Nature Works Photography

Goldfinches

2012-02-02T21:08:00.002-05:00

As I was watching the eagles I had a large flock of goldfinches flitting around me. Clearly getting some good eats.

Eagles,and ducks

2012-02-02T21:05:00.002-05:00

The young eagle taking off and mom and dad in the tree as well. Common goldeneyes flying as the eagles take flight. You know when they are in the air. Everything flies every which way.

Immature Bald Eagle Jan 30

2012-02-02T21:00:00.002-05:00

Today I had a lot of action from the young eagel. What a beautiful bird.

Bald eagle Jan 30

2012-02-02T20:55:00.001-05:00

The adult here had moved to another spot today. I was lucky to see it on my way home. I could hear them calling to each other. Amazing. AS the day progressed we went from cloudy to sun/cloud mix to beautifl sunny skies. Lake had a skim on it which within 2 hours was wide open.

Bald eagle with fish, Jan 30th

2012-01-30T22:57:00.001-05:00

I can't beleive our lake here is still wide open. This morning early there was a thin covering of ice out there but way out was open. Was very pretty. As I sat and watched this eagle. He flew suddenly and headed right for the open area. Swooped down and circled around coming back. I waited patiently. Back he came and landed. I actually didn't know he had a fish until I was viewing my shots with a friend. She said I think he has a fish. Well darned if he didn't. He didn't stay there long. He moved up the way to another tree. I saw him in that tree as I was driving up the road. I stopped to watch him. He sat there looking beautiful. Then I heard another eagle vocalizing as it approached. It was the young eagle who came right to the parent bird and tried to land with it. That didn't work, the adult flew the young flew and they touched talons. I am now wondering if the adult passed off some of the fish to its young one.At any rate. It was a very exiting day, the whole family gave me a great show. Still lots of ducks out there. In 2 hours all the ice gave way to wide open water yet again. Over the next few days I will be posting more shots of these magnificent birds.

Bald eagle family January 2012

2012-01-28T00:16:00.002-05:00

I have been very fortunate to be able to photograph a family of bald eagles this winter. As the ice has yet to freeze over they have ample food here. The lake has frozen with a light layer a few times only to melt again after the next warm spell. This winter has been very different for sure. Jan 27th and I am only starting to get a lot of feeder birds at my house. Some mornings it actually sounds like spring. But to be able to watch this family of bald eagles so readily. Well it has been a wonderful experience for sure. I have spent many an hour standing amongst cedar trees and pines. Just watching these birds with respect and love. These are magnificent birds that I have been very lucky to watch before, monitoring a nest from a boat and watching Mom & Dad raise 2 little ones up to the first flights and teaching to hunt. An incredible bond. So this family has been so wonderful for me. The next 3 or 4 pages are some shots I have taken in the last month.I hope you enjoy them.

Immature bald eagle

2012-01-27T23:59:00.001-05:00

Today my patience was rewarded when the young immature eagle of the family flew almost right over me. He was incredible as he looked right at me, almost landed in the eagle tree, but the winds were so high and the tree after a night of freezing rain was a difficult manuver. He continued on over the lake and was gone. I was left with my mouth open in amazement that this bird had just flown right over me giving me ample time to get some great shots. As I left I was rewarded with an adult bird. It just wasn't a great day for perching on that tree. But they were flying all around as the winds carried them with ease. As the young eagle approached all the little goldfinches got very vocal and flew off as did the ducks in the bay. I knew something was coming.It was snowing and I was surrounded by a winter wonderland as well which was not to difficult to handle. You can see a few flurries of snow in the young eagle shots. Always love it when I can shoot in the snow. It had been snowing very heavily before I got there. But by the time I got all bundled up,scraped the layers of ice off the windshield and all that good stuff it had slowed down considerably.

Bald Eagles

2012-01-27T23:46:00.001-05:00

You can see the pair vocalizing as one joins the other. Next day I got the one coming in with high winds and icy branches. It made it diffcult. He landed for a short time and off he went again.

Bald Eagles

2012-01-27T23:38:00.002-05:00

My pair of bald eagles on their favorite tree. As I am sitting amongst the pine trees so as not to bother them it is not the greatest shots in the world. But they are for sure natural shots. I find they are very unique in their own way.

Ice

2012-01-27T23:26:00.001-05:00

Although the lake is not frozen yet here. We have had ice on and off out there. When we get the rain and the winds it melts and comes in to shore yet again. The shoreline is a very artistic place to go walking with your camera. Ice holds many artistic shapes and is truely one of mother natures miracles. What do you see!!

The Photographers

2012-01-27T23:00:00.003-05:00

Here is my son Jeff on our trip to Algonquin. We always have a great time just shooting each other. He is the photographer here.This day we had squalls going through occasionally. It was a mild day and was beautiful there. Here I am all covered in snow tring to keep the cameras dry in one picture while in another I made friends with this cute snowman. And of corse no trip to Algonquin would be complete without a visit from the gray jays there.Was awesome. An all out incredible day.

Snow buntings

2012-01-17T17:42:00.000-05:00

Finally as we had a wee bit of snow and it was finally cold although it was extreme cold on this weekend. I found a nice flock of about 50 or so snow bunting flitting about. In amongst them a couple of morning doves. The cold clearly didn't bother them. This was what they needed. Is was great watching them for a few min from inside the car. They were flitting here and there without a care in the world. I have not seen any snow buntings this year. Twice I had a small flock and they were here one day and gone the next. This year has been so very different than other years. And seeing anything somedays is just not happening. Yet there have been reports of eastern medowlarks and bobolinks in out lying areas. Just not good.

Snowy eruption

2012-01-17T17:31:00.000-05:00

This year we seem to have a lot of snowy owls showing up all over the place. It was a fridged weekend. One with temperatures we have not seen yet this winter. -30 deg. C.with windchill. But the sun that we see so rarely was shinning and I just had to bundle up and go out. It paid off. I was just leaving an area after seeing nothing. No birds at all. And why would you in this cold right. Then I spotted her. She was flying right towards me. I got out and stood by the car. The wind was so cold and blowing strongly. I didn't take time to get on the gloves or hat. Just hopped out and stood there camera in hand. She flew right over me almost and landed briefly in this tree. Then on she went to look for food. She flew over the open field and dissappeared. Then she came back over and I saw way off behind her,another young snowy in flight. She headed a different direction. But it was clearly hunting time for these birds. She landed far off and sat there face into the setting sun. The feathers blowing in the cold winds. She didn't seem to mind. Me on the other hand was sitting with the heater on full with my hands sitting on them. My hat now on. Yes a little late. But wow. It was magnificent to see her and the other one in flight serching for food. And as for me. I survived out there very briefly without my hat and gloves. Would not of wanted to be out any longer mind. What a beauty. A note on these birds. They have come here because of food shortage and they need to be allowed to hunt. People gathering around them and snapping cameras in their faces is not a good idea. I use a 150 -500mm lens. And it is great to be able to photograph them in nature. If this is what you want to do. Please get a camera with a good zoom. So many out there now that are not SLR's and so much less expensive. By all means enjoy the bird. But don't chase it. If it leaves,it has had enough. Don't stay long. And don't feed it. They must survive on their own and they will. Don't put them in harms way. They are such a calm bird and will sit for you if you do it right. But they need to conserve their energy for warmth,hunting and just plain survival. Enjoy at the respect and safety of the bird. Please.

Snowy & wing print

2012-01-17T17:12:00.000-05:00

Along my adventures in the bitter cold we had last weekend I saw some wonderful things. I went to an area and decided to get out and do a wee walk. To my amazement as I walked a bit I came across a wing print in the snow surrounded by a lot of fox prints and probable coyote as well along the trail. I guess some little critter got taken as a much needed meal on this terribly cold day. Food that was much needed. Then I looked up and not far away was a beautiful white bird. I am guessing the bird that belonged to this wing print in the snow. This beautiful snowy owl was just sitting in a tree with the terribly cold winds blowing her feathers. Facing into the sun which to me did not bear much heat. But she was clearly enjoying it just the same. I got only a couple of shots and turned to head back to the car. Walking into the wind turned out to be a real challenge. But it was well worth it and the car heated me up quickly.That is what winter is about after all.

Mother Nature's Beauty

2012-01-17T16:54:00.002-05:00

As you all know this year winter has been almost non existant. And as many of us love this. I for one hate it. As I sit here posting these photos it is pooring rain outside. I don't dare go out as the ice will take me down. And the fog is so bad I can't see across the street. The lakes here are still open with only a hint of ice around the edges and maybe some out floating in the center. And it is some 33 deg. F. Even the dog is not interested in going out in this. You got aches and pains. Boy you know it. Only 2-3 days ago we were in the deep freeze. For 2 whole days it was so bitterly cold out there. But the sun was shining and it looked so beautiful. So you got it. I bundled up in everything I had and headed out. We only had at that time a very little bit of snow. Some places had none. But I went out on an adventure. I was tired from the cold after a day out driving around. But I was very lucky.. Here are a few shots of what mother nature has to offer us if we open our eyes. A beautiful dead leaf just sitting in the snow. Sticking out with its veins so true and apparent,beautiful. Below an oak tree sat a lonely leaf with an acorn not far away. Sparkling in the bitter cold. Some very neet looking ice was formed on the rock with the icy water around it. The lake had a very stormy look although the sun was shining. Way far off I could see what looked like funnels forming heading into the lake. Very cool. And a tiny bud with I think they call it hoar frost all around the tip. Everywhere I looked I found something worthy of snapping off a shot or two. Beautiful but very cold morning.

Jeff's gray jays of Algonquin

2012-01-11T11:16:00.001-05:00

Jeff took some lovely shots of our friends. Love the snow.

Algonquin birds Jan,7,2012

2012-01-11T11:12:00.000-05:00

Jeff & I went up for the day. Was a beauty day but not much happening. No matter was a fantastic outing just the same. We had 1 lonely evening grosbeak,some blue jays and chickadees at the visitor center.

Gray Jay

2012-01-11T11:06:00.002-05:00

What beautiful birds.

Algonquin

2012-01-09T17:11:00.000-05:00

Oxtongue Rapids,a raven with something in its mouth. Not sure what it was. And a beautiful gray jay.

Algonquin Provincial Park 1/8/2012

2012-01-09T17:04:00.000-05:00

Finally my first outing of 2012.
My son Jeff & I ventured out to a beautiful day. First stop, Oxtongue Rapids. Highly recommended.

Generations 2011

2012-01-09T16:55:00.001-05:00

The next few photos are taken by my son Jeff Howard. He took these shots by the lake over near Keswick of my daughter Karen grandaughter Ashleigh and myself. A fun winter day. Of coarse the snow started after the shots were taken. That would of been a nice touch. Was a fun time. Jeff is pictured here in Algonquin Park.

Winter Fun

2012-01-09T16:49:00.000-05:00

Karen Ashleigh & myself taken by my son Jeff.

Winter Fun

2012-01-09T16:45:00.000-05:00

Who says big people can't have fun!! Having a winter swing at the park by the lake near Keswick.
My grandaughter and myself. And my daughter giving a push. She wasn't daring enough to get on there!! Hey that is what keeps me young. Both my son and daughter know they can expect anything out of their mom. And it is fun times to look back on later. Laughter and good times.

Fun with nature

2012-01-09T16:36:00.000-05:00

No Ashleigh is not sticking out her tongue but is catching snowflakes. Like we used to I expect at that age. Oh the memories. My grandaughter again with my daughter at Elmvale zoo a few months ago as you can see. Who is watching who.!

Karen

2012-01-09T16:32:00.000-05:00

Some shots of my daughter Karen when she was unsuspecting of me. Caught her in the sunglasses. She started giggling. Love the shot. Gotta watch me. I am sneeky!!

Ashleigh

2012-01-09T16:26:00.000-05:00

On a trip to Muskoka Wildlife Center in December with my grandaughter and daughter. I couldn't refuse to get a few shots off of them both. It was a fun day with a bit of snow falling on and off and just plain great company.

Snowy Angel

2012-01-05T16:25:00.001-05:00

Here is a shot that I really cherish. This is my snowy angel owl taking off. I am not sure what happened here. But this face is so like that of an angel. Not altered in any way except cropped up.What beauty. Afterwards,when she had left. We went over looking for were she was standing. We found her footprints with much difficulty. And 2 tiny drops of blood were she had eaten a tiny meal of probably a vole or mouse. The size of the feet were amazing.

As Life Settles In

2012-01-05T16:21:00.000-05:00

Sunsets like this are rare these days. Seeing the sun at all for that matter. This was so amazing watching as the geese ,mallards and even a snowy owl settled in for the night. For either to sleep or to hunt. It made for the perfect shots. And a perfect end to a perfect day yet again.

The End of 2011 ( owls)

2012-01-05T16:15:00.001-05:00

This beautiful female great horned owl was sitting enjoying the sun one very cool afternnoon. When she all of a sudden fluffed out and lifted her feathers. Like she was lifting a shirt with pantaloons underneith. Was just to cute.

The End of 2011 ( owls)

2012-01-05T16:12:00.000-05:00

Owls are one thing I cherish being able to see. However I never give out any locations. I feel being able to see these guys is special enough. With patience,admiration,respect and just plain luck . You will get a great shot. If you don't. Just enjoy. It is well worth it.You do not need to chase them which I have seen or bait them which I have seen. The big thing for me first off is just seeing the birds. Watching them teaches me how they survive. I have been very fortunate to have seen these birds hunt and come up with food sometimes or empty having to go rest up and try again later. I do feel for the unfortunate creature to whom they have captured. But I also know this magnificent bird of prey would not survive if it weren't for that tiny morsal. Or sometimes a bigger morsel so that they can survive. Mother nature provides us with abundance so that others may live. It is not an easy life. Hearing them is amazing and just relaxing while I do all this on their turf. Well I feel very special and amazingly fortunate. Lucky things come to those who are patient and wait. I have been extremely lucky with my owls. My last shots were taken the end of 2011. I have not been out in the new year as yet. But my shots were fantastic in that I got them with just sitting,watching and being patient. I beleive my first sighting of a snowy owl was in 2005 in which what I thought were great then. I look at now and flinch. New equipment,more knowledge and as I said before. Just plane luck have been with me. Here are a tiny little red morhped screech owl I was very lucky to have seen. I called him little yoda. Does he ever look like yoda from star wars. What a cutie. My first red morph screech by the way. And then from the tiny to the huge. Great horned owl. My first encounter with a great horned owl was when I was 12 in Mount Albert. We had 5 acreas and backed onto woods. A nice quiet walk in the woods one day led me to beleive this very large great horned female wanted me for lunch. !! She came right at my head with a silence I couldn't beleive. The shadow gave her away. I hit the dirt needless to say. Got my bareings and she was gone. WOW. What a first encounter. And I still remember it like it was yesterday. I learned right then and there that these big birds deserve all the respect we can give them. I must of been near a nest or something. But wow. For the first time with these shots hear,I heard a male great horned owl. I tell you it didn't sound like a owl. We looked at each other and said was that you. Turned out it was right above and behind us in the woods. It was the female we were watching. Big beautiful girl. Incredible. And the male half her size was sitting right behind us the whole time. What a georgeous owl.

The End of 2011

2012-01-05T15:45:00.002-05:00

Some shots from my weekend away with Ann. Love the reflection in the water for the lighthouse. Mute swans, a lonely cygnet and some adults in a nother area. And some amazing ice on the point were I live. Beautiful.

The End of 2011

2012-01-05T15:38:00.002-05:00

I am way behind in my posting so am going to just through in various shots from the end of 2011. For the first year in 22 years on the point were I live I actually saw a snowy being harassed by a crow. A long shot but oh my what a nice surprice. He stayed a couple days and was gone. A beautiful kestrel in the sunlight and a mute swan cygnet bottoms up enjoying some good eats. And one of my favorite's, the little black capped chickadee. And as the season got a very late start. We still had days with beautiful ice on the waters.

Day with Ann 2011

2012-01-05T15:32:00.002-05:00

From the early morning hours to the end of day day and a perfect sunset.

Day with Ann 2011

2012-01-05T15:26:00.000-05:00

Recently I spent a weekend with a good friend. We as always had a blast. Covered many miles. Good miles. The one with the SUV's going through a very flooded road had us waiting for one to drop out of sight. They all made it though. And I am betting were a tad wet when they got to the other side.

The Beauty Within

2012-01-05T15:20:00.000-05:00

I am taking on a new look to my work in 2012. Still mastering it. But I love it. My adventures in photography have taken me to amazing places with amazing life in 2011. I hope 2012 will be even better.

Bald eagle landing Dec. 8

2011-12-09T15:25:00.002-05:00

Bald eagle pair,Dec,8 Amazing!!

2011-12-09T15:05:00.003-05:00

I have been very fortunate to have been able to photo shoot a pair of bald eagles during the last week. Even had an immature but was unable to photograph him. His beauty however was so amazing. To just see him take off over the water.One can not find the words to describe the magnificence of these birds. I have been very lucky with bald eagles the last couple of years. And I can tell you they are a bird that I will never get tired of watching. They are wonderful parents and watching them fish and catch their prey is totally amazing to see. The nests are huge,the young are hungry and the parents,well they just never stop when raising these beautiful babes.I have been getting questions on where these particular birds are and can we come to see them. These birds are on private property I have permision to be on. I am afraid the premesis is out of bounds for anyone to go onto. I am very fortunate to have permission and would never jepardise that previledge. Therefore I am not at liberty to disclose any information on these birds other that please enjoy what I have taken here. I thank you for your understanding in this matter. Being that this pair is still around and their young. You may be lucky in seeing bald eagles still around our waterways. Good luck.

Bald eagle pair,Dec,8/11 Amazing!!

2011-12-09T14:59:00.000-05:00

Bald eagle pair,Dec,8/11 Amazing!!

2011-12-09T14:50:00.002-05:00

The sun was shining so beautifully today and the eagles were clearly enjoying it. The winds were pretty good on the lake and they were getting that special look. What beauty.

Bald eagle pair,Dec,8/11 Amazing!!

2011-12-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

These magnificent eagles preened and were wind blown way up in the tree. It was such an honor to be a part of their lives for a little while.One shot here is photo art. Gave it a different look.

Bald eagle pair,Dec,8/11 Amazing!!

2011-12-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

Pair of Bald Eagles

2011-12-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

I went out first thing this morning. We have red breasted mergansers,common mergansers,buffleheads and then a bald eagle flew in. Then to my surprise another bald eagle flew in. A pair! They sat for some time. I took up residence in a pine tree for cover before they came in. And it worked, they didn't see me. It was snowing and windy. Their feathers were blowing in the wind. And of coarse they sat behind the tree so I didn't get a great photo shoot of them. But its okay. And as the story goes. Crappy lighting. All in all though. I can honestly say it made my day!!! What totally amazing birds.

Pair of Bald Eagles

2011-12-02T13:18:00.000-05:00

Bald Eagle

2011-12-01T22:43:00.000-05:00

Was very fortunate to get a quick glimpse of this beautiful adult bald eagle today. As my 150-500 lens is in being repaired I only had my 300. He flew to another tree and I could hear that beautiful eagle cry. Then he came back and sat. I didn't want to disturb him from his important hunting at the time of day it was,so I continued on. What a beauty.

Bald Eagle

2011-12-01T22:29:00.000-05:00

Amherst Island

2011-11-20T20:00:00.006-05:00

If you want to go on a great tour and meet some very nice people with the same interests as you. Have fun and see some great things,Murray is the guy to contact. His contact info below:

murray@authenticcanadiantours.ca

I know he has some great tours coming up. I have been to Algonquin with him, had a lot of fun that day and this trip was to Amherst Island. You always meet interesting fun people. A great way to spend the day. See some terrific places,scenery and wildlife.And you can just sit back ,relax and let the driver take you there. Comeback with new friends and memories. Followed by a good nights sleep as you get home and fall into bed thinking about the days events. A really good kind of tired. The following are some shots I took on Amherst Island. A beautiful,very friendly island with lots to see. For you knitters there is a little wool shop run by a sheep farm. A small museum and a one of a kind radio station. Of coarse it is all seasonal.A very beautiful island. Guaranteed.

The first few shots are of a long eared owl. A beautiful owl that is quite hard to see in those tall pine trees. Tall & slender almost looks like part of the tree.The next little owl is a saw whet owl. But please remember that you must not get to close to these owls and that you must respect them in every way. I have seen horrible things done around owls every where that should never have happened. You must not get caught up in the moment. And there is no such thing as that "perfect picture". These shots and all my shots are taken with a 150-500 mm lens and even then they are cropped. A life must never be put at risk for our enjoyment. But protected for our future and theirs. Don't loose sight of what is important here and teach others the same. Never give exact locations. If you find an owl it is always by chance. Enjoy it and move on. Keep it to yourself. Respect our wildlife,it's habitat and it's privacy and also private property. We can co-exist.!

Amherst Island

2011-11-20T19:40:00.001-05:00

Along with the little saw whet owl, a long eared was spotted sitting high in a tree. Very hard to see. We all kept our distance and I was able to get some lucky shots. Those are not real ears but tufts on this owl. An owls ears are actually on the side of its head and well hidden by feathers.

Amherst Island

2011-11-20T19:05:00.001-05:00

The ferry arriving on the main land . It was very choppy out there and I captured that very well in this shot.On the island it was such a beautiful day. As we walked into owl woods we saw this pretty little garter snake sunning itself at the side of the trail. Not to active mind you.Everyone walked by it carefully and it never moved an inch. Heard a tree frog and crickets also. Something you would not of expected at this time of year in that temperature. It was a beautiful sunny day but it was chilly. Then this saw whet owl was spotted by Amanda. Every time I see one of these little guys it is just as special as the first time. They are so amazingly beautiful. They just steel your heart.

Amherst Island

2011-11-16T20:08:00.002-05:00

The setting sun puting on some fantastic color and look " there would be the owl"

Amherst Island

2011-11-16T20:01:00.001-05:00

After a super fun day on the island we head back to the mainland.

Amherst Island

2011-11-16T19:40:00.003-05:00

We had a great time on our walk looking for owls. Feeding chickadees and goofing around on the ferry. It was very windy on the ride back to shore. Bit choppy out in the middle. Fun times. Was a super day. Murray did a great job of setting this trip up. I wonder if Murray knows there is an owl behind him. HOOOO says adults can't have fun!!

Amherst Island

2011-11-16T19:26:00.001-05:00

Here is Murray looking for owls and the group loose in the owl woods. These houses were a real popular item.I think we all wanted to take them home.

Amherst Island

2011-11-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

Amherst Island

2011-11-14T22:05:00.002-05:00

A few shots of the group feeding the chickadees. And some of the resident sheep. Oh so cute.

Horses & Sheep

2011-11-14T21:58:00.000-05:00

A horse & wagon ride down the streets of the island was so nice. These sheep were part of the scenery we passed along the way. Was a great ride,we all had a great time. The horses were awesome and the scenery was beautiful.One older lady waved to us as we went trotting by her house when Angie waved away at her. And she waved again on the way back. So friendly.

Running free

2011-11-14T21:50:00.000-05:00

These 2 horses ran all over when the wagon went by. Winnied and clearly wanted to say hi to their bigger freinds pulling the wagon.

Horse & wagon ride

2011-11-14T21:44:00.003-05:00

Horse & wagon ride

2011-11-14T21:39:00.001-05:00

Murray and Angie on our ride. Heather and Amanda.Was a chilly wind blowing on the island. As we trotted down the street we were greeted by these two lovely horses. They winnied and ran around like 2 free spirits. It was beautiful. Their manes blowing in the wind.

Horse & wagon ride

2011-11-14T21:33:00.000-05:00

One of my absolute favorite animals. These beauties gave us a wonderful ride in the country scene on the island. The owners were fantastic.The horses were charming.

Horse & wagon ride

2011-11-14T21:28:00.001-05:00

This little black beauty greeted us off the bus. And wanted to go for a wagon ride too. What a sweetheart

Murray and Rob

Horse & wagon ride

2011-11-14T21:24:00.002-05:00

Amherst Island Radio Station

2011-11-14T21:20:00.001-05:00

Murray in the station and some inside shots of this amazing little radio station on the island.

Amherst Island Radio Station

2011-11-14T21:16:00.002-05:00

Cliff swallow nest and inside the station.

Very cool radio station

2011-11-14T21:12:00.001-05:00

Now this is a one of a kind radio station.

Beautiful Amhurst Island scenery

2011-11-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

The beautiful houses,museum and old tracters are just a part of this beautiful island.

Amhurst Island Museum

2011-11-14T20:59:00.002-05:00

Some more wonderful old things from the island area.

Barrie's waterfront

2011-11-13T22:10:00.003-05:00

Doe & Fawn

2011-11-13T21:51:00.003-05:00

While out driving the other day this beautiful pair caught my eye in a field. A couple of mother natures miracles. I took these shots full out at 500 from inside my car.

Wasaga Beach

2011-10-25T13:22:00.002-04:00

Wasaga Beach and the life lost. October,24th,2011

2011-10-25T11:27:00.003-04:00

As most of you know I do photography work to try to educate people on what is going on around them. Most of it is good and then you have something like this. This is terrible. I know there will be some that want to see the photos and some that will not. Some of them I have shot to make an impact. This is real.But I ask you to please at least read through my blog and hear what I have said. What I experienced, and know that not all photos are sad. It is reality. And we must face that. And hope that something can be done to stop this horrible die off from happening like this again. It is sad,sickening and we apparently can not do anything to stop it. At least not yet. MNR are working on the cause which so far is beleived to be a type E botullism strain. A huge job for them. But the tests are lengthy. And are in progress. This is always apparently lying at the bottom of the lake to be awakened once in a while during the fall. Carried by invasive species such as round gobies and zebra muscles etc. Species we ourselves as humans have introduced into our lakes in various ways. The species that are being affected by this die off in Georgian Bay area are diving ducks,loons,gulls and fish. One eats something and something eats that and so on and so forth. The food chain. A terrible thing when something like this goes wrong. A natural die off? I am not of authority to say. All I know is this time 1000's of birds have been affected. And everyone is very alarmed and concerned. Different species of fish,sturgeon which is already an endangered species have been found washed up on the shores. Big catfish,and other big fish that when I saw them were practically all gone from the gulls feasting on them. I know what I saw were all very big probably breeding fish. Oh yes we do loose species every year from natural and unatural happenings. That is a normal occurrance. Mother nature has a way of keeping that balance. But this was so hard to take in. This was a beach full of hundreds and hundreds of dead birds and fish. Amongst them was one lonely dying red necked grebe you will meet here. She was frightened and sick. She lay there unable to move anything except her head. She opened her little eyes only a wee bit when I approached. And I for only a second saw a little glimmer of life twinkeling in those eyes as the sun hit them. And then they were closed again. She was clearly dying a very slow terrible death. I only wished that there was someplace I could of taken her for help. But not enough of those places around. What I am talking about is wildlife rehab centers. At least they could of let her go humanely so she would not have to lay there for hours all alone in pain and suffering,scared and helpless. Her eye almost looked like a tear had formed. I spent time with her. Others tried to feed her rotten apples that had washed up from somewhere. It was very very sad. One woman had tears as she was frantically trying to figure out "why". I later saw her and her husband just sitting on a picnic table on the beach just staring out into the wide open water with all the dead bodies littering the beach around them. And knowing this one tiny life sat suffering. They and I were clearly affected as were many others. Everyone who walked by this grebe stopped and gathered around her. Talked to her and tried to comfort her. It was very moving. I stood myself and just stared into the water and asked why. There are disasters happening every second of every day 24 hours a day seven days a week someplace in this world. Wether it be oil spills,hurricanes,earthquakes etc. Natural or un natural like poaching for example. But they are happening. We just don't always know about it or we hear about it but we are not there so it doesn't affect us directly. But this is our watershed and it does affect us. So much life has been and still will be lost. I watch the birds that migrate every year. I feel sadened to know we won't be seeing as high a number this year when all is said and done with this problem. That we may even see them along our lake front here on Lake Simcoe and possibly other watersheds as well. I know it does happen in other places too. But the worst of it is we are helpless to stop it right now. I only hope that will change. And they will find a way to stop this. Oh yes the yearly die off's will continue to happen. But those are generally not noticed. I hope the die off is over but they think it is not. I also hope that these poor beings will be cleaned up more on a daily basis. They should not be left say over a weekend were hundreds more join them and other lives are eating them passing it on and on. It is a huge job. But I know many people who would help with clean ups including myself if need be. In a sense I am hoping that people will realize what we have on this earth. What we are blessed with and that it does not sustain itself. We must not litter,we must not dump left over bate fish and we have to wash the bottoms of our boats when entering one waterway to another to stop the spread of invasive species. We need to be aware and we need to look after what we have. We can!!! And it is well worth it. Just look around you and you will know what I mean. Sit by the water, in an open field, hear the trees blowing in the winds. The geese as they fly over on a clear crisp night. An owl hooting in a nearby tree or hunting in a field. Baby birds in a nest gapping for food. A robin having a wonderful bath. It's all ours to see and hear. But if we do not look after it. It will be gone forever. Think about that.!

Wasaga Beach,the living and !

2011-10-25T10:43:00.001-04:00

I start with a group of gulls out in the water doing what they do. Alive and seemingly healthy. And I move to a lonely abandoned childs flipper washed up on the beach and then the devastation hits. A dead absolutely beautiful male longtail duck. Lying there motionless. It's beautiful life taken from it on it's migratory journey south. Then I spot a gull flying with something stuck in it's foot. What on earth. I look around. I stand there. I am silent.

Wasaga beach

2011-10-25T10:28:00.001-04:00

Apparently this die off happens frequently, however this year it is much worse. These are some shots of the dead bodies along the beach. What a terrible shame. And along with the dead bodies are the humans garbage. Put them together. Isn't that so so sad. Sickening in fact. We have 2 legs 2 arms and a brain. We are provided with garbage cans everywhere. Pick up your garbage and use those legs. Walk over and dispose of it properly. If no garbage can. Take it home to dispose of it. This is our responsibility,it is a privilege to have these beautiful places to go spend our time. It is our job to keep them clean, not just for ourselves as caring responsible human beings but for our wildlife friends as well. Our children need to be taught the right way. It is their future too.

A dying red necked grebe

2011-10-25T10:15:00.001-04:00

Along my walk I met all kinds of people who were also very upset. One couple in particular I met when we came upon this dying grebe. They put these rotting apples in front of her to see if she would eat it. And filled a clam shell with fresh water. The bird could not get up nor did it try. It couldn't. It did however try to grab the apple and water. It was clearly hungry. But could not move. It's eyes were closed when we arrived. But when it herd us it opened them just a tiny bit. It looked at us and it was the sadest thing I have ever encountered. It's head kind of bobbing and every now and then it got stronger. It was struggling to survive. It's breathing was already laboured. We were helpless in helping it. The woman was almost in tears. "Why can't we get it help she said". Truth is we do not have enough wildlife rehab centers. Toronto Wildlife Center could of taken her I am sure but are to far away. Another one way up in Huntsville. But we have lost our wildlife rehab in Midland "OSPCA". The one she could have gone to. Not enough funding.I doubt they could of saved her. But they could of at least put her to rest humanely so she didn't have to lay there scared and suffering. How aweful that must be for the poor little things. All these people gathering around her and talking to her. People cared but were totally helpless to do anything. She lay there alone and scared. As darkness set in I for some reason looked back,I saw her moving around a bit over top of the driftwood I built up around her for protection from the winds that blew so strongly. I thought maybe she was actually moving a bit. I was impelled to walk back. But she wasn't. She was more alert and moving her head around more. But not for long. She was tired,and I think very frightened. I had to leave that little bird. I hated to leave her behind. But I am not a trained rehabilitator and I had no place I could take her. And we have been told not to touch these birds also. To keep our pets away. Well there are dog tacks all over that beach and all around those dead birds. Are we not suppose to be the intelligent ones?? It is common sense to me that when you see something dead you keep your pets away from it. Never mind a beach full of hundreds of dead birds and fish. Come on people. Think! People were actually picking the dead birds up and wanted to get a picture of the species affected with no protection. Not good. I just stood by and watched and said not a good idea guys without gloves especially. He said your right,we could get sick. But continued on. Just caring people who wanted to learn more as I do. What species is it affecting etc. Very nice people. But you could clearly see that without picking them up. So why put yourselves at risk. As for our wee grebe. I walked away leaving her alone on a deserted beach now. The sun was going down quickly and it was getting cool. The lake looked so peaceful. But peaceful it wasn't at this time. And I couldn't help but feel very sad and upset for her.
It was a dark night!

Lifeless bodies littering the once beautiful beaches.

2011-10-24T23:47:00.000-04:00

Beautiful bodies of longtail ducks lay together,males and females together and young ones close by. A young herring gull eating a tainted dead fish,it just goes on and on.

Beauty of sand

2011-10-24T23:39:00.000-04:00

Not all was dreary on this day. You had to put aside what was surrounding you and see the beauty as well. The patterns in the sand from the water and the shells and feathers. Mother nature is truely a work of art when you open your eyes to her.

Lifeless bodies littering the once beautiful beaches.

2011-10-24T23:30:00.001-04:00

Here the lifeless body of a white winged scoter. The only one of it's kind that I saw myself this day, lay still. It's beauty still beholding to it's past life. A beautiful female longtail with her bill burried deep in the sand. Probably her last effort to fight for her life that failed. And there she still lies. Another one partially burried from blowing sands.A man surrounded by bodies in disbelief in silence.

Lifeless bodies

2011-10-24T23:17:00.001-04:00

These beautiful once living birds were scattered all over the beach. Loons,red necked grebes and longtails. As you can see some were eaten by predators thinking they would make a good meal. Probably raccoons at night, maybe gulls,what ever it was would have no way of know the dangers of this meal.How could they!

The food chain

2011-10-24T23:10:00.000-04:00

As I walked the beach I saw dead fish up on the shore as well. Large catfish,sturgeon and other large fish that had died of this botullism that is killing everything. I fear that these immature herring gulls who are feeding on these dead fish will be the next to wash up on shore. These beautiful young birds have no idea that this tasty meal is tainted with death.

Loss of life

2011-10-24T22:56:00.001-04:00

As the day draws to an end. The life lost was huge. And it's not over. What magnificent beauty, yet what lies beneath is so devastating to the life within it reach. The footprints of the many people that walked through,around and stood beside these precious lives in horror still embedded in the sand around the 100's of bodies that lay motionless in the sandy beach. That not long ago was full of people having fun and not even thinking about the devastation that lay ahead for the migrating and local birds. But what was worse for me, was the one lonely red necked grebe that sat there dying. That will forever be in my heart.

Feathers

2011-10-12T17:13:00.002-04:00

Doing macro shots of feathers shows the absolute beauty in them.

rainbows on the point

2011-10-12T16:46:00.000-04:00

One of the rare times I have seen a rainbow in a long time & we had 2 this evening. It was beautiful. The barn is one on property that will be lost due to development if all goes to plan for that developer. And it will be missed.

Shots by Jen

2011-10-12T16:24:00.001-04:00

Some shots of Jeff at work and play.And stuck with all the camera gear!!!!

Shots by Jeff

2011-10-12T16:15:00.000-04:00

My son Jeff & I were out one day as he needed to get some shots for a college project. And we couldn't refuse the oportunity to have some fun shooting each other.

Merlin Family,May 7th through July 22nd,2011

2011-07-23T19:47:00.003-04:00

I was so fortunate this summer to monitor a merlin pair nesting. From May 7th, when a lady thought she had peregrin falcons. I offered to go ID the birds finding within minuets,a beautiful pair of merlins. They moved from that location however. But only a couple blocks over. They found a wonderful place to raise their little ones. Almost at the top of a huge Jack Pine. It only took a couple of visits to confirm she was sitting on eggs. Merlins lay 4 to 6 eggs that are layed about 2 or so days apart. They hatch out in same order. Incubation period is 28 to 32 days by the female. Days in nest are about 29 to 34 days. Typical fledge age is just over 4 weeks for females and almost 5 weeks for males. The fledglings follow flight of parents until at least fall migration. 2 to 4 weeks around the nest I believe. Between 6 and 9 weeks they should be on their own. I thank a good friend Ann B for that info. During my weeks at this nest sight I have met many great people of the area. Neighbours beside and across from the nest have been fantastic in filling me in on the days I was not there or after I left. I have put in 30 hours to date at the nest sight and countless more on the well over 1000 photos I have taken during that time. Weeding through the photos to choose the best for my upcoming blog has been difficult. I am working on a Merlin Family blog which I will be getting printed. I will also order a PDF DVD of same. I will make these available to those who would like to purchase it. I am not done yet. But I think it will be soon. As always in my nature watches I learn from my subject. These birds have been very co operative on their teachings. Some have approached me to see if my work is for sale. yes it is. Everything you see on my blog is for sale. Please contact me at: sashagirl12001@yahoo.com to find out more. Or for those who will see me at the nest site, please feel free to discuss it with me there. To protect the species from certain harrassment I am not giving out the location of this nest. This will be a great coffee table book or if you would like the DVD. Packed full of everything I documented during my time with the merlin family. Great to put on your DVD player or TV. Of coarse I can not put everything in this blog. But will carefully choose the best I can to share with you. The photos I have posted here are a little taste of what it will be like. But will have my information as well. Like the bald eagle,red headed woodpecker and monarch blogs you can view on the main page of natureworks.
My goal for my photography is to educate people on different species. I can not believe how many local people came to me and took interest in these birds. Some went home and brought back others from the house including grandchildren. Some got on the phone and said get down here you won't beleive this. Totally amazing responce. If the merlins only knew how special they are. Another job well done.

Momma merlin having a nice preening. Giving a little shake of the feathers after sitting in the nest for so long. Oh that feels good!!!

merlin Family,May 7th through July 22nd,2011

2011-07-23T19:16:00.000-04:00

July 13th. Babes in the nest.

July 12th. Young merlins in nest. Beautiful!

July 8th. Babes are very young here. Lighting was terrible this day for shooting. However as these are for documentation you shoot anyways and hope for the best. Although this shot is not great. I love it. It shows 2 of the young nestling nuzzling each other. Very touching.

July 7th. First time I saw a little nestling up there in the nest. How amazing they are. So tiny and pure.

May 7th. This is a great shot of the female before they actually nested.

merlin Family,May 7th through July 22nd,2011

2011-07-23T19:02:00.001-04:00

July 18th. To my surprise today a fourth head peeked up in the nest. And then there were 4.

July 16th. Mom brings in more food and is plucking it for the young.

July 16th. How the little ones are growing. Every time I come I see such a huge change in these babes.

July 20th. This fledgling just had a short flight from tree to tree. But the landing sure needs work still.

July 19th. Mom just dropped a bird in the nest for the nestling to eat. With 4 young in the nest it sure looks like a feeding frenzy here.

merlin Family,May 7th through July 22nd,2011

2011-07-23T18:48:00.001-04:00

July 21st. Feeding time in the nest.

July 21st. A young doing flight practice.

July 21st.The young ones are flittin about around the nest.

July 21st. I call this one bird to another. A fledgling sits beside the nest as an airplane flies overhead.

Merlin Family,May 7th through July 22nd,2011

2011-07-23T18:39:00.001-04:00

Fledged young merlin relaxing in the nest tree. July 22nd.

Fledgling enjoying a tasty meal,July 22nd.

After flying to another tree,this fledgling is taking a rest. July 22nd.

This young merlin comes in after a brief flight. Landing needs a little work still. July 22.

Mom getting the food ready for hungry young,July 22

A rescue of a differnt kind, June 16th/11

2011-07-23T15:35:00.000-04:00

Not your average rescue. This midland painted turtle was a very lucky girl. I have educated people for many years,my 19 year old son Jeff has come into my world and been a part of many rescues from turtles to a loon and a trumpeter swan. He & I have rubbed off on my husband Mark. How could you not. We live for our wildlife friends,photograph them,help them when in need and have done many biological/wildlife surveys for various reasons. We live in Big Bay Point, Innisfil. Jeff & I were responsible in getting the first turtle crossing signs up along this stretch of road were many turtles have been seen. A rich area of wetlands surrounds the road into the point. Some people say they have never seen a one. But others many. It is all in the timeing! I helped a snapping turtle across the road and when I got her across safely someone came to me and said. You know what. That turtle crossed right in front of the crossing sign!! No kidding I said. It just so happened it was our deputy councellor.I was so focused on getting that turtle to safety I never noticed. ( would of made a terrific photo).Main thing is we made it. Last year the snapper was number 7 of 8 species to be listed as a species at risk of special concern. One left not on the list and that is the midland painted turtle. This lucky turtle was on her way to lay her precious eggs when my husband saw her. He drove by and for some reason he turned around and went back. ( It didn't look right,he said. wasn't sure what he saw) Gut feeling was to turn around and go and check it out. So back he went. It was a painted turtle on her back with all 4 legs up in the air. She was trying to right herself but couldn't. She would of died. Not from her injuries but most likely a predator and because she was in a very vunerable position ,could not eat,get out of the hot sun etc. He gently picked her up,wrapped her in his sweatshirt,called me and got home. Found a plastic tub and put her in. She had been hit by a car. Her carapace(upper shell) was damaged. Her plastron(bottom shell) was cracked and there was a bit of blood under her body sitting on the plastron.One thing good was she was pretty fiesty. I checked her out and immediatly called the Karwartha Turtle Trauma Center in Peterborough. After assessing her condition as it was getting late and it was a 2 plus hour drive. We decided she was stable and could spend the night with us. I put heated towels around the outside of her bin and covered her to keep her calm. 6AM we loaded her up. She had a good night. And I was off. My friend Fran offered to drive. I was glad because she was a fiesty little girl. Wanted no way to be covered. She wanted to see what was going on. I had her in the front seat beside me and she kept peeking her head out the opening in the towel. So I decided when I went to Fran's car that she was sitting on my lap in the container. I uncovered her. And she was very happy to be park of the conversation. She was very cute and sociable. She was very active,a good sign. And I knew she was a female because females nails are shorter than males. Males nails are longer for the breeding process. On the way we had to stop and check on a big snapper laying her eggs on the side of the road by a wetland. Still had a long way to go so checked on the way back. She finished her job and got back safe and sound.
When we arrived. The trauma center awaited us with paperwork. As good a description as possible is important when you rescue a turtle to go to the center. It has to go back to wear it came from. A turtle carries a bacteria from it's area that could harm or even wipe out another area of turtles. It is critical that you write down all the info you can. GPS is good too. Not all of us carries one of coarse. When it is released god willing it will go back to that spot or at least within 1 km. After medical director Sue Carstairs examined our girl and I filled out the paper work that Olivia gave me. Our turtle was admitted. Sue found another area that was injured. This is were the blood was coming from. Along her side. And would take the longest to heal. She may be there until next spring. They would x-ray her to see if she had eggs. A week later I followed up on # 140. She indeed had eggs. Another follow up a couple weeks later ,she had laid 8 eggs. They were numbered as her eggs and would be incubated as her eggs separately from others. They would go home with Mom when time was right. There is no bond between mom and baby turtles by the way. But they will carry that same bacteria from that same wetland area. So they must go back there as well. So Mark saved not one turtle but all goes well 9 turtles. Amazing.This trauma center is much needed. Some of you may say. Why worry,there are lots of turtles out there. I see them on the logs basking. Ah yes you do. However,the females are the ones who travel to lay those eggs in the spring. The females are the ones who get hit. And depending on the species,turtles are not mature enough to even lay eggs from between 12-20 years. The turtle trauma center this year when I last called had I beleive around or over 500 turtle eggs to hatch. And 173 injured turtles of various species. Not all hit turtles survive. Our painted is very lucky. Also if you see a dead turtle, (TAKE IT IN,IT MAY HAVE EGGS THAT CAN BE SAVED)The females are the ones that mostly get hit. Meaning that all those turtles you see basking may be males. Our 8 species of turtles in Ontario. Only the midland painted turtle is not on the species at risk list to date. YET!
Habitat is being lost every time you turn around. Not significant they say. I think not.

Join the Ontario Turtle Tally from the Toronto Zoo at aap@torontozoo.ca or check web page at www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/TurtleTally.asp and become a citzen scientist in helping to keep track of our Ontario turtles numbers. Great for adults and children. Register and get your ID kit today.

Injured turtles Call

Karwartha Turtle Trauma Center, Peterborough,at 705-741-5000 check out there web page at
www.karwarthaturtle.org (If you do handle a turtle ,try to wear gloves and wash thoroughly afterwards.)

The volume the center is experiencing this year has put a real strain on their finances,and the threat to close is real. We can't let that happen. Donations are much appreciated. Thank you.

The folowing are our list of Ontario Turtles and there rating on the SAR list.

Blandings THREATENED
midland painted NONE
Snapping turtle SPECIAL CONCERN
Stinkpot THREATENED
Spotted turtle ENDANGERED
Spiny Softshell THREATENED
Northern Map Turtle SPECIAL CONCERN
Wood turtle ENDANGERED

Red eared sliders NON NATVE SPECIES, these turtle are bought at pet shops and often as they grow,are let loose.DO NOT LET THESE TURTLES LOOSE. There are places such as Scales Reptile Park that may be able to take them in. Located just outside of Orillia.

More little miracles rescued

2011-07-23T14:32:00.000-04:00

July 21st More little babes rescued. Story to follow with more shots.They arrive at the wildlife rehab and Helen gives them a quick assessment and a rubdown. Then the first much needed meal. They would not of lived much longer. Were extremely dehydrated and starving. Lying out in the middle of a not well traveled dirt road in over 90 deg. heat plus humidity. Out of desparation they made it out of their nest to try to get help. Luckily,they found it. A very kind young man came across them and with help from another who called me. Got them help.

I know I can be long winded. But please take the time to read what I have writen with the next set of photos. My whole goal with my work is to try to educate people about wildife. I promise you it will be worth your while to read the next segment. Thank you.

Little miracle rescued,July 19th/11

2011-07-23T14:12:00.001-04:00

Here is a true story that I encountered in my back yard the other night. July 18th at 1:30 AM. I awoke to this awful noise in my backyard. My bedroom is at the front of the house and this noise was so loud,it was coming from my backyard. I have a certified backyard habitat which I did back in 2003 I think it was. Through the certification program at Canadian Wildlife Federation. I highly recommend this program and promote it as well. No matter were you live or how big OR little your backyard is. House or appartment. You can do this. Providing much needed habitat ( food,water,shelter )for our wildlife friends of all kinds when their habitat is disappearing so quickly around us. Because of us. A small thing to do. And such a rewarding thing to do as well. I have all my woodpecker friends every year now bring their babies to us. Pileated,red headed,red bellied,hairy,downy and yellow bellied sapsuckers. And so many songbirds. It is awesome. Of coarse I am in a semi roural place as well so I do get raccoons ,skunks,chipmunks and squirrels. We have had a moose out front on the road,a coyote walk down the road,wild turkeys,mallards ducks,deer,and foxes. But that is where I live and why I live here. So I suggest you go to CWF's web page and check that out. You will not be sorry you did.

Now back to my story. I dawned a flashlight. And wandered out back to find out what it was that was crying so much and so loudly in desparation. I am thinking ( what am I doing out here at this hour ). But the loud cries made me determined. We have 2 ponds in this area. One for the goldfish and one shallow with a fountain for the critters to drink and bathe in. My thought was that something amy have fallen in the pond maybe. I opened the gate to the pond area. A lovely arbour with a beautiful vine is my entrance to this wildlife sancuary of mine. My peaceful get away area I spend many hours in or watching from my window. And there it was. A wee baby raccoon. It cried and cried. I spoke softly to it. My wildlife photography work has put me into a situation many time to sit amongst the babes. Patience and quietness is the key. I put myself in this little ones space,quietly,and spoke softly. Time does not matter when I am in their world. Only the peace and quiet and gentleness of the moment matters. This baby needed comforting. I was there. It calmed down. I assumed as it wandered off into the back of my yard that it would find it's momma. It didn't.

The next night. As I was out back watching the other 3 of 5 babies that were older now and had been orphaned playing in the tree. They were doing well. 2 I am hopeing have wondered off on their own now. But unless they show up again ( which I am hopefull they will ). I will never know there fate. As I watched in amazement. The hours of entertainment has been marvelous from these babes. I noticed this little tiny ball in the crook of the tree above the older babes. My instant thought was. That baby didn't find it's mother. It needed help. I got a better look at it of coarse in the day light. It was tiny,hungry and dehydrated. And it started to cry again when it saw me. It crawled to the other older babes. But they backed off and grumbled at it. It of coarse grumbled back as it was scared. The older but still babes themselves raccoons didn't know what to make of this little thing that was seeking them out. It went back up the tree. I spoke softly to it to try to get it down. And it kept trying to come to me. But kept getting to a point it was unsure of and went back up. My hubby on standby to hop the fence and grab it. I shook some kibble to hopefully attract it. But it didn't relate to that as it was to little.

Well darkness set in. Mark missed his chance. It came down but was very fast at going back up. We went in. I was very upset and fearful for it's survival. 30 min. later I heard it's cries. We rushed out. A male raccon who will kill a baby. Was confronting it. It was crying. And he backed it up right into our big pond. I heard the plunk as it went in. We rushed over. Male ran off. And Mark grabbed it up quickly. It's back end was in and it was hanging on for dear life. Oh how it squealed the poor thing. Cage was ready. We got it!!! 10PM. Oh how releaved we were. I called Helen. She guided me through and an early morning trip was awaiting me and the babe. I warmed blankets in the dryer. It snuggled in right away. I thought it would cry all night. But it slept like a baby. Ate it's 3 slices of chopped banana and teaspoon of yogurt. Tipped up it's water. ( probably trying to wash it's little hands). 6:30 AM we were off to it's new mom. Fran took me up as I was not sure of the directions. And the babe would soon get a much needed meal. It was dehydrated and hungry. It was scared and lost. To young to be out on it's own. It was out looking for Mom. Who was gone. The only one that apparently survived from that litter. She will be fine now.

After 2 days she accepted her new mom with a little more quietness and ease. She was so scared at first and unsure. I can't think of anyone else I would rather see her with except for her real Mom than Helen. A very amazing woman who will love her and care for her as best she can like the babes own Mom would. Totally amazing job. What a precious little baby girl. I do not know what happened to her mother. This is mom # 2 that has disappeared. #1 was killed by a dog up the street. This little baby made it's way into the real world to find her momma. I can only wonder, were there any more!!

Little miracles rescued July 21/11

2011-07-23T13:32:00.000-04:00

I was in town about to make a purchase when my cell phone rang. I answered to find out 2 more babies smaller than the first one were in the middle of the hot road near my house in Big Bay Point, Innisfil. One on top of the other,clearly in distress. Told the store clerk I would be back. Had an emergency to tend to. And I was off. I had a friend with me (Fran) and we were on a mission to save a couple more lives. I told Gwen ( another friend and neighbour) what to do and it was done fast. The babes were awaiting in a recycle bin 30 min later when we arrived. The cage was still in the back of the car from this mornings trip to the wildlife rehabilitation center with the first baby my husband & I rescued from my backyard last night. Apparently the little ones put up a fight when removed from the road. But when I lifted them with a towel out of the bin,there was no fight at all. They were hot,dehydrated and starving. Mom was gone. Another mom missing. This is 3 in a month. And I am guessing more babes probably died. These little ones are not old enough to leave the nest yet. And I am thinking they made their way out from desperation to find food and water. Thier tiny little bodies lay motionless in the middle of the hot gravel road in temperatures of in the mid 40's with humidity. The hottest day of the season so far. It was aweful. I am surprised they didn't surcomb. They could go no farther. We called Helen. She was awaiting our arrival and tended to the babes immediatly. They had a warm bottle and warm wipe down and some electrolights. I was very worried about one but it perked up along the way. Strong little things. They are very young. Helen said they would not of made it much longer. They were fighting the bottle a bit but then realized this was what they were looking for. They snuggled into Helen as she took them both out and fed them one at a time. They cried a bit. They ate a bit and they snuggled into their new mom some more. It was awesome. The other little one we brought in that morning was very curious of the new comers and their little cries. Later Helen will give them a bath to make sure there is no problems when she puts them together as they are from different litters. They are all little girls.
Update from Friday July 22nd. All 3 babes are together and enjoying each others company. About 2 weeks apart in age. So between 5-8 weeks of age.They have a nice tunnel and some toys to play with. Babes are all eating.

One thing I really feel the need to say here. Is that I realize some people do not want wildlife around their homes. Lets not forget a very big thing here. They were here first. I know,you have heard that before. But the fact is . That is true. AND. Development. We are around a big development change going on here and we are seeing more wildlife that has been uprooted from thier homes. NOT THIER FAULT!! Oh I know some developers do end up ding amazing things for the wildlife in the end. BUT. During that process,they are uprooted and have no place to go. It is a no win situation. They are being forced to live amongst us. DO NOT TRAP and move an animal. They may have young. These little lives are innocent and they can not help themselves. THEY NEED MOM. This was a miracle that these littel ones were able to get to the outside world to get help. They were very lucky the kind gentleman found them and did something about it fast. For that I thank you. I beleive there are laws in effect here as well at this time of year especially. Chipmunks,squirrels,skunks etc. The list goes on. All have young at this time of year that need them. Mom's are just trying to get some R&R away from the babes when you see them out during the day. They may be hungry and looking for a drink ,a much need rest, whatever. There are other humane ways to tell them you don't want them there if you must! Leaving a radio on .Leaving lights on at night with the radio. 1 part garlic juice to 10 parts water is suppose to deter wildlife AND cats as well by spraying it around. Contact Toronto Wildlife Center or other rehab centers for information on that as well. I am sure they will be glad to help you out there.

POISON: I hate poison. You are not only poisoning a mouse,a rat whatever. But you are poisoning what eats that animal and what eats THAT animal and on and on it goes . The food chain. The mouse is poisoned,it is a slow horible death,the hawk or fox eats that mouse,the turkey vulture eats that fox. The food chain has just all been poisoned. PLUS. Posibly someones precious pet may get into that poison as well. Cats eat mice. Something to think about!!!

To all those wildlife rehabilitators out there, and there are not near enough of them. You are all very special people who care and give it your all to save our wildlife young and old alike. Way to go and keep up the excellent work you do.

We have lost to many wildlife rehab centers due to funding. If you need help for one of your wildlife friends,wether it be injured and or orphaned. Please check with your nearest MNR ( Ministry of Natural Resources) to find out what is nearest you.
A couple places I know of are
Procyon in Beeton,Toronto Wildlife Center in Toronto,Aspen Valley Wildlife center in Parry Sound. And there also is a wildlife rehab in Staynor. Internet is a good sourse also to locate these places. I have a book with all these important numbers I carry with me. You never know. And sometimes you don't have a lot of time. God willing you will never need to know.

To my wildlife rehaber friend Helen.
THANK YOU. And the babes thank you too!!

Rehabing wildlife babies

2011-06-07T11:09:00.001-04:00

These little chipmunks arrived at a rehab facility at a very young age before their little eyes were open. Mom had had them in a nest on a bus in it's air intake on the engine. Not a normal chipmunk nest. The bus wasn't running right and they took it in to be fixed. Well the little one's lost their mom. Luckily the men found these little one's. And they made their way to a wildlife rehabilitator. A woman who gave them so much tender loving care and patience. Fed them every 3 hours day & night and put her life on hold for them. But she wasn't their mother. And in spite of all her loving efforts the little one's didn't make it. Not many of us ever get to see wee infant chipmunks. If the mother is killed or doesn't make it back to her den the little one's basically starve to death. A terrible death indeed. Some people think it is okay to trap these little treasures and take them to a new place. But it is not okay. It is illegal as well. There are ways to keep animals out of your garden's. I have more trouble with people's cat's. A lot of problems in fact. I am loosing bird's left right and center. THEE # ONE KILLER OF BIRDS IS CATS . Don't get me wrong I love cats. I have 3. But they have their own( well we share it now) screened in porch. They love it. And they sure tell me when another cat is on their turf as well. And look at the lives that could be lost in these photos. Precious innocent lives. Cat's did not kill these wee one's in these picture's. But it happens. I lost a chipmunk last year to the neigbours cat. I saw it take it and I couldn't get out there fast enough. It was gone. I will cherish these photos forever. And hope people may learn from them as well.

5 lined skink & red backed salamander

2011-06-05T22:42:00.001-04:00

Something amazing to find is the 5 lined skink. It is Ontario's only lizard but is protected as it is a species at risk. Threatened. If you ever find one. DO NOT give out the location were you found it. It must be protected. You can report it though to places like Georgian bay biosphere,or MNR. If you ever turn over rocks looking for little beings underneith. Always put the rock back exactly how you found it and do it gently. Remember this IS somebody's home and protection. The red backed salamander is a more common species to find. However they to are not seen as often as they used to be. Never handle these little creatures if you have any creams,especially bug stuff or even sunscreen. It can harm them. I feel it is enough to see them. Handling them just causes due stress to these tiny creatures. Just enjoy and keep them safe.

work horses

2011-06-05T22:25:00.000-04:00

This farm had a few work horses by the barn. I asked permission to go see them and were lucky to get a positive responce. What magnificent animals they were. 2 of them were" horsin around" so to speak. The gentil giants were ever so gentil and friendly. Was amazing.

Flowers n birds

2011-06-05T22:14:00.001-04:00

Spring is a wonderful time of year. We have forests full of trilliums and trout lillies,birds like this chickadde in a tree with likely an old robins nest, a robin and chipping sparrows come back and sing their little hearts out so we can enjoy.

Road trip with Fran,April

2011-06-05T22:04:00.003-04:00

Here we have a pair of great horned owlets in a nest snuggling each other. It was so cute. Mom was not far away in the woods. A house wren that was nesting in an old cuckoo clock on a garage,a leopard frog and a northern parula.

April road trip with Fran.

2011-06-05T21:57:00.001-04:00

My friend Fran in the trilliums. And a couple of great horned owlets in a heron rookery. These 2 were very snuggly in the nest and as I am finally getting these posted in June they are already fledged. The herons could care a less about the owls in their turf. I am wondering if that will change when thier young come along.

Coyote

2011-06-05T21:47:00.001-04:00

I spotted a beautiful female coyote on my home one day and had to pull over to take her picture. She was having a good meal of what I am not sure, and was clearly enjoying it. What a beauty.

Just look at that pretty smile.!!

coyote

2011-06-05T21:42:00.000-04:00

This female coyote was enjoying a lovely meal. One of these shots looks as if she is snarling at me but I took these at quite a distance and rest asured she was enjoying something. I couldn't tell what it WAS. She either has pups or is about to have them. But looks good and healthy. It was a pleasure to spend some time with her and she sure was co-operative for her photo shoot.