outside a back door.

When the camera came away from my eye, look who was still staring at me. I stared right back and asked him if he had something to say. He silently held his gaze. Finally I asked him "What's the matter.. did the cat get your tongue?"

He gleefully showed me that it certainly did not.

Thanks for joining me.

Around the Pond

It's time for another one of our walks around the pond. I've got a fresh pot of coffee brewing and there's some tea steeping over there. Grab a cup of your preference and let's head out the door.

This neighbour's garden always catches my eye just before we enter the park. I like the brilliant contrast of red and yellow spring colours.

This sweet, little squirrel is watching us from a lichen-covered tree branch. He knows I sometimes bring him peanuts. I don't have any on me today - sorry, buddy.

I photograph this scene in every season and in all kinds of weather. It's one of my favourite views in the park. Blossoms are in full bloom. Enjoy them - they won't last too long.

As we move along the walkway, more blossoms are peeking out between the crisscross of the chain-link fence.

On the other side of the path, I happen to notice a burr just dangling from a twig. I thought it merited a photo.

Doesn't this Canada Goose look so beautiful in the golden sunlight. Such a regal bird.

Though the ducks caught my eye first, I was taken with how the three different tree parts and their respective reflections made interesting angles in the water.

Heading back home, we get a full view of the dock and the budding willow behind it. Isn't spring a great season?

Thanks for joining me on this morning walk. Just leave your empty cup on the counter. I'll have it washed and ready for you for next time.

If you'd like to see a few more images from around this pond (and elsewhere), wander over to Frank's current blog post. He includes some photos of Benny...