Bits and Pieces

You may have noticed my new header picture. It is about the only "bright" thing to happen in the last three weeks. Note the Teddy Bear. Daphne is spoiled! We have had rain, rain and more rain for three weeks. The gardens are stalled out, or drowned. The walks have been limited to paved paths and the photo opportunities almost nil.

I guess that is my whine for the day!

I did manage to get a picture or two of a Great Blue Heron in a marsh at Rotary Park. The marsh is now flooded and the Athabasca River is up to flood level. (Did I mention we have had rain?)

 The Goslings are about the size of their mother now.

 This woodpecker kind of looked waterlogged.

 I did catch up with a Solitary Sandpiper sitting on a log.

 Same Sand Piper different view.

Think dry, and warm!

Random Wednesday

A brief walk today brought forth a few photo opportunities. The mallard was pretty laid back.

 The geese were attentive, but not scared. They have nested in this area for the last 4 years (maybe longer).

 Spring is definitely here when the Marsh Marigolds are out. You can't fool them! spring is about 2 weeks later than normal.

 The odd butterfly was out and about.

 This woodpecker decided to pose while hammering for a mate. it appears to be a juvenile Yellow Bellied sapsucker.

 Robins appear to be everywhere now.

 I see you!

Woody is Back

Every year this guy shows up and starts beating his head against a tree or fence post.He's still a little skittish, but I got a few shots.

If it wasn't for the noise, he would be hard to see.

Just a little artistic effort here. I was trying to sneak closer. it didn't work!

Fall is Getting Close!

Hundreds of these yellow jackets are swarming our cedar trees. It was like sitting in a cloud trying to focus the camera on one. This is a sure sign that fall is near. In fact, I took the snow blower out of the storage shed and put it in the garage, all ready to go. It even started on the first pull!

 There are also a few wasps mingling in with the swarm.

 This baby wood pecker was sitting in the tree enjoying the hum of the wasps and generally having a good restful morning. By the size of him, I am guessing he's from a second hatch.

All is pretty quiet on the home front, so I figure on going out and washing some windows. Blecht!

Caution! Automatic Equipment at work!

Lawnmowers

 Lawnmowers plus automatic re-locator

 Tree delouser

 Automatic planter

Thoughtless Thursday

Signs of Spring

The poplar leaves are starting to come out. My noisy wood pecker is back. He can be very annoying when he sounds off on a fence post about 06:00 am.

 The fields are starting to show more green, and the horses are spending more time looking for something big enough to bite off.

 Best of all, the rhubarb is leafing out!

 One more shot of Mrs. Woody.

Spring is finally starting to happen. Pretty soon I will be able to sit back and watch the grass grow!

One of Four!

The Downy woodpeckers have returned and it looks like we have two nesting pairs within 200 feet of the house. Over the summer, they get very tame and can be approached  easily. Last year we had 5 babies flopping around and making quite a racket. maybe this year we will have lots more!