Common Loon 4/30/09

4/30/09

 This loon was having a great time fishing today and showing off. l think this is one of my favorite birds to watch and hear.

River Otter

Mating snapping turtles April,17/09

 If you look closely you can see the 2 turtles are side by side. A little better shot of that.
Needed break.

Snapping turtles,Six Mile Lake,April,17/09

 These large snapping turtles were caught in the act. The male is trying to convince this female that the time is right. After a lot of biting on her part,hissing on his part,rolling,splashing and so on. The pair successfully mated. These turtles are upwards in the range of 70 plus.
Here is the big male who is over 80 approx. Basking in the sun before the mating took place.

The male heading off to find his lovely female. The shear size of his tail determines him to be a male. Snapping turtles tail are shorter in the female and long if it's a male. This guy is amazing!!

Golden sunset April,19/09

 A loon floating just off the shore in the golden shine of the setting sun. Storm brewing in the distance. Beautiful!
Watching the sun go down before retiring to it's mate in the nest.

Tree swallows. Innisfil April/09

 These tree swallow have the life of luxury in this nice big house on the lake front.  Lots of bugs to eat,rent free and they can sit on the porch and watch the sun set over the water. What more would you want!!

Red Headed Woodpecker, April,28/09

 This woodpecker is on the species at risk list as a threatened species this year, updated from special concern last few years. One arrived back yesterday here in Big Bay Point. And today l heard 2. l have had a pair of these woodpeckers nest here for 4-5 years  now and they  have successfully raise 2-3 young. The young are dark grey and white in color without the red head. Both male and female are identical. These species are declining because of loss of habitat. Leave your dead trees up so these and other woodpeckers like them can nest and raise healthy families. l have a natural area in my backyard and l feed all year. These woodpeckers love unshelled peanuts in a feeder.

4/20/09 Nature's Fury cont.

 Bonaparte gull looking for a safe landing.Bonaparte gull  getting ready for take off as the waves come crashing towards it.
Male common merganser going for a ride on top of a big wave.
Common merganser pair and bufflehead pair

 Female common merganser in the crashing waves during the storm.

4/20/09 Nature's Fury cont.

Nature's Fury 4/20/09 Lake Simcoe

 A loon braving out the high waves and winds, Waves were at least 4-5 ft getting even larger by nightfall.Bonaparte gull soaring in the high winds with difficulty.
Waves crashing over this dock , totally devouring it.
Crashing to shore.
Taking over the dock again. Was incredible,l could hardly stand still. Almost blew me off my feet a few times.