I'll see a Screech Owl with its eyes open one of these days but, in the meantime, here's one catching a few rays.

 

Eastern Coyote...I'm really not one to sign petitions but after reading about coyote killing contests in some States and the work that @projectcoyoteorg is doing to stop this barbaric 'sport', I did sign their petition yesterday morning. What a serendipitous pleasure it was when, a few hours later, this beauty sauntered into the forest behind our house and allowed me my first EVER photos of a coyote. I'm still in awe that this happened.

 

Bald Eagle...The wingspan of an adult Bald Eagle is between 6 and 8 feet which is good for gliding which, in turn, is good for preserving energy. Like most birds of prey, the female is typically larger than the male. #funfactfriday

 

Young Trumpeter Swan looking wise beyond its months.

 

Northern Cardinal all aglow.

 

Mallard drake not really minding being out and about in the foul weather. (My pun haters should note I resisted saying 'fowl weather' right there.)

 

If the lakes weren't all frozen, I'm sure the sailors would delight in this red sky at night.

 

American Kestrel.

 

Hooded Merganser with a limp little fish that gave up without much of a struggle.

 

The moon tonight. (Waxing Gibbous)

 

I see it's icy ici. Here's what happens when the lake freezes then gets whipped up by an onshore breeze. Nature showing off its artistic flair a bit.

 

There's the look of a guy who just spent three months in a bush camp with five other guys and maybe it's time to go home now. This is when I was working on James Bay in the early 80s. It was fun with lots of adventures and the fishing was awesome but it sure was tough on romance and stuff.

Kesagami River

Hooded Merganser.

 

A sweet little Downy Woodpecker.

 

Kite boarders on Cootes Paradise.

 

Northern Pintail having a sip of cool, clear Lake Ontario water. Even when it's chilly, remember to stay hydrated.

 

The moon tonight. (Waxing crescent phase)

 

The leading Long-tailed Duck has her wing a tad close to the water.

 

Snowy Owl standing watch over its harbour domain.

 

Fire and ice: Some sunset shinny before the weekend storm. Showing how two different cameras interpreted the same scene.

 

It was a tiny bit blustery walking on the lake today and kind of surreal when the fellas on the bikes emerged from the whiteout like it was normal. Fun though.

 Cootes Paradise

A little splash of blue and a wee twinkle in the eye.

 

For this Common Merganser catching that catfish was the easy part. Trying to enjoy her meal in peace and quiet was considerably more challenging.

Handsome AND a good listener.

 

Red-tailed Hawk with a bit of lunch still stuck to its beak.