Rideau Lakes, Ontario
My home, the Township of Rideau Lakes is a rural municipality with deep historical roots, boasting the Old Stone Mill National Historic Site in Delta, six lock stations of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lovely villages and hamlets, each with its own identity.
The above photograph was taken from Spy Rock above Village of Westport, Ontario
Yellow Iris -Yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus), or yellow flag iris, is a perennial aquatic plant native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa. It was first introduced to North America in the 1800s as an ornamental plant for ponds and water gardens. The plant has since spread to many waterways, including those in parts of southern Ontario. In addition to its use in gardens, it has been planted in wastewater ponds because it is known to absorb heavy metals.
Sun setting amidst smoke from western wildfires in Oregon, California and Washington States. Taken September of 2020. A long way for smoke to come to Westport Sand Lake.
Daylily - Common orange daylilies), also known as ditch lilies or tiger lilies, are extremely invasive and hard to kill once established, but unlike many garden favorites, these daylilies don’t need special care to get established, or possibly any care whatsoever.
Spooky Night Shot in Westport, ON
Dad Robin feeding his three chicks. Mom and Dad both feed their young.
Twisted Poppy - Few flowers can match the fabulous spring display provided by Oriental poppies . While not a long blooming perennial (the plants are in flower for about 10 to 14 days), their floral display is lovely to behold.
Waxing Crescent Moon over Sand Lake, Westport, ON
Male Mallard Ducks arriving on Sand Lake in Westport, ON in April
Waxing Crescent Moon over Westport Sand Lake.
Crowded Next with Mom, Dad and two Chicks !
Common Goldeneye Duck - Forages mostly underwater; rarely by dabbling or up-ending in shallow water.
Robin feeding fully grown Chicks. The Chicks left the next the following day.
Bufflehead Duck - One of the first Ducks I see in the Spring on Sand Lake and my favourite! The Bufflehead ranges from 32–40 cm (13–16 in) long and weighs 270–550 g (9.5–19.4 oz), with the drakes larger than the females.
Bufflehead Duck - I see him and know Spring is around the corner.
Taking off - a Bufflehead Duck
Two Male Mallard Ducks eyeing each other. Large dabbling duck weighing up to 1.3 kg In breeding plumage, drake (also known as a ‘greenhead’) is easily identified by bright green head, olive yellow bill, brown chest and blue wing patches.
Mallard Drake Preening himself. Looking good for the ladies ! All these duck shots taken from the front yard. Westport Sand Lake.
Two Drake Mallards grooming themselves.
Mallard Ducks grooming
Good Looking ! Mallard Drake
Male Mallards
Mirror Image - Mallard Duck
Common Loon - The Loon, sometimes called the Great Northern Diver, is found in Ontario, and is the size of a large duck.
Common Loon - According to the Loon Preservation Committee, researchers have identified four distinct calls used by loons: tremolo, wail, yodel and hoot. These vocalizations are used in courtship and territorial disputes, communication between pairs and offspring, and among flock members, and to signal alarm.
Pudding Oriental Poppy.
Robin and Chicks. Overcrowding is a problem.
Common Grackle - Just lifting off ! The Grackle is a social bird and is mostly seen in flocks. Their diet consists mainly of insects, worms, seeds, grains and fruits, and, if the opportunity arises, the eggs of other birds.. The song can be compared to a rusty gate hinge; it is short, squeaky and dischordant - usually a bold Chuck.
Daffodils The bright yellow blooms of daffodils are a wonderful sign of spring.
Two fisherman in the early morning fog on Sand Lake, Westport, ON
The lane leaving my home on Sand Lake in Westport. Foggy morn.
Foley Mountain on the Escarpment overlooking Westport, Ontario
Beaver Pond on Foley Mountain, Westport, ON
Beaver Pond, Foley Mountain, Westport, ON
Yellow Iris and his Bud !
Fuchsia - Fuchsia plants produce exotic-looking, two-toned flower blossoms that display beautifully in hanging baskets, planters, or in pedestals.
A While Ago - My friend Meg, and our dogs: Charli-girl and Shadow up on The Escarpment above Westport, ON
Beaver Pond, Foley Mountain above Westport, ON
Oriental Scarlett Poppy after a rainfall.
Gorgeous Lady's Slippers - Every year from mid-June until mid-July the huge colony of Showy Lady’s Slipper Orchids puts on an amazing show at the Purdon Conservation Area in Lanark Highlands.
Budding Scarlett Oriental Poppy
Early morning on Sand Lake, Westport, ON 'Lookin' Out My Backdoor' !
Pileated Woodpecker looking for bugs in the firewood. Adults are 40 to 49 cm (16 to 19 in) long, span 66 to 75 cm (26 to 30 in) across the wings, and weigh 250 to 400 g (8.8 to 14.1 oz), with an average weight of 300 g (11 oz).
Sunset shot taken from the front porch ! Westport Sand Lake.
Sun Setting on Sand Lake, Westport. Unfortunately the smoke from the California, Oregon and Washington States wildfires allows you to look directly at the sun.
Blue Jay at the feeder.
Morning Doves eating the seeds that fell from the bird feeder.
Blue Jay taking a pass at grabbing some seeds from the feeder.
Common Grackles keeping their balance at the feeder.
'Hey, this is a bird feeder.' !! Grackle giving the Chipmunk a stern look.
'Mine' !! Common Grackle is a greedy one.
Blue Jay holding on to the feeder
Rose Breasted Grosbeak singing a most beautiful song.
American Goldfinch
Blue Jay all fluffed up in the heat. They do this to cool off.
Black Squirrel doing his best to get seeds from the feeder.
Chipmunk eating the orange I put out for the Baltimore Oriole.
Eastern Cottontail Bunny
Four Common Grackles do not fit on a feeder. Overcrowding and balance come in to play !
Eastern Grey Squirrel. Considered an invasive species.
Female Northern Cardinal Taking a break at the feeder. She pushed out seeds on to the ground for her mate.
Male Northern Cardinal He did not go to the feeder, but picked the seeds off the ground. Seen here in the trees.
Determined Black Squirrels. They can empty a feeder in an hour.