Photowalk: Furry, feathered and/or winged

This time I took a stroll along the side roads to see what animals I might find. The trees were buzzing with life, literally, since there were a whole bunch of cicadas buzzing in the trees but I did not manage to spot one. 

Numerous birds were tweeting all around but I only could get a glimpse of a Downy Woodpecker and a very nervous Blue Jay.

Rustling of some branches in an oak tree brought my attention on a chipmunk. I am not sure whether it went for the acorns or something else. 

Further down the road I met another, more curious chipmunk.

Mourning doves outnumbered the other birds I saw this time.

I have no idea yet what bird this is but it was staying for a few minutes
before disappearing into the bush again.

Three Blue Jays made an appearance but only let me picture them while I was sitting in the car.

  Along the beach I found a beautiful big (about 1 inch or 2.5 cm) Great Golden Digger Wasp, 

a few Honey bees,

and numerous Bumble bees. 

There were a bunch of young (almost) 'invisible' grey grasshopper trying to blend into the surroundings.

Lots of other (adult) grasshoppers all around, too, of course.

Photowalk: Stony Swamp Ottawa

Before doing some shopping, we decided to go for a quick walk in Stony Swamp. It was quite dim already due to a whole lot of clouds but now and then the sun was glimpsing through, just in time for a quick chipmunk and chickadee photo session. Lucky for us, somebody brought them peanuts and bird seeds before we arrived so they were quite busy stocking up (in case of the chipmunks) and filling up their bellies (chickadees).

Photowalk: Pinhey's Point, Dunrobin

Today I went to Pinhey's Point in Dunrobin. There were a whole lot of big fluffy clouds and my guess was, that together with the Gatineau Hills, it would make for a nice setting for some picturing. There were also a whole lot of different birds around, busy feeding their youngsters. I saw quite a number of Cedar Waxwings, some Swallows and American Goldfinches and a Blue Jay.

Much to my delight I also finally managed to see my very first tiny Hummingbird. I am thinking I might have seen some before but not recognized them as birds rather than some big bumble bee or something. 

Bugleweed

Barn Swallow

American Goldfinches

Apparently, there was something very interesting on the tip of this branch. The Goldfinch was twisting himself all the way around it and kept picking on it from all different angles.

Sparrow (?)

some  more Goldfinches

Paps got some food for the youngster

Dogwood

Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta)

Cedar Waxwing - such a pretty bird

Sandpiper

Photowalk - Among the chickweed and trees

I enjoyed a lovely morning walk today. Met some nice people and saw some great animals along the way. 

All the "little ones" are not so little anymore. It is amazing, what difference a few weeks make. There were a whole lot of different colorful dragonflies but they were really busy and nervous so I didn't get the pictures I wanted. Well, bummer, so I will HAVE to come back again soon and try again. 

It's been a while but I finally saw one of the young owls again. What a privilege. Ok. Quite a number of people seem to see them all the time but I don't so for me they are a very special sight. It is especially rewarding if I find one on my own, like today.

Midland Painted Turtle enjoying a sunbath 

 Juvenile Wood ducks

 Green Frogs (Rana clamitans)

 Meadowhawk Dragonfly Male

We met again!! Almost all the baby fluff is gone by now. What a beautiful owl and I almost overlooked it sunbathing on that dry tree branch. :)