Light and Shade

Walking in the morning takes you to beautiful places where light and shade make love. 

~ Prof. Mohamed Shareef 

We had a few snowfalls this winter, which is more than I can say for last year. These photos however, were all taken before any of the white stuff fell from the sky - between late November and late December. Come take a retro walk with me.


You needn't awaken or head out too early to meet the sunrise in winter. It would stay dark until a decent walking hour. This is how the sky looked over the park as we venture out onto the path.





Very few things retain any vivid colour at that time of the year but the hair-covered crimson berries of the Staghorn sumac were brilliant in the winter sunlight.






The lake was only lightly glazed over with ice on this mid-December day. Sun, ice and sleepy mallards combined in such a way that we appear to be looking at headless ducks and their glassy reflections.






The squirrels (see.. we don't only have black ones) at this park are especially bold. A lot of people enjoy feeding them, and so they're not afraid to come very close in hopes of mooching a peanut. This guy was mildly disappointed that I only clicked my tongue to get his attention for a photo, and not to share any goodies.






Thankfully, somebody came along to the rescue with pockets of peanuts, and this little poacher appeared to be pleased with his treat. Next time, I'll be ready with full pockets too.





If you would have looked up a second earlier, you would have seen yet another squirrel peeking through these cedar fronds. Of course, if I had snapped the image a second earlier, you would still be seeing him right now. I like the way the photo turned out, anyway.

 



As we watched the sunlight twinkling on the water and the breeze blowing through the fluffy tall grass...





...we, in turn, were also being watched. Too bad he was too shy to allow for a scratch behind the ears.






Look up. This here was taken a couple of days after Christmas. What were we doing with green leaves clinging to life this late in the year?





Last but not least, one more evening look skyward revealed a full moon. This was November's celestial treat.

I hope you enjoyed our walk. I'm sure we will do this again sometime soon. Hopefully, it will begin looking like spring.

Foraging and Critter Updates

When we were up at the cottage last month, so many creatures were preparing for the upcoming winter by foraging, storing and filling up on munchies in order to weather the cold. We've been leaving bird seed for our feathered friends and whomever else might want to indulge.

One by one, chipmunks have been gathering to take part it their cheek-filling. We counted seven of them in one gathering.

This little guy was chowing down on a grasshopper.

Cute little critter, isn't he?

This little red squirrel was busy biting off cedar fronds, heavy with seeds.

He kept at it for hours over the course of a few days and nearly emptied the tree before our very eyes. He was really quick too.

We kept hearing the thump, thump, thump of seed clusters hitting the canvas canopy of the camper trailer below. Every now and then he'd take a break and either munch on a few seeds, or scamper down the tree, select one seed-laden frond and run off with it in his mouth. Eventually he'd return to his work and the thump, thump, thumping would continue.

Updates:

• Speaking red squirrels, Roxy (introduced here) has been released near Theresa's home and is doing well. She returns regularly for feedings and cuddles.

• And you might also remember Bubbles and Binky, the two raccoons who shared the summer with us up at the cottage. Binky was also released near Theresa's home last winter and she returns for meals and occasional cuddles and belly rubs.

• Bubbles was released up at the cottage last summer. We continued feeding her until the cottage was closed up for the winter when she was left to fend for herself. She's been around a few times this year. I was looking out the living room window, one evening. The sliding glass is just about a foot above deck level, and looking right back at me was a beautiful, young raccoon with a healthy, full coat. We were nose to nose with just a screen between us and she stayed right there, looking quite intently into my eyes. I talked to her for a bit and then she moved on. We're not supposed to be feeding the raccoons this year because of a bear which was spotted in the area, so I refrained. But I was pretty sure it was Bubbles. A week or so later, Theresa confirmed that it was her. She visited again, one night and Theresa coaxed her over. She was shy at first but before too long, she was up on her lap accepting cuddles - a full year after her release. What a relief to know she was doing well - a bit thin, but quite strong and with a beautiful coat, and every bit as sweet and gentle as ever.

And as has been the case for all of the cottage posts, so far, I'll end with a sunset.

This beautiful light show changed colours before our very eyes. I love the window of red in this one.

Another view of the gorgeous, purple sky.