It Has a Song

A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song. ~ Chinese Proverb

Not to worry. This isn't another song challenge. This post is all about birds.

I've only ever seen mockingbirds in one spot, and that's in my local park. In fact, I've only ever seen one at a time so perhaps it's the same beauty which keeps on showing up. On this day, I was able to get a couple of distant shots of my feathered friend, though he was perched in such a way that made it difficult to focus on him instead of the surrounding tree parts.

No, we have been as usual asking the wrong question. It does not matter a hoot what the mockingbird on the chimney is singing. The real and proper question is: Why is it beautiful? ~ Bertrand Russell 




Mockingbirds don't do one thing but make music for us to enjoy... but sing their hearts out for us. That's why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. ~ Harper Lee


I always get a kick out of a hawk sighting. Living in the city as I do, that doesn't happen exceedingly often. And when it does, if I'm lucky, I'll have a zoomy lens on my camera at the time. I was just starting my walk when I spotted this guy (probably a Cooper's Hawk) landing on a nearby branch. I was fortunate to see him but the above mentioned lens was not to be. This was the best I could do with the 100mm lens.

The hawk is aerial brother of the wave which he sails over and surveys, those his perfect air-inflated wings answering to the elemental unfledged pinions of the sea. ~ Henry David Thoreau

A clever hawk hides its talons. ~ Japanese Proverb

Common but always sweet, there are plenty of sparrows to be seen in my neck of the woods. They seem to pose so nicely for the camera.

I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn. ~ Henry David Thoreau 

A forest bird never wants a cage. ~ Henrik Ibsen

Some thoughtful person must have filled these pine cones with suet for the birds. They had been picked clean by the time I happened upon them along the creekside path, but I liked the way they looked dangling in the late-day sunshine.

Those little nimble musician of the air that warble forth their curious ditties, with which nature hath furnished them to the shame of art. ~ Izaak Walton

I realized that if I had to choose, I would rather have birds than airplanes. ~ Charles Lindbergh

While walking near Frank's place late in January, I heard a distressed chickadee and a rather upset young squirrel in a wooded area they call the Woodland Path. I looked around to see what might be causing their discomfort and saw this barred owl fast asleep in a nearby tree. The light wasn't wonderful and subsequently, neither were my photos but I was still happy to see this beauty. I'm pretty sure the creatures around him were safe during the daylight hours.

A wise old owl sat in an oak.

The more he heard, the less he spoke.

The less he spoke, the more he heard.

Why aren't we all like that wise old bird?

~ Nursery Rhyme

I rejoice that there are owls. They represent the stark twilight and the unsatisfied thoughts we all have. ~ Henry David Thoreau

More photos in a few days.

Fine Feathered Friends

“In order to see birds it is necessary to become a part of the silence.” 

~ Robert Lynd

Whether on the wing or at rest, birds are lovely to watch and fun to photograph. Since I've been doing just that the past several weeks, I'd like to share a few of those images below.


A while back, when I posted some pictures of spindle berries, my fine bloggie pal Suldog asked me if they were edible. I have to admit to not knowing that for sure at the time, though I suspected they were not, as the "berry" part is really more like a seed. I looked it up when responding to him and learned that they are edible for birds but rather poisonous for humans. Being one of the feathered variety, this Cardinal was checking them out a few days later.





Canada geese - relaxing, preening and doing a fair bit of pooping atop the dam of our local pond.





One of my favourite feathered friends is the Northern Mockingbird. He he is perched at the top of a dead tree by the pond. I'm also quite fond of that tree, and have posted images of it frequently.





Here's a closer look at this sweetie. It's not the best exposure or even his best side but I'm always happy to see and share him.






Ms. Mallard is showing off her lovely colours in the late day sunshine.






This little Downy Woodpecker was flitting about while I was out walking. It's not a great shot but after several attempts, I finally managed to capture it flying between the branches of this pine tree.





Much to my surprise, I snapped the photo of this hawk through the car windshield while Frank was driving.





Two ducks and a gull - the subjects of this photo are in shadow, but I still loved the colours in the trees and the reflection in the creek.





Over that same creek, you can see gulls flying around at most any time of day. This is a young one, who hasn't acquired his bright, white plumage yet.





This sweet, little sparrow almost faded into the similar colouring of the foliage. If you look closely, you can see a bit of red on his beak from nibbling hawthorn berries.





Last, but never least, the Great Blue Heron, after he had had enough of my incessant picture snapping. Sorry bud!

More photos in a few days.

Out Walkin'

From the interesting to the mundane, I see all sorts of things when I'm out walking. My camera and I decide whether or not they're share-worthy. These made that cut and I hope you don't think otherwise. Here's what I saw one day when out walkin'. Come join me.

Snow Blind Friend: It was early in the day and Benny was ready for his walk. For a brief moment, the sun shone brightly. I tossed a stick which our four-legged friend usually chases quite readily. He typically picks it up and runs off with it, lest I try to get it back from him. He doesn't understand fetch and return. On this morning, Benny caught up to the stick but appears to be blinded by this short burst of sunlight.

Hazy Shade of Winter: Did I mention that the sun was only out briefly. Here it is, kissing the day goodbye. It remained pretty dull and hazy after that.

Lost and Found: As I wandered along the park path, I thought I saw a blue jay perched on the fence but upon closer inspection, it was just a lost pair of inside-out mittens or gloves which someone placed upon the fence in hopes of them being reunited with their owner.

Listen to the Mockingbird: Toward the end of my morning walk, one of my favourite birds made an appearance. The Northern mockingbird flitted and landed nearby to feast upon berries.

Little Red Bird: Speaking of beautiful birds, this handsome male cardinal greeted me back home. He dined on seeds which were scattered in my back yard. It's quite possible that Frank snapped this shot as he tends to station himself by the back door more often than not. He might be able to tell you for sure.

Here Comes the Night: Late in the day, it was time for another walk. Night time and a dusting of snow makes for some fun photography. The snow added a bit of light to the otherwise well-lit park. This is the view of part of the dock from across the pond.

The Dock of the Bay: And here's the full view as seen through my lens. You get a better sense that we're standing on the opposite shore, with just frigid water and sleepy mallards in between.

That's our walk for today. As always, you're such fine company. I hope you'll be back in a few days when we walk in the late-day sunshine.

Now, who's up for some hot chocolate?

Ice & Heart-Melting Moments

Last week, we had a couple of very mild days. The snow and ice of the previous weeks were melting quickly and despite the high winds, it was a very lovely day. I would have loved it if you could have accompanied me on this walk. Join me now, won't you?

The thawing pond creates a backdrop of puddled whirls and swirls for this partial tree limb. The piece was lodged in the ice throughout the cold months. I wonder who was gnawing at the bark recently to expose the fresh wood.

Looking up, I see one of my favourite birds - the Northern mockingbird. They generally seem quite bold and curious, and they rarely shy away from the camera. In spite of that, this guy only stuck around long enough for me to get one shot. Thank you, my feathered friend.

The dam at the end of the pond could be heard long before it was visible. The waters were raging as the ice melted. It's difficult to tell that in a still image, I know but that water was moving rapidly. A sure sign of a long-anticipated, approaching spring.

Walking along, I heard a half-friendly, half-warning WOOF. This sweetie kept on barking at me from behind the fence, until I spoke to him. Then, up he jumped to get a good look at me. We chatted with one another for a bit, and then I continued on my way. As soon as I turned my back, he resumed barking, just to prove to his people that he really was being a good watchdog.

The day began to cloud over, and all you could see of the blue sky was showing through this small hole in the clouds. The sky, clouds and bare tree limbs reflected nicely in this bubbly puddle which had been biding its time as a patch of ice the previous day.

As always, the squirrels awaited their treats. This guy came and took a peanut right out of my hand. He showed his appreciation by kindly obliging me with a handsome pose before making his way up to a branch to enjoy his snack.

We've since had more snow and some very cold weather come though but I'm grateful for the springlike day, and for the ice-melting and heart-melting scenes I encountered. Thanks for joining me.

Wings and Other Things

I'll probably return to my colour-themed posts somewhere down the road - there are still a few shades which I haven't explored but for now, I'm posting a few new photos taken over the last several weeks. All of them were snapped either in my own back yard or around my local park. Please remember to click on each of the photos to enlarge them.




This little guy kept a wary eye on me while I prepared to refill the bird feeder and suet. Taken through glass. (please click to enlarge)





He knew it wouldn't be long before I'd also toss some peanuts out for his snack. (please click to enlarge)





Since the squirrels and back yard birds are taken care of, let's see what we can find around the pond. (please click to enlarge)





A sudden flurry of activity (namely one crazy little Jack Russell Terrier) sent these Mallards flying to the safety of the other side of the pond. (please click to enlarge)





On this day, as has happened other times on my walks, a fluffy little Northern Mockingbird seemed intent upon making sure I noticed him. He sat and watched me while I spoke to him and took some photos. (please click to enlarge)





By the time I moved along, the sun was beginning to descend in the sky, creating that magic hour which I love so much. The Queen Anne's Lace of last summer seemed to enjoy its warmth. (please click to enlarge)





On the other side of the pond, there was a lot of Cardinal activity. A large flock of these red beauties seem to hang out in this one particular area. This male perched on a branch above me. (please click to enlarge)





A lovely female landed on the fence post of a neighbouring back yard. Aren't her colours just incredible? (please click to enlarge)





Approaching the dock, I found this to be an unusual place for a snow angel. It was actually formed on the semi-frozen surface of the pond. This means that someone stepped out on mushy ice to make their wings. It's a good thing the ice wasn't any softer at the time. (please click to enlarge)





Later in the day, the sun was setting by the dam end of the pond. This is just one of the concrete posts and the sun reflecting in the icy surface. (please click to enlarge)

Thanks for joining me.

The F-Words of February (Foolishness, Frozen, Feathers, Flames, Flowers & Frank)

Our rainy, foggy, milder weather of last week was short-lived, and we got hit with another 10cm (4") of snow on Sunday. This was nothing much compared to some of the large snowstorms we've had over the winter, but after our taste of spring, it was disappointing - unless of course you're a snow-crazed Jack Russell Terrier named Benny, who is out to kill every single shovel-full of the evil white stuff.

That's Benny's favourite winter activity. He could spend hours out there devouring snow, shivering and peeing. Inevitably, after we get him inside to warm up, he'll throw up on the nearest carpet. A small dog's belly can only hold so much water.




Here's how he looked just before we got him to come inside on Sunday. (please click to enlarge)




As usual, we took a few walks around the pond and came upon a few sights. The water refroze around this log, creating an interesting wake when it drifted in toward shore.




This adorable Mockingbird watched closely as I inched toward it to take a few shots. It didn't sing for me, but did flit about on different branches to get a closer look. I took a few shots, thanked him for his cooperation and moved on. (please click to enlarge)




Later in the day, we were treated to another lovely sunset. The sky became a fiery mass of orange and gold, melding with soft shades of mauve and yellow. (please click to enlarge)




Across the lake, rooftops and trees created a sharp silhouette against the colourful sky. (please click to enlarge)




Continuing around the pond, the setting sun painted a blend of delicate pastels on the icy surface below. (please click to enlarge)




A pair of regal Canada Geese afloat upon the lovely, mauve water. (please click to enlarge)




Earlier in the week, after the day's thaw refroze, I came upon these leaves trapped under an icy veneer. It reminded me of those elementary school projects of preserving leaves between sheets of wax paper. (please click to enlarge)



Guaranteed to warm my heart on even the coldest February day, were these lovely Valentine's roses from Frank. (please click to enlarge)




And here he his playing around by hiding behind the flowers, while I play around by hiding behind Photoshop. (please click to enlarge)